lover boy

Chapter 55

Cecilia Anderson

A wave of relief washed over me as I stepped out of the café. Telling Jude about New York had been weighing on me for days, and now that it was out in the open, I could finally breathe again. The knot of anxiety that had been building in my chest loosened, even if only slightly.

I couldn't deny how heavy the conversation had felt, but at least now there were no more secrets between us. He knew everything—about the move, about how soon I had to leave. And even though it had been difficult to see the disappointment in his eyes, I was grateful for the way he had handled it. Jude had always been good at hiding his emotions when he needed to, but I could see the sadness in him. Still, he didn't try to make me feel guilty. He didn't ask me to stay.

As I walked down the crowded street, I replayed the conversation in my mind. I hadn't wanted to hurt him, but what choice did I have? This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I had worked so hard to get to this point—walking for Berlin Fashion Week had opened doors I never imagined. And now, New York was calling. The chance to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, to make my mark in one of the most iconic cities in the world—it was everything I'd dreamed of.

But then there was Jude.

I sighed, the weight of my decision pressing down on me again. We both had our own paths, our own futures, and right now, they were leading us in different directions. He had Madrid. I had New York. It wasn't what I wanted, but it was the reality we were facing.

I was leaving in two days—on the day of the final match, no less. It felt wrong in a way, like I was abandoning him at one of the most important moments of his career. I had always been there to support him, through the highs and lows, and now I'd be boarding a plane while he played the biggest game of his life.

Part of me wished I could stay just one more day, be there for him when he needed me most. But everything with New York was moving so fast, and my flight was already booked. The agency needed me to arrive as soon as possible to start working.

As much as I loved Jude, I couldn't let this opportunity slip away.

I reached my apartment and fumbled with the keys, my mind still tangled in thoughts of him. Pushing open the door, I was met with the familiar warmth of home—Lisa and Aurelia were sprawled out on the couch, deep in conversation. They looked up when I walked in, both of them raising their eyebrows expectantly.

"Well?" Lisa asked, her voice playful but with an edge of seriousness. "How did it go with Jude?"

I set my bag down and took a deep breath before answering. "I told him everything... about New York and how I'm leaving in two days."

Aurelia's eyes widened. "Two days? That's soon. How did he take it?"

I shrugged, sitting down across from them. "He took it better than I expected. He wasn't angry or anything. Just... I don't know. Sad, I guess."

Lisa leaned forward. "And what about you? How do you feel about all this?"

I hesitated, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap. "I'm relieved that I told him, but... it's hard. I don't want to leave him, especially not right before the final. But I can't pass up this opportunity."

Aurelia nodded, understanding in her eyes. "It's a tough situation, but you've worked too hard to let this go. Jude will understand that. And if it's meant to be, you'll figure things out, even from different countries."

I smiled weakly at her optimism, though I wasn't entirely convinced. "Yeah, maybe."

Lisa nudged me with her foot. "You and Jude have been through a lot. I'm sure this won't be the end of you two. You just need to focus on yourself right now, on your career."