A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

31: Mini gold confrontation

The late afternoon sun painted the mini golf course in warm, golden hues, casting a vibrant glow over the whimsical obstacles and colorful flags. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sound of cheerful laughter and the clinking of putters against tiny golf balls. Pablo, Isabella, Valentina, Mikky, Ferran, Ansu, Balde, Pedri, and Lamine had come together for a casual outing, hoping to enjoy a break from their intense schedules.

Pablo and Isabella were part of a small group that had split off from the main crowd. Pablo was enthusiastic, showing Isabella some of his trick shots and making her laugh with his playful commentary. Isabella, despite her initial reservations, had been enjoying herself, her smiles growing wider with each of Pablo's antics.

Ferran, meanwhile, was engaged in a heated competition with Ansu, Balde, Pedri, and Lamine. The group was trading light-hearted jabs and teasing remarks as they played, each person eager to win the friendly bet they had concocted earlier. The stakes were modest—loser had to perform a silly dance at the next game, something that seemed to amuse everyone.

As Ferran lined up for his next shot, he couldn't resist making a comment. "This bet is going so well. I can't believe Pablo actually managed to make Isabella fall for him."

The words seemed to hang in the air, their impact immediate. Isabella's heart sank as she processed the meaning behind Ferran's casual comment. She had been enjoying the game, but now she felt as if the ground beneath her had shifted. Her thoughts raced, her emotions tangled in a whirlwind of confusion and hurt. The casual tone in Ferran's voice made it seem like her feelings were nothing more than a part of a game, a bet to be won or lost.

Unable to bear the sting of Ferran's words, Isabella excused herself abruptly, her face pale as she hurried away from the course. Her vision blurred with tears, and her breaths came in shallow gasps as she sought escape from the cheerful chaos. The laughter and voices of the group faded into the background, replaced by the pounding of her own heartbeat.

Valentina and Mikky, noticing Isabella's sudden departure, exchanged concerned glances. Without hesitation, they dashed after her, their concern growing with every step. They found Isabella outside the course, her back against a fence, her body trembling uncontrollably as she struggled to calm herself.

"Isabella, what's happening?" Mikky asked, his voice laced with worry.

Isabella's response was a sob, her breathing becoming increasingly erratic as the panic attack took hold. She clutched at her chest, her chest heaving with each breath. Valentina stood by, trying to offer support, but the emotional storm seemed to be consuming Isabella entirely.

Pablo, having noticed the commotion, hurried over to her, his face etched with concern. He gently approached her, trying to offer comfort. "Isabella, please, just breathe," he urged, his voice soft but filled with desperation.

But Isabella, in the throes of her panic, was not ready to listen. She pushed Pablo away, her voice breaking through the tumult of her emotions. "So I was just a fling to you? Did I even mean anything to you? Do you even love me, or was it just a game? And I opened up to you about my past and I trusted you, but you betrayed me like this."

Pablo's eyes widened with hurt and confusion. "Isabella, it's not what it seems," he pleaded. "I never wanted to hurt you. The bet—it was just supposed to be a joke. I never meant for it to be about you. I love you, I swear."

Before Pablo could say more, the sound of voices approaching interrupted them. Ansu, Balde, Pedri, and Lamine had followed, drawn by the commotion. 

The words hit Isabella like a physical blow. The words hit her like a slap in the face, Pablo thought making Isabella a bet was fun, she thought he never loved her and she was just a joke to him. Her eyes filled with fresh tears, her resolve hardening against the betrayal she felt.