Paradise In Portugal {Cristiano Ronaldo}

10. Guilty Confessions

{Adelina POV}

I had arrived home in the early morning, with enough time to sneak upstairs and not wake anyone up. Still feeling the sense of nervousness, I hopped in the shower, scrubbing any memories of last night. Nevertheless, I still remembered everything as I closed my eyes. All the sensual feeling, the ecstasy he took me to, and the pleasure that summed up the perfect night. I caught myself daydreaming about my sex escape and swiftly got out the shower. 

Later on that afternoon, my mother had already left and the boys were eating their snacks. I grabbed a cup of tea to ease my nerves for tonight. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the guilt that lingered inside me. My stomach was tied into knots, like those of the boy scouts and their ropes. Not only was my insides turning, but my chest tightened. By that time, I had decided to tell Cristiano what had happened; I couldn't bare this. It had felt like I had cheated on him, even though we weren't together. 

* * * 

Once the hour of my date with Cris approached, I had called my cousin to come watch the boys. I didn't want to continue annoying my mother with her commute over here. Besides, the boys needed a break from their grandmother. 

"Now, you boys behave for Cecilia," I told my sons. I knew they were well-behaved, but it didn't hurt to remind them. 

"Where are you going now, mae?" Carlos asked. By the tone of his voice, I could sense he was displeased with my leaving again. 

I sighed and kneed myself to their height. "I'm going to see Cris tonight." 

Josue looked bothered, but he easily hid it behind a smile and hugged me good night. He then turned around and walked away without a word. Carlos followed closely behind, ignoring my open arms. That was the moment I felt my heart shatter. My boys not wanting to tell me 'good night' or 'I love you'? I wondered what was going on with them. And just as I was about to crack the case open, the doorbell rank. My heart fluttered with the butterflies in my stomach. 

"Hey," I greeted with a smile. 

He smiled back, kissing my cheek. "You look amazing tonight. You ready?" 

I nodded and closed the door behind me, following Cris to his car. I looked back to the house, catching a glimpse of my boys at the window. I waved them goodbye, only to have them half smile and turn their backs to me. 

Fluttering heart; broken. 

* * *

About fifteen minutes later, Cristiano pulled up to this ostentatious Italian restaurant. I smiled as valet opened the door for me. 

"Good evening, Mr. Ronaldo. Your private reservation is ready; follow me," the hostess said. 

Cristiano offered me his arm, so I linked mines as we walked further into the restaurant. It was a beautiful sight with high ceiling, Italian marble, and a golden vibe. The private area that we were presented was separated by an arched column, draped by a red velvet curtain. My eyes wondered with all the curiosity they had. I couldn't believe this gorgeous place. 

"Here is your booth, Mr. Ronaldo. The waiter will be with you shortly."

We slid into the booth as the hostess walked away.

"Cris, I-" I was a lost for words. "I don't know what to say. This place is amazing."

He smiled at me and scooped my hands into his right along the table. "I really wanted to impress you tonight."

I felt the apples of my cheeks glow red, as a shy smile creeped onto my face. There he went again, charming me with his words. All of a sudden, the thoughts of my adventurous night came into mind. The feeling of guilt began to take over me once again. I couldn't shake the feeling all too well, knowing that this would kill me if I kept it inside. I was being treated so special by a man who genuinely wanted me. And I just couldn't do this to him. 

I shook off my thoughts with help from the waiter's interruption. 

"What can I get you started off with?" he said, pulling out the little black tab notebook. 

"Um, how about a bottle of wine?" Cris suggested.

I nodded my head, with a warm smile. The waiter jotted it down and walked off.

"I really can't thank you enough for this beautiful night," I complimented. The more I thought about it however, the more I believed I didn't deserve it. 

"Cris..." 

He looked up with worry on his face. "What's wrong? You look upset." 

I looked up, locking with his chocolate brown eyes. "Um," I started. I really couldn't make out what I had been thinking up to say. "I don't know how to say this, so I'm just going to say it okay?" 

Cris nodded, as his facial expression changed.

"I slept with Gareth last night." 

In my head, it sounded harmless and simple; the way it came out, however, was out to do some damage. 

"W-what?" he stuttered. 

I looked away, not being able to set my eyes on his. I stood quiet as I waited for his reaction to continue. 

"I'm honestly having a hard time understanding..." he trailed on.

I let out a sigh. "We had a date last night, sort of." I paused. "Cris, I'm so sorry."

He shook his head. "What's there to be sorry about? It's not like we were anything." 

Slowly, I looked towards his direction and noticed the disappointment and hurt on his face. "I know but I still feel so sorry and guilty."

"Adelina, stop."

His sternness caught me by surprise. I had never heard his voice tense up so badly, let alone nearly yelling at me. 

"Cris," I breathed out. 

"I think we should put an end to this date."

With that, he called over the waiter to bring us the check. He gave us a worried look, but continued on. I couldn't bring myself to look anywhere but down at my feet. I felt horrible for hurting Cris this way. I knew we weren't together, but this was still painful.

The car ride back to my house was quiet and filled with tension. Upon exiting his car, he immediately drove off, leaving me at the curbside by my front lawn. I inhaled and exhaled deeply to keep me from crying. I had to put on a brave face for my kids, as soon as I would walk thought the front door.

"Home so soon? How was the date?" Cecilia asked from the living room.

"Um I wasn't feeling too good, so we cut it short." I cleared my throat. "Where are the boys?"

"They're already asleep."

I dropped the conversation at that and headed upstairs. Upon reaching the top steps, I made my way to my bedroom. As I opened the door, two sleeping boys came into my view. After tonight's events, I was able to form a smile and feel genuinely better. 

I hadn't even bothered to change and slipped into bed, cuddling my children as close as possible. It was in that moment, when I let gentle tears roll down my cheeks.