lover boy

Chapter 10

Jude Bellingham

The invitation came as a surprise. I found it in my email inbox one morning, a formal message from one of my main sponsors who was heavily involved in the upcoming fashion show in Madrid. They thought it would be a great opportunity for me to attend and enjoy a different kind of spotlight.

"Jude, we'd love for you to join us at the Madrid Fashion Week. Your presence would mean a lot to us, and we believe it could be an exciting experience for you. Attached are the details. Let us know if you can make it."

Intrigued, I decided to go. I invited my teammate Nico Paz to come along, knowing he'd appreciate the event as much as I would. We were picked up in a sleek limousine that added a touch of glamour to the evening. As we arrived, the energy was palpable. The venue was buzzing with excitement, a mix of models, designers, and fashion enthusiasts mingling and preparing for the show. The lights, the music, the atmosphere—it was all so different from the stadiums I was used to, but it had its own charm.

We took our seats, surrounded by the city's elite and a few familiar faces from the entertainment industry. The show began, and I was immediately captivated. The models glided down the runway with an effortless grace, showcasing stunning outfits that blended artistry and style. Each segment of the show was meticulously curated, a testament to the hard work and creativity of everyone involved.

As I was soaking in the ambiance, the lights dimmed for the final segment of the evening. The music shifted to a more dramatic tone, and the crowd hushed in anticipation. Then, she stepped onto the runway.

Cecilia.

My breath caught in my throat as she appeared. She was breathtaking. Wearing a stunning gown that accentuated her every move, she commanded the runway with a presence that was both powerful and elegant. Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light and giving her an almost ethereal glow. Her eyes focused ahead with a confidence that left me awestruck.

I was overwhelmed. Seeing her like this, in her element, was a revelation. She was not just the girl I had met a few weeks ago; she was a force, a true star in her own right. Every step she took seemed to electrify the room, drawing all eyes to her. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration. She was incredible.

As the show concluded, the models took their final walk down the runway. Cecilia led them, closing the show with a triumphant stride. The applause was thunderous, a testament to the impact she had made. I found myself clapping harder than anyone, a broad smile on my face.

Once the show wrapped up, I turned to Nico. "I need to see Cecilia," I said, the urgency clear in my voice.

He nodded, understanding. "Go for it, mate."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We made our way backstage, navigating through the bustling crowd of models, designers, and media. The energy was still high, and the air was thick with excitement and celebration.

As she was changing back into her clothes, her friend Claire rushed over, a wide grin on her face. She said something to Cecilia, practically bouncing on her toes.

Before Cecilia could ask, I saw her eyes widen, and I followed her gaze. I was making my way through the backstage crowd. Our eyes met, and she smiled, a mix of warmth and excitement.

"Hey," I said when I reached her. "I couldn't miss this."

A rush of warmth filled her and she blushed. "You came to see the show?"

"Of course," I replied. "You were incredible out there."

As we stood there, I noticed people around us whispering and glancing our way. The buzz from the article seemed to have followed us here. But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the moment.

Once the show wrapped up, we all headed to a small afterparty arranged by the designer. It was a more intimate setting, filled with laughter and celebration. Cecilia and I found a quiet corner to talk, the noise of the party fading into the background.

We chatted about the show, our interests, and laughed about the attention we had been getting. It felt easy and natural, like we had known each other for much longer than we had.

As the night wore on and the party began to wind down, I noticed Cecilia seemed a bit uneasy. The whispers and glances from others, likely fueled by the article, were clearly affecting her. I felt a pang of concern and guilt; I never wanted her to be uncomfortable because of me.

Cecilia turned to me, a hint of fatigue in her eyes. "I think I should head home. It's been a long day, and I've got an early start tomorrow."

I nodded, understanding. "Of course. Let me call a taxi for you."

As I was arranging the ride, I decided it was time to address the elephant in the room. Once the taxi was on its way, I turned to her. "Cecilia, before you go, I need to talk to you about something."

She looked at me, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in her eyes. "What is it?"

"I saw the article," I said gently. "I'm really sorry about all the attention it's brought to you love. I never wanted that for you."

She sighed, looking down at her drink. "I figured you had. It's been... overwhelming, to say the least. Of course I'm used to the spotlight, but this is something different."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the situation. "I can only imagine. I want you to know that I'm here for you, and I'll do whatever I can to make this easier."

She looked up at me, her expression softening. "Thank you, I appreciate that a lot."

We stepped outside to wait for the taxi, the cool night air a welcome change from the warmth and noise of the party. We stood there, the city quiet around us, a comfortable silence settling between us.

I observed Cecilia crossing her arms and shivering. As summer drew to a close, Madrid grew cooler by the day. Without hesitation, I removed my jacket and draped it over her shoulders. A quiet, trembling smile escaped her lips as she softly uttered, "Thank you."

After a moment, Cecilia spoke. "You know, despite everything, I'm really glad you came tonight."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I'm glad I came too. Seeing you out there, you were incredible, Cecilia. Truly."

She blushed slightly, looking away. "Thank you, Jude. That means a lot, coming from you."

The taxi arrived punctually, its headlights casting a soft glow on the quiet street. I held the door open for her, and just as she was about to enter, she turned to face me, her expression a mixture of gratitude and hesitation.

"Can I see you again?" I asked, hoping to extend the fleeting connection we had shared.

She paused, her gaze drifting briefly to the ground before meeting mine again. "I think I need some time to sort things out," she began, her voice gentle yet firm. "You know about the article that came out about us. It's made things complicated, and I need space to process everything."

I nodded understandingly, though a pang of disappointment and frustration tugged at me. The article had unexpectedly thrust us into the spotlight, and its repercussions were clearly weighing on her.

"I'll get in touch with you when I've had some time to think," she continued, her tone apologetic yet resolute. "I appreciate your understanding."

With a small, reassuring smile, she finally entered the taxi, closing the door behind her. As she settled into the backseat, I leaned forward and gently kissed her on the cheek.

"Take care," I whispered softly. "I'll be here when you're ready. No matter when."

She nodded gratefully, her eyes meeting mine one last time before the taxi pulled away. Watching it disappear into the night, I knew that for now, giving her the space she needed was the right thing to do.