A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

93: Unforgettable night

Pablo's pov

The clock seemed to tick slower than usual as I prepared for Isabella's and my two-month anniversary. I wanted everything to be perfect, and with the help of Pedri, Ansu, Balde, and Lamine, I was determined to make this night unforgettable. Their enthusiasm and support had been invaluable in helping me plan the surprise, and their excitement was contagious.

Our day began with a trip to a high-end jewelry store. The glistening cases and polished floors were a stark contrast to the chaos of the football pitch, but I was focused. Pedri took the lead, his enthusiasm evident as he browsed through the selection.

"Alright, Pablo, we need to find something that really speaks to her," Pedri said, examining a display case. "Something that says how much you care."

"I want it to be special," I replied, scanning the options with a mix of excitement and nerves. "It should be meaningful, something she'll cherish."

Ansu immediately suggested a heart-shaped pendant. "A heart is classic and romantic. It's perfect for an anniversary gift."

I nodded, liking the idea. "Yes, something with a heart would be ideal. Maybe with an engraving of my initial?"

Balde, ever the fashion aficionado, was already flipping through the options. "If you want it to be special, it needs to be elegant and timeless. Something she can wear every day."

After much discussion and a lot of back-and-forth, we chose a beautiful golden bracelet with a heart-shaped pendant. The pendant was engraved with a "P" and adorned with diamonds. It was simple yet sophisticated, and I knew it would mean a lot to Isabella.

Next on our agenda was picking out a suit. I had mentioned wanting to look sharp for our anniversary dinner, and my friends insisted on helping me find the perfect one. We finally settled on a navy blue suit, sharp and elegant, which fit me like a glove. When I looked in the mirror, I felt a mix of confidence and nervousness.

We wrapped up our shopping spree with a visit to a gift shop, where I picked out a cute teddy bear with a little heart on its chest. It was a small but thoughtful touch to add to the evening's surprise. We also ordered a bouquet of red roses and white lilies to be ready for the next day.

When we finished, I was exhausted but thrilled. My friends had been fantastic, and I couldn't wait to see Isabella's reaction.

The big day had arrived, and I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. The morning started with training, which was usually a welcome distraction, but today was different. I found it hard to focus, my mind constantly drifting to the evening's plans. I knew I had to keep my composure, but every time I glanced at Isabella, who was also focused on her work, I felt a pang of guilt.

She was perceptive, and it didn't take long for her to notice that I was acting differently. After training, she approached me with a concerned look. "Pablo, you've been acting a bit off today. Is something wrong?"

I forced a reassuring smile, trying to mask my anxiety. "No, nothing's wrong. Just got a lot on my mind. But can you be ready by 6:30 and wear something nice?"

She didn't seem convinced, but she let it go with a frown and a nod, clearly sensing that I was hiding something. I felt a twinge of guilt, knowing I was creating unnecessary tension.

As the day went on, I made sure everything was set for the evening. I picked up the bouquet of flowers and made my way back to Isabella's apartment to pick her up. When I arrived, my heart raced with anticipation. She answered the door, and I was momentarily speechless. She looked stunning in a navy blue dress that hugged her curves perfectly, her hair styled in soft waves that framed her face.