Wrong choice (Ferran Torres)

Chapter 23

Ferran put his phone away, annoyed by seeing yet another Valentine's day advert. Being single around that date could be very depressing. And social media didn't help.

He was putting his boots on when Pedri got inside the dressing room, walking straight towards Ferran with a really serious face.

"You and I need to talk".

"What did I do?", asked Ferran, confused.

"Nothing. But you need to do something after I tell you what I saw".

"It's too early for riddles, bro. Use Spanish instead. I'm better at it".

"I saw Hugo last night".

"Lucky you", muttered Ferran. "And what? Did he talk to you? Did he call you a stupid child?"

"Nah, he was too busy putting his tongue down someone's throat".

"Pedri! I don't need to know what he does with Anna. I can already guess".

"Yeah, I can guess too. But it wasn't Anna he was kissing".

The silence that followed those words was deafening. It couldn't be...

"What do you mean?"

"What I just said, Ferran. Hugo is cheating on Anna".

"Fucking bastard!", he said, throwing a bottle to the floor. "Did you take a photo or something? Do you know who the other woman was?"

"I tried to take a photo or film a video but he was too far away".

"Far away?", Ferran couldn't believe everything that was happening. "Are you sure it was him you saw? If it was far...".

"I'm 99% sure", said Pedri but he seemed to be doubting himself now.

"Well, I can't just tell her he did it if you don't know for sure".

"Sorry...".

"That's not enough", said Ferran, covering his face with his hands and trying not to scream again. "You know...a part of me wants you to be wrong".

"Why? This could be your chance to be with Anna".

"Yeah. But it would also break her heart. To know that she's been cheated on...".

Ferran and Pedri kept talking about what they could do with that information and Pedri decided to do something without telling Ferran. He would oppose to it, probably. Too worried about Anna's feelings. And it wasn't like Pedri didn't care but...he knew those two were meant to be together. So he was going to do anything necessary to make that a reality.

In the meantime, Anna received one of the best news she could imagine. She was nominated for an award because of her work for the English football channel she worked for.

"I can't believe it", she said, crying in the radio studio when she was told.

"I can", told her Hugo, who kneeled down next to her to hug her. "You deserve this and so much more".

"It's just...after everything that I've been through...it's incredible to see my peers recognizing my hard work. Valuing it".

"It was going to happen sooner or later, my love".

"I know I shouldn't care about what others think of me or whatever but this means a lot, Hugo", she told him and he could see how much she meant it.

"Some of us never doubted you".

"I know. Thank you".

The awards were going to be hosted on the 17th of February, which meant Anna had five days to find a dress to wear. A few brands called her to offer their designs to her and she had the best time going to the fittings. She even took her mum to share that special moment with her.

"This one is gorgeous, honey", said Sofía when she saw her daughter getting out of the changing room.

"I really like it too. And it's Hugo's favourite colour".

"I think any colour you wear is Hugo's favourite, darling".

Anna chuckled. "I guess...".

Anna was trying hard. Really hard. Because Hugo was still acting the same. He was always busy, always missing dates or being late for them. And Valentine's day wasn't any different.

"Sorry. Work is such a bitch, I swear".

"I'll reheat the food", said Anna, trying not to show on her face how bad she felt.

"I got you a gift".

"How kind of you".

"Anna...", she just gave him a look that said it all. "You're right. But this is for the awards gala. I'll be there by your side and I know you'll be the most beautiful woman there but I still wanted to get you this".

Even if she wasn't in the mood for gifts, Anna took the box and opened it. She had shown the dress chosen for the gala to Hugo and he bought her a necklace that matched it. He cares, she thought. He still cares...

"Thank you. It's beautiful".

"I love you, Anna", said Hugo, holding her hand. "Even if I'm not showing it how I should have lately. I do love you. So much".

"I love you too".

But she would need more than just pretty words. She would need actions as well. And she would need all of that soon.