OFFSIDE

67

❝ Well, good for you, I guess you moved on really easily. ❞
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Elena's POV
Shopping in the city with Julieta and Catalina is supposed to be a fun escape, but I can't fully relax. We weave through the bustling streets, our laughter blending with the chatter around us. Every now and then, someone recognizes me, and I'm forced to put on a friendly smile as they gush about Pablo and ask for selfies.

We pop into a boutique, and Julieta holds up a gorgeous red dress against her frame. "What do you think, Elena?"

"It's stunning," I reply, genuinely admiring it. Catalina is already rifling through a rack of shoes, her face lighting up as she finds a pair she loves.

As we step back outside, I feel the weight of people's eyes on me. It's always the same—whispers, pointing, some brave enough to approach. It's exhausting, but I try to take it in stride.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see her. A blonde girl wearing a Pedri jersey. My heart skips a beat, and my mind immediately flashes back to the girl I saw at the game. I can't help but think it's her again, and a surge of unease rushes through me.

I nudge Julieta and nod toward the girl. "Look," I whisper.

Julieta squints in the girl's direction. "What?"

Before she can finish, the girl turns around, revealing a bright, unfamiliar face. Just a tourist, her camera slung around her neck, and she's snapping photos of the buildings.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "It's not her," I say, relief washing over me.

Julieta pats my shoulder. "Why are u even stressing?"

"I don't know. just because I don't know her," I lie, the tension doesn't completely leave my body. I'm not stressing because I don't know her, but because I don't know what she is to Pedri.

We continue walking, and Catalina catches my eye. "Everything okay?" she asks, her tone gentle.

I force a smile. "Yeah, just a little thirsty."

"Come, let's grab a coffee," Catalina smiles.

We find a quaint little café with a charming outdoor patio and decide to settle in for a bit. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the warm breeze, creating a perfect ambiance.

We choose a cozy corner table, and as we sit down, I can't shake off the lingering unease from earlier. Julieta orders a latte, Catalina opts for a cappuccino, and I choose my usual—an Iced matcha. As we wait for our drinks, Julieta leans back in her chair, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Guess what I found out," she says, her tone teasing.

Catalina perks up, clearly intrigued. "What? Spill!"

Julieta glances at me, and I sense that this is about to be something significant. "I know who that blonde girl was," she says, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

My heart skips a beat. "You mean the one with Pedri?"

Julieta nods. "Yep. Fermín told me."

I stare at her, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. "And you're just telling me now?"

Julieta shrugs, looking slightly sheepish. "I didn't think it was that urgent. Besides, I wanted to tell you in person."

"Huh? Which girl? What did I miss?" Catalina asks confused.

"Oh well, last weekend after the match we stopped Pedri with a blonde girl," Julieta sats nonchalantly. She don't care, but I do.

Who is that bitch?