### Chapter 32: Shadows of the Past

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**Y/N's POV**

The announcement of our match against the Matildas filled me with a mixture of excitement and dread. Memories of the last time I faced Sam Kerr flooded my mind, and I couldn't shake the fear that this time might be just as bad. Alexia, noticing my unease, tried to comfort me.

"Don't worry, amor. We're in this together," she said, holding my hand as we boarded the plane.

Despite her comforting words, anxiety gnawed at me. I fell asleep on Alexia's shoulder, hoping to escape my worries even for a little while. When we landed in Australia, the nerves returned. But sharing a room with Alexia lifted my spirits.

"At least we'll be together," I said, smiling weakly at her.

Alexia nodded, giving me a reassuring hug. The next day, we boarded the bus to the stadium. My stomach churned with nerves, but seeing my best friend Steph on the Matildas' side gave me some comfort. I hoped Sam wouldn't try to hurt me again.

The match started, and I focused on the game. Despite my fears, I managed to score a goal and assist Alexia in another. By the end of the match, we won 4-3. Relief washed over me.

"Great job out there," Alexia said, kissing my forehead.

We decided to celebrate at a local club. Everyone was in high spirits, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I didn't drink much, feeling slightly off. Alexia went to get drinks for us, and I watched her disappear into the crowd.

When she didn't return after a while, worry crept in. I scanned the room and saw her with Jennifer, her ex. My heart sank as I saw them kiss. Tears stung my eyes. I turned to Mapi.

"I saw Alexia kissing Jennifer Hermoso," I said, trying to hold back my tears.

"Maybe there's an explanation," Mapi suggested, but I could see the concern in her eyes.

**Alexia's POV**

As I went to grab drinks, Jenni approached me, blocking my way.

"I miss you, my Ale. We were good together," she said, her voice low.

"I have a girlfriend, Jenni. I love Y/N," I replied, trying to sidestep her.

Before I could react, Jennifer kissed me. I pushed her away, disgusted. "What the hell, Jennifer? I don't want you. I love Y/N."

I hurried back to our table, only to see Y/N running out, tears streaming down her face. Mapi stopped me, explaining what Y/N had seen.

"She thinks you kissed Jenni willingly. Give her some time," Mapi said.

**Y/N's POV**

I fled to our hotel room, sobbing. I couldn't believe what I saw. Alexia was the one person I trusted completely, and now my heart felt shattered. I cried myself to sleep, haunted by the image of Alexia and Jennifer.

Later that night, the girls returned. Alexia was a bit drunk, looking miserable. She tried to climb into bed with me, but I pushed her away.

"Go to your own bed, Alexia. It's been a long day," I said, turning my back to her.

She looked hurt but complied. I cried silently, questioning everything. Was I the problem? Why did this keep happening to me? Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I fell asleep, sadness weighing heavily on my heart.

### The Next Day

The morning light filtered through the curtains, but it brought no comfort. I woke up with a heavy heart, the events of the previous night replaying in my mind. Alexia was still asleep, looking peaceful, but I felt a storm brewing inside me.

I slipped out of bed and went for a run, trying to clear my head. The streets were quiet, and the rhythmic pounding of my feet on the pavement helped, if only a little. When I returned, Alexia was awake, looking at me with worried eyes.

"Y/N, can we talk?" she asked softly.

I nodded, sitting down on the edge of the bed. She reached out to take my hand, but I pulled away.

"Please, just listen," she pleaded. "What you saw last night, it wasn't what you think. Jenni kissed me, but I pushed her away. I told her I love you, and only you."

Her words hit me, but the hurt was still fresh. „Jenni?"
"Why was she even near you? Why didn't you just walk away?"

"I didn't see it coming, Y/N. I swear, I would never betray you," Alexia said, tears welling up in her eyes.

I wanted to believe her, but the pain was too raw. "I need some time, Alexia. This isn't easy for me."

She nodded, looking heartbroken. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here, waiting for you."

The day passed in a blur. We had training, but I was distant. The team noticed, but I couldn't bring myself to explain. After training, we went to a restaurant with our teammates. Alexia sat next to me, trying to be supportive, but I couldn't shake off the sadness.

When we got to our hotel room, we watched a movie, but my mind was elsewhere. Alexia tried to comfort me, but I couldn't let go of the hurt. We fell asleep, tangled in each other's arms, but my heart still ached.

### A Few Days Later

A few days passed, and I tried to move forward. I wanted to trust Alexia, but the betrayal I felt was hard to forget. We went back to training, focusing on the upcoming match against Germany in the final. Alexia did her best to be supportive, never pushing me too hard.

One night, as we lay in bed, she held me close. "I love you, Y/N. I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."

I looked into her eyes, seeing the sincerity there. Maybe, just maybe, we could get through this. "Let's take it one day at a time."

We fell asleep,hoping that the storm would pass and we'd find our way back to the love we shared.

__________________
Authors note:

Okay okay..... there are many questions
Why didn't Alexia answer Y/n's question.
Girl why do you still call her Jenni. Hmm well you wont see Alexias ex not again for a while. Or?.....

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