A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

42: The perfect proposal

Isabella's Pov

The apartment was alive with excitement as the group played FIFA. The competitive energy was contagious, and I was nestled comfortably on the couch between Valentina and Mikky, enjoying the playful banter and shouts that filled the room. Ansu and Lamine were in a fierce match against Frenkie and Balde, their competitive spirits making for an entertaining game.

Clara, who was preparing to leave for work the next day, was part of the lively scene. Her presence added a touch of warmth and cheer, and Matteo, despite the vibrant atmosphere, seemed unusually contemplative.

As the game concluded and Frenkie and Balde emerged victorious, Matteo cleared his throat, signaling that he wanted to say something. The room quieted down, and Clara, sensing a shift in the mood, looked up with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

Matteo took a deep breath and finally said, "I've been doing a lot of thinking about Clara and me. Tomorrow, I'm planning to ask her to marry me."

The room erupted into cheers and applause. Valentina's eyes sparkled with excitement, Mikky's grin widened, and the others quickly started buzzing with ideas on how to make the proposal perfect.

I felt a rush of excitement and joy. "That's incredible, Matteo! We'd love to help make it special. This is going to be amazing for Clara."

Matteo's relief was evident. "I was hoping you guys would be willing to help. I want it to be absolutely perfect."

We wasted no time diving into the details of the proposal. After discussing several ideas, we decided on a beach setting. Romantic and intimate, the beach offered a picturesque backdrop for Matteo's proposal. We envisioned fairy lights, lanterns, and candles lining the shore, creating a magical ambiance.

The day started early as we gathered to set up the proposal. Valentina and I tackled the decorations, carefully stringing fairy lights and arranging lanterns along the beach. Mikky and Frenkie took charge of curating a romantic playlist that would set the perfect mood. Meanwhile, Lamine, Balde, and Ansu focused on creating a cozy area with cushions and blankets, ensuring everything was set for a memorable evening.

As we worked, I felt a deep sense of joy and camaraderie. The effort we were putting into this proposal was not just about Matteo and Clara but also a testament to the strong bonds of friendship we shared. It was a welcome distraction and a reminder of the positive aspects of life, amidst everything that had been happening lately.

Valentina handed me another lantern and said, "Could you help me with these? We want to make sure they're evenly spaced."

I adjusted the lanterns as we chatted. "I'm so excited for Matteo and Clara. They make such a great couple."

Valentina smiled warmly. "They do. And it's nice to focus on something positive. It's been a tough time lately, but this is a beautiful way to celebrate."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow across the beach, we finished setting up. The scene was enchanting, with the fairy lights casting a soft, romantic glow. The gentle sound of the waves and the colorful hues of the sunset created a perfect backdrop.

Matteo arrived, looking both nervous and excited. We discreetly hid behind the dunes, eagerly watching as he led Clara to the beach. Her reaction was priceless—her eyes widened in amazement as she took in the stunning setup.

Matteo took a deep breath, got down on one knee, and said, "Clara, this is for you. I love you more than words can express. Will you marry me?"

Clara's response was a beautiful mix of joy and tears. Her "yes" was accompanied by an emotional embrace, and the beach was filled with cheers and applause as we emerged from our hiding spots.