A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

51: The perfect day

Isabella's Pov

The wedding cake tasting was a welcome distraction. The excitement in Matteo and Clara's voices was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel a bit of joy as I entered the charming bakery they had chosen. The shop was filled with the delightful aroma of fresh pastries and the sight of beautifully decorated cakes that made my mouth water.

As Matteo and Clara chatted animatedly with the baker, I wandered around, taking in the display of confections. It was nice to see Clara so happy, especially given how much planning had gone into their upcoming wedding.

"So, how's everything been going lately?" Clara asked as she selected a few different flavors for us to try.

I hesitated for a moment before diving in. "It's been a bit rough, honestly. The tension from the game the other day is still lingering."

Matteo's eyes narrowed slightly, his interest piqued. "What happened?"

I took a deep breath. "Well, during the match against Celta Vigo, Lamine, Ansu, and Balde decided to shove Pablo around a bit. It seems like they were upset with him for how he's been treating me. It wasn't just that, though. Pablo ended up punching a locker after the game."

Matteo's face lit up with a mix of satisfaction and concern. "Seriously? That's great to hear. He needed to get a taste of his own medicine. But I'm sorry it's been so rough for you."

I shrugged, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Yeah, well, it's complicated. It's not just the on-field stuff. There's a lot of personal mess going on, too."

Clara squeezed my hand sympathetically. "If you ever need to talk, you know we're here for you. But I'm glad to hear that someone's finally standing up to him."

The baker brought out a tray of sample cakes, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics as we sampled the treats. Each bite was a mix of sweetness and comfort, a pleasant distraction from the ongoing turmoil. I could see the excitement in Matteo and Clara's eyes as they discussed their favorite flavors and designs. The bakery was filled with laughter and the sweet anticipation of their upcoming wedding.

After we finished tasting, Matteo pulled me aside, a serious expression on his face. "I'm really glad you told us about what happened with Pablo. It's been bothering me, and I wanted to make sure you're okay."

I nodded, grateful for his support. "I appreciate it. It's just hard to see him acting like this. I know he's dealing with his own stuff, but it's affecting everyone around him."

Matteo's gaze softened. "You deserve to be treated with respect. If he's not ready to make things right, then it's on him. But you have us, and we're not going anywhere."

We headed back to the car, the weight of the day lifting slightly with Matteo and Clara's support. As we drove home, I felt a bit lighter. The cake tasting had been a welcome break from the stress, and knowing that I had friends who cared made the challenges a bit easier to face.

Later that evening, as I reflected on the day's events, I couldn't help but think about how much had changed. The road ahead was still uncertain, but I knew that with the support of my friends and family, I could navigate through the turbulence and find my way forward.

The excitement was palpable as Clara, the wedding planner, and I gathered to finalize the details for the upcoming wedding. We had chosen a beautiful private botanical garden in Madrid, Clara's birthplace, for the venue. The lush greenery and elegant setting were the perfect backdrop for her special day.

Clara was radiant with happiness as she flipped through samples of fabric and color swatches. "I want the bridesmaids' dresses to be light silk pink," she said with a smile. "And, of course, Isabella will be my maid of honor."

I felt a rush of warmth at her words. Being asked to be Clara's maid of honor was an honor I cherished, and I was determined to make her day as perfect as possible. The wedding planner nodded in agreement, taking notes and making arrangements.

"The theme for the actual wedding will be champagne gold," Clara continued, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I want it to feel luxurious and timeless, but also warm and inviting."

We all agreed that champagne gold would be stunning, adding a touch of elegance to the already breathtaking garden setting. As we discussed the details, the planner mentioned that we needed to finalize the music selection for Clara's entrance.

"I've chosen 'Ivy' by Frank Ocean for my walk down the aisle," Clara said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "The song is so beautiful and personal to me. It captures the feeling I want for this day."

The song choice was perfect. The ethereal melody and heartfelt lyrics seemed to capture Clara's personality and the sentiment of the occasion. It would set a beautiful tone for the ceremony.

As we moved through the plans, Clara and I discussed the bridesmaids' dresses. The light silk pink was delicate and elegant, complementing the champagne gold theme beautifully. We imagined the dresses swaying gently in the breeze of the garden, each one enhancing the overall ambiance of the wedding.

The wedding planner was diligent in noting every detail, from the floral arrangements to the seating plan, ensuring that everything would be executed flawlessly. The excitement and anticipation in the room were contagious, and it was clear that Clara's vision for her wedding was coming together perfectly.

As the planning session concluded, Clara and I walked out into the garden, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the venue. The vibrant colors of the flowers and the serene atmosphere provided a glimpse of the enchanting day that was soon to come.

Clara looked at me with a beaming smile. "Thank you so much for helping with all of this. I couldn't have done it without you."

I returned her smile, feeling a surge of joy. "It's my pleasure, Clara. I'm so happy to be part of this special day. It's going to be absolutely magical."

We spent the rest of the day finalizing details and making sure everything was in place. The wedding was shaping up to be everything Clara had dreamed of, and I was thrilled to be by her side as she prepared for this momentous occasion.

As I headed home, I reflected on the beauty of the day and the joy that Clara's wedding would bring. The love and care that had gone into every detail were a testament to the deep friendships and cherished moments that marked our lives.