A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

78: Hard decision

Isabella's Pov

The decision to visit Madrid wasn't an easy one. But as I stood at the edge of a new possibility, I knew I had to see it for myself. Atlético Madrid's offer was tempting—more responsibility, better pay, and the chance to grow in my career. It was everything I had worked so hard for. But the thought of leaving Barcelona, leaving everything and everyone I loved behind, made my chest tighten with anxiety.

I didn't tell Pablo about the trip. After the incident at the club, I didn't know how to bring it up. He had been distant ever since he overheard that conversation with Xavi. We hadn't spoken much, and the tension between us was palpable. It felt like there was a wall between us that neither of us knew how to break down.

The flight to Madrid was short, but it felt like an eternity. I spent most of it staring out the window, trying to imagine what my life would be like if I made the move. Would it be worth it? Would I regret it? The questions swirled in my mind, and I had no answers.

When I arrived at the Atlético facilities, I was greeted by one of their directors. He was warm and welcoming, making small talk as we walked through the sleek corridors. The place was impressive, modern, and filled with a sense of ambition. It was easy to see why they were one of the top clubs in the world. But as much as I tried to focus on the positives, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my stomach.

The tour began with a visit to the medical facilities. State-of-the-art equipment, a highly skilled team, and a focus on innovation—it was everything I had dreamed of. The director spoke passionately about the club's commitment to player health and how they wanted me to be a key part of that. I nodded along, asking questions and trying to picture myself working here. It was easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all, but there was still a part of me that couldn't fully commit.

As we walked through the training grounds, I watched the players going through their drills. They were focused, driven, and the atmosphere was electric. It reminded me of Barcelona, but there was something different here. A different energy, a different pace. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it made me feel like an outsider, like I didn't quite belong.

The tour ended with a meeting in the director's office. He laid out the terms of the offer again, emphasizing the opportunities for growth and the impact I could make at the club. It was everything I had wanted in my career, but as I sat there listening to him, my mind kept drifting back to Barcelona. To Pablo, to the team, to the life I had built there.

"We'd love to have you join us, Isabella," the director said, his voice full of encouragement. "But we understand that this is a big decision. Take your time to think about it."

I thanked him and promised to give them an answer soon. As I left the office, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a message from Pablo.

Pablo: "How's Madrid?"

I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. How did he know I was here? Had Xavi told him? Or had he figured it out on his own? I hesitated for a moment before replying.

Me: "It's... different. I'm still thinking about it."

His response was immediate.

Pablo: "Come back home."

Three simple words that carried so much weight. I could feel the emotion behind them, the plea in his tone. He didn't want me to leave, and as much as I tried to stay objective, his words hit me hard.

I didn't know what to say, so I didn't reply. Instead, I put my phone away and decided to take a walk around the city. I needed to clear my head, to think without any distractions.

Madrid was beautiful, full of life and history. The streets were bustling with people, and the energy of the city was infectious. But as I wandered through the narrow alleys and wide boulevards, I couldn't stop thinking about what I was leaving behind. The memories, the friendships, the love—I was risking it all for a job, and I wasn't sure if it was worth it.

Eventually, I found myself in a quiet park, away from the noise of the city. I sat down on a bench, letting the cool breeze wash over me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me.

Could I really do this? Could I leave Barcelona, leave Pablo, and start over in a new city? The logical part of me knew that this was an incredible opportunity, one that might not come around again. But the emotional part of me was terrified. Terrified of losing everything that mattered to me.

My phone buzzed again, and I pulled it out to see another message from Pablo.

Pablo: "Please, Isa. Don't go."

My eyes welled up with tears as I read his words. I could feel his desperation, his fear of losing me. And it tore me apart.

I sat there for what felt like hours, torn between two worlds. I wanted to be strong, to make the right decision for my career. But at what cost? Was I willing to sacrifice everything for a job, no matter how perfect it seemed?

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, I made my decision. I stood up, wiping away the tears that had fallen, and headed back to my hotel. My heart felt heavy, but there was a sense of clarity now.

I knew what I had to do.