A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

20: Shadows and light

This chapter has a panic attack scene 

Isabella's Pov

The evening was supposed to be a relaxed retreat from the world. Isabella's apartment was alive with the soft glow of the TV, laughter from the movie, and the cozy presence of her loved ones. She was enjoying the company of Pablo, her brother Matteo, and Clara, their conversation and the occasional bursts of laughter blending seamlessly with the background noise of the film.

Deciding to be the attentive host, Isabella got up to fetch more snacks. The kitchen was quiet, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere in the living room. As she rummaged through the pantry, she felt the familiar comfort of her routine, but that peace was shattered when she pulled out her phone and began scrolling through Instagram.

The first post she saw was an innocuous paparazzi picture of her and Pablo. Her curiosity led her to explore further, but as she scrolled down, her heart sank with each swipe. The comments beneath the pictures were ruthless and unrelenting. "She doesn't deserve him," one read. "How did she end up with someone like Pablo?" another stated. The negativity was overwhelming, a torrent of harsh judgments and hurtful remarks.

Isabella's breath hitched, and her vision wavered as the cruel words began to sink in. The normally comforting glow of her phone screen seemed harsh and glaring now. Her hands trembled, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. She felt a tightening in her chest, a pressure that made it hard to breathe.

Her heart raced uncontrollably, each beat echoing louder in her ears. The comments seemed to blur together, their harshness intensified by her rising panic. Her throat felt tight, and she could no longer keep up with the steady rhythm of her breath. Tears welled up, spilling over as her body started to shake. She could barely see through the haze of her own tears.

The kitchen, once a place of calm, now felt like it was closing in on her. The noise of the movie and the laughter from the living room seemed distant, muffled by the roaring sound of her own panic. Her knees buckled, and she sank to the floor, the cold tiles pressing against her skin as she tried to ground herself.

In the living room, Matteo noticed the sudden silence and the absence of Isabella's presence. His concern grew as he saw Clara's worried expression and followed her to the kitchen. The sight of Isabella on the floor, her face buried in her hands, caused a wave of panic to wash over him.

"Isabella, are you okay?" Matteo's voice was filled with worry as he reached her side.

Pablo gently placed a hand on Isabella's shoulder, his face a mix of confusion and concern. "What's wrong?" he asked softly, trying to keep his voice calm and steady. The sight of Isabella's distress was like a punch to the gut. He had seen her so happy and confident, and now this sudden change was jarring.

Isabella tried to speak, but her words were lost in the storm of emotions. She managed to choke out, "The comments... on Instagram... they're so cruel..." before her breathing grew more erratic.

Clara's voice was a lifeline as she quickly took action, trying to reach Isabella through the haze of her distress. "Isabella, look at me. We're here," Clara said, her voice gentle but firm. "Just breathe. Focus on my voice."

Pablo's heart clenched at the sight of Isabella's distress. He rushed to her side, kneeling down to her level. His hands gently took hers, trying to steady her trembling fingers. "Isabella, sweetheart, look at me," he urged, his voice a soothing murmur. "We're here for you. You don't have to face this alone."

Isabella's sobs came in ragged bursts, her chest heaving with each breath. Her face was flushed, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried to process the wave of emotions crashing over her. The overwhelming sense of inadequacy and the harshness of the online comments felt like a weight crushing her spirit.