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desperate-gay · 16 days ago

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English Love Affair | Emily Fox

Emily Fox x Williamson!reader Where you and Emily meet at a bar before she gets close to Leah is the title inspired by the song with the same name? definitely! warnings: suggestive my masterlist

“Emily, what about you?” Leah asked with a curious smile as the waitress placed another bottle of wine on the table. The vibe at the restaurant was buzzing now,the girls all chatting and laughing after the international break. But Emily had been quiet, keeping to herself and focused on finishing her meal, still visibly worn out from going nonstop between club and national team matches.

“Huh? What were we talking about again?” Emily asked, setting her fork down on her empty plate. She gave them a small, apologetic smile, realizing she’d zoned out.

“Oh, don’t play dumb” Beth teased, giving her a nudge and laughing. “It’s just a bit suspicious that you never talk about… you know.”

“Talk about what?” Emily asked, frowning slightly as she looked around the table at the expectant faces, all clearly in on whatever they meant.

“Well, you’ve been here for what, a year now? And not a single mention of someone special” Lia added, giving her a wink.

“Yeah, like a partner, a guy... or a girl” Alessia added, covering her mouth as she fought back a mischievous grin.

“Ohhh” Emily said, her gaze dropping to the center of the table, feeling her cheeks turn red. She cleared her throat, starting to feel a bit uncomfortable, but before she could say anything, a memory popped into her head.

“You’re not from here, are you?” a soft voice asked close to her ear.

Emily looked up, meeting the intense eyes and sly smile of a girl who had come closer than she expected in the noisy bar. She was so close that Emily could catch the scent of her perfume over the haze of smoke and alcohol.

“No, just here for work,” Emily said, taking a swig of her beer to mask the nerves that had suddenly stirred in her.

“And you’re here alone?”

Emily gestured toward her friends laughing and dancing on the crowded floor. “My friends are over there, dancing.”

“So then, what are we doing here?” you smiled, slipping your hand into hers with a confidence that caught her off guard. Before she could say a word, you were already leading her to the dance floor. In the midst of the crowd, you pulled her closer, and Emily couldn’t help but let herself go a little, feeling a thrill she rarely allowed herself to experience.

“Emily!” Alessia’s voice and a hand waving in front of her face brought her abruptly back to the present.

“Sorry, what?” Emily blinked, quickly trying to compose herself, a nervous smile creeping across her face.

“Ohhh, so there is someone…” Leah leaned forward, an amused expression and a glint of curiosity in her eyes. She’d been trying to get to know Emily better lately, especially now that their partnership on the field was growing.

“Well… it’s not really like that” Emily said, rubbing the back of her neck, clearly flustered. “It was just… something casual.”

The others exchanged surprised looks, clearly not expecting “something casual” from Emily. Noticing her discomfort, Leah stepped in with a gentle smile to ease the tension.

“Nothing wrong with something casual now and then” Leah said, giving Beth a discreet nudge under the table to shake her shocked expression. “Sometimes it’s nice to just... let loose, yeah? Care to share a bit more?”

“Uh, it’s a little awkward, actually...” Emily admitted, looking around nervously. Leah just nodded in understanding, flashing her a reassuring smile as she smoothly shifted the topic. The others followed her lead, sparing Emily from any more teasing, and she gave Leah a grateful little smile.

Ever since that dinner, Emily couldn’t shake the memory from her mind.

“I’m staying at a hotel a few blocks from here” Emily murmured, feeling her heart race as she leaned back against the wall in the darkest corner of the bar. A gorgeous girl stood pressed close to her, making it hard for Emily to think straight.

“Oh…” your eyes widened, sparkling with surprise, and Emily felt a pang of anxiety, a flicker of panic tightened in her stomach at your reaction.

“Shit, I’m sorry. I thought that-”

But your lips silenced her, pulling her into a kiss that clouded her thoughts all over again, as if the world had paused for that moment.

“Honestly, I thought you were straight. I didn’t think this would go further than a kiss” you said softly, with a slight amused smile as your fingers brushed along Emily’s neck.

Emily couldn’t find her voice, words sticking in her throat as you gently took her hand and started leading her toward the exit.

“Which way did you say your hotel was?” you asked, and Emily felt a mix of nerves and excitement, wondering if she was truly about to cross a line she’d never imagined before boarding the plane out of her home.

“Oi, Foxy!” Leah’s voice echoed from behind, pulling Emily back to the present. She blinked, trying to regain her composure as Leah approached. Training had just ended, and the rest of the team was drifting off to shower and head home.

“Yeah? What’s up?” Emily asked, forcing a smile.

“I should be asking you that” Leah replied with a soft laugh, noticing Emily's distracted look. “Are you alright? You seemed… a bit out of it today. Actually, if I’m honest, you’ve been like that all week.”

Emily tried to brush it off. “No, it’s nothing, really” she said, glancing away, but the unease must have been clear. Leah was perceptive, and she didn’t miss the tension in Emily’s expression.

“Hey…” Leah softened her tone, adopting a warm, understanding look. “I’m sorry if what we said the other night made you uncomfortable. You know how it is with us, most of us have been together for years, and sometimes we overstep without meaning to. If the questions were a bit much… I’m really sorry.”

Emily felt a hint of relief, but the thoughts swirling in her mind weren’t going away.

“It’s alright, Leah. Honestly, I know you guys didn’t mean any harm.” She shrugged, attempting a small smile.

Leah wasn’t buying it. Noticing Emily tense up again, she slipped an arm around her shoulders in a friendly gesture, a knowing smile on her face.

“Tell you what… How about a drink? My treat. Just you and me. And if you feel like talking, I’m here, as a mate, no judgment. I promise.”

Emily hesitated, her gaze meeting Leah’s, who waited patiently with that reassuring smile. Part of her wanted to keep it all hidden, but she couldn’t keep bottling up her thoughts without driving herself mad. Plus, it was clearly affecting her focus on the pitch.

She nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Alright… I think I could use a talk.”

Leah smiled back, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Perfect. I’ll let you know where we’re meeting later, and you just say whatever’s on your mind, yeah?”

Emily let out a sigh, feeling a mix of relief and nerves fluttering inside her.

That same night, Emily found herself in a small, cozy bar near Leah’s house, a spot Leah had been going on about for ages, perfect for drinks and conversations thanks to the soft music and warm atmosphere. For nearly half an hour, Leah had been telling her all kinds of stories about her love life, some funny anecdotes mixed with a few rather embarrassing details, all aimed at making Emily feel comfortable enough to share a bit of her own.

And to be honest, it had worked. Emily had arrived feeling nervous, she had never been alone with Leah like this before, and the idea of opening up emotionally intimidated her a bit. But after several laughs and some unexpected stories, her initial nerves melted away, especially with the beer loosening her up after a long tiring day.

“Well, what about you?” Leah asked with a playful smile, giving Emily a light nudge to encourage her.

Emily swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to the beer bottle in her hand. “Well… it’s a girl” she admitted, avoiding Leah’s gaze. Leah’s grin widened, and Emily felt a wave of relief wash over her at the warm reception, this was something she had never shared with anyone before.

“Oh wow, now we’re getting somewhere!” Leah teased, leaning in closer. “When did this happen?”

“It was when I came to watch the game against Chelsea at the Emirates… Well, actually, it was the night after the game. I was out with my friends at a bar, and this girl accidentally spilled my beer and stuck around until I got another one.” Emily chuckled at the memory of their awkward first encounter. “It was pretty awkward at first, she didn’t say a word until I got my drink refilled.”

Leah raised her eyebrows, clearly intrigued. “Accidentally, huh? Was she drunk or something?”

Emily shrugged, trying not to smile too much. “I thought so at first but then I figured her confidence was just... natural.”

She let out a sigh, her expression softening. “And then… we went back to my hotel. It was the best experience of my life” she confessed, a smile crossing her face that was equal parts amused and nostalgic.

Leah’s eyebrows shot up, a curious glint in her eye. “And can I know a bit more? Or is there still not enough trust between us?” she teased.

Emily laughed, finishing her beer in one go before replying, “Best sex of my life.” They both burst into laughter, Emily covering her face with her hand at the memory.

“Emily…” you whispered, gently tugging on her hair as your breaths intertwined.

Hearing her name in that moment, with your bodies so close, felt like the world had just shifted.

“She was amazing, Leah, so beautiful… God, her voice…” Emily looked away, feeling her cheeks flush as the memory of that night hit her all over again. “I couldn’t get enough of her. I think we only slept for a couple of hours, but it was…”

“And then?” Leah asked, a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity on her face as she set down another round of beers on the table.

Emily hesitated, biting her lip before continuing.

“Shit” Emily muttered when she heard the knock at her hotel door. Panic washed over her, remembering that her friends had no idea she’d brought someone back to her room, let alone a girl.

The truth was, she wasn’t ready to have that talk with her friends just yet.

“You have to go” she said quickly, grabbing her phone to send her friends a text about how she’d left early for a morning run. A total lie, but an easy one for them to buy.

She just needed an excuse, something to make sure her friends wouldn’t be hanging around the hallway the moment you left the room.

It wouldn’t have bothered you that much, but here you were, sitting on Emily’s lap, shirtless, still catching your breath.

“What was that?” you asked, trying to look at her.

“It’s complicated” Emily replied, getting up to rummage through her suitcase for some clothes.

You sighed, looking at her with a mix of disappointment and embarrassment. “Tell me I’m not ruining anything serious. You don’t have someone else, do you?”

Emily bit her lip and avoided your gaze. “No, it’s nothing like that. Just… you’d better go.”

With panic rising in her chest, Emily reached for her wallet. “Do you need money for the Uber back-”

“I’m not taking your money” you snapped, your disappointment quickly turning to offense.

Emily glanced down at the cash, realizing how it must’ve looked. “No, I don’t-”

“Stupid Americans…” you muttered under your breath, pulling on the rest of your clothes and ignoring her.

“Ah…” Leah sighed, understanding the situation as she noticed the regret flickering across Emily’s face. “Wow, Emily. You really went for it…”

“I know, but... I was freaked out. I never meant to hurt her, I was just worried about her getting home safely” Emily explained, fiddling with a new beer bottle in her hands.

“So... your friends didn’t know about you and girls?” Leah asked, her tone soft and gentle.

Emily shook her head. “The girl was stunning, but at that moment, it wasn’t worth risking my friendship with my friends. I was in a foreign country and I had to fly back with them. I was afraid everything would go wrong.”

Leah fell silent for a moment, contemplating Emily’s words. “Well, I can understand that, you didn’t want to risk it all for a one night stand.”

Emily shrugged, a soft smile tugging at her lips “Yeah, well… but the story doesn’t end there.”

Leah’s eyes lit up, an excited glint in them. “Wait, there’s more?”

Emily nodded. “Later that night, I convinced my friends to go back to the bar... and there she was again. It was my last night in London, and I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I was still regretting the whole morning thing.”

Leah shot her an amused look. “Don’t tell me that-”

“I can’t say I regret it” Emily said, biting her lip, and they both laughed.

"I'm heading back to the States in the morning" Emily whispered to you, settling into the seat of your car. She couldn’t help but notice how your skirt slid up as you sat on her lap.

"I really don’t want to hear you right now" you replied.

"I'm really sorry about this morning" she insisted, sounding genuinely apologetic.

“Yeah, I really need you to shut up" you shot back.

"Sorry for-"

“Emily” you said, grabbing her hand and pulling her close. "You can apologize in a different way" you whispered, your lips brushing against hers.

Leah burst out laughing. "Emily Fox! Don't tell me you did that in a car." Emily shot her a look and took a sip of her beer, trying to suppress her laughter.

"Well, at least I got her to forgive me... I think" she said with a smile, feeling lighter now that she had finally shared the story with someone.

“And then what happened?” Leah asked, clearly invested.

Emily sighed, setting her beer down on the table. "Ah... we went to her hotel. It turned out she wasn't from London either. I don’t remember exactly what city she was from and by the time I moved here... I couldn’t track her down.”

Leah looked at her, processing it all. “So... your big tragic forbidden love was really just a hot two night stand with some english girl you never saw again."

Emily nodded, a bit of defeat creeping onto her face. “Yeah... she was just ridiculously hot” she admitted, feeling bolder with the alcohol.

Leah cracked up, clearly loving every second. “Honestly Foxy, I never thought we’d be having this chat, but I’m here for it. And c’mon, rate her. One to ten?”

“A thousand” Emily said, barely hesitating. “Her mouth, her lips... I couldn’t get her voice out of my head. The look on her face when she... Can you fall in love with someone you’ve only slept with a couple of times?”

Leah shrugged, her smile softening. “I don’t know... maybe.”

Emily sighed, shaking her head. "It’s like she ruined sex for me with anyone else. No one else is like her..."

Leah gave her a gentle nudge, laughing. "Well Foxy, if there's someone like that out there, maybe the universe will bring you back together."

"Emily, are you coming with us?" Alessia asked as she hopped off the bus, grinning from ear to ear after being named Player of the Match. Earlier that morning, they had made plans with Leah and Lotte to visit one of Alessia's favorite coffee shops in Manchester, and after their win against City, the idea felt even more appealing. Emily had agreed without a second thought.

Alessia wasn’t kidding about the place, it was indeed spacious and cozy, and the hot chocolate was absolutely divine.

“I’ve been here before” Leah mentioned casually, but Emily barely heard her. She was glued to her phone, focused on making a post to thank the fans who had traveled to support the team.

"Oh, right" Alessia replied. "I was always running into your-"

Emily took a sip of her chocolate, she wasn’t listening, scrolling through her phone for the perfect pic to post.

“Does she still live here?” Lotte asked.

"Works nearby" Leah answered.

"You guys just summoned her" Lotte muttered.

Alessia's laugh made Emily glance up, and she heard the scrape of a chair as someone stood. Leah had shifted from her seat to stand next to a girl.

"You already know Less and Lotte, but you don’t know-"

"Emily."

Before Emily could even process it, her name was out of your mouth. Leah shot you a look, then quickly turned her focus back to her teammate, who was staring at you with wide eyes.

Lotte’s soft laugh broke the awkward silence. “Did you already know Leah’s sister?” she asked, her voice teasing but curious.

But Leah wasn’t smiling. The way her hand instinctively moved to wrap protectively around your waist and how her jaw tightened while glancing at Emily made it clear that she was starting to piece things together. It wasn’t hard to figure out. Emily had been in London for the derby, the same match where Leah had gotten you those tickets, knowing you’d be in London that week.

Emily felt a lump in her throat. The air suddenly felt thick with tension, and she tried to keep it cool, but it was hard.

“Fox.” Leah said, her voice low, a dangerous edge to it.

"I... I didn’t know" Emily stammered, flustered and feeling the weight of the moment.

The situation had spiraled into chaos, and Alessia, sensing the tension, exchanged nervous glances between the three of them. "Wait, what’s going on here?" she asked, her smile faltering.

“Nothing.” Emily and Leah said in sync, but it was clear no one was buying it.

To you, this whole thing wasn’t just awkward, it was straight up ridiculous. You’d seen Leah scare away your girlfriends before, ever since you were old enough to kiss girls. She always played that overprotective big sister role like no one was ever gonna be “good enough” for you. But this time? It felt like there was way more going on.

“I slept with Emily” you blurted out, crossing your arms and glaring at Alessia and Lotte, both of whom stared at you with their mouths agape.

Alessia’s reaction was the most dramatic, she looked totally shocked.

“You fucked Leah’s sister?!” Alessia whispered, eyes wide as she glanced at Emily, her voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of fear. Everyone at the club and the national team knew that Leah’s sister was off limits.

Leah’s expression hardened even more, her eyes dark and fixed on Emily as if she wanted to bore a hole right through her.

“I didn’t know she was her sister!” Emily exclaimed, her frustration palpable, her hands shaking. “If I had known, I never would have-”

“Oh, yeah? So, if you had known, would you have still kicked me out of your room?” you interrupted, the bitterness slipping into your voice. The whole hotel thing still pissed you off, and it was obvious you weren’t over it.

Emily’s eyes dropped, clearly uncomfortable.

“Ugh, shut up,” Leah muttered, jaw tight as she realized what you were talking about.

“Did you tell my sister about the hotel?” you shot back, a little embarrassed but too frustrated to hold back.

Emily hid her face in her hands, wishing she could just disappear. "Please, stop saying the word 'sister'" she mumbled, but no one was listening.

Lotte, with that curious glint in her eye, leaned forward. "Which hotel?" she asked, clearly loving the drama unfolding. Alessia kept glancing back and forth between you and Emily, clearly eating this up.

"Did you tell her about the car too?" you shot back, your voice a bit sharper than you meant.

“You fucked Leah’s sister in a car?!” Alessia whispered again, almost in disbelief.

“Enough about my sister!” Leah snapped, shooting you a warning glare, her anger barely restrained. “We need to talk, just you and I” she said firmly, reaching for your hand, attempting to lead you towards the door.

“No, Leah” you replied, pulling away, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. “I need to talk to Emily.”

“No way” Leah said, shaking her head. “I’m not letting her talk to you after how she acted like an idiot-”

“But you said you understood me!” Emily shot back, standing up.

“Yeah, but that was before I knew that the hot girl who wasn’t worth the risk for a fling was my sister. This changes everything.” Leah retorted, pointing an accusatory finger at Emily.

“That sounds like double standards” Lotte muttered.

"Thank you!" Emily said, feeling a bit relieved.

You could feel the tension building as both Leah and Emily’s tempers flared. Everyone in the café was starting to stare. You had to calm this down, there was no way you were getting kicked out of your favorite coffee shop because of this mess.

"Can you please… leave us alone" you said, but no one moved.

The silence stretched out, and eventually, everyone’s eyes locked onto Leah. She sighed, shoulders dropping. She knew she wasn’t gonna change your mind. With a nod to Lotte and Alessia, who were already standing up, Leah shot one last cold glance at Emily.

"Five minutes," she warned before walking off with her teammates.

Emily swallowed hard, barely daring to look at you. When she finally did, you could see the regret written all over her face.

"I didn’t… I didn’t intend for things to turn out like this" she started, her voice shaking a little.

"Why does my sister know about everything?" you asked sharply, not bothering to hide the bite in your tone as you sat down in the seat Alessia had just left.

Emily took a deep breath. "She’s the only person who knows" she admitted.

“Bloody hell, Emily…” You hid your face in your hands. “She’ll never let me live this down.”

"I’m really sorry. I didn’t even know Leah had a sister. We just got close recently… and now I’ve totally messed it up.”

You frowned. “Wait, I need to make it clear, I don’t care that I hooked up with someone Leah knows, especially since I didn’t even know. Just… forget that part."

Emily looked at you, a bit stunned. “I don’t think I can just… ignore it.”

The atmosphere softened a bit, and Emily took the moment to really look at you, almost as if seeing you for the first time. In the soft afternoon light, you seemed even more beautiful than you had in the dim bar where you’d first met. Her heart was racing, memories of that night flooding back without even needing to think about it.

"Forget about Leah" you urged, leaning forward slightly when you saw her getting lost in her thoughts. "Are you finally going to explain about the hotel? Because yeah, I said I forgave you, but come on, that was definitely just the alcohol… and other emotions talking."

The air seemed to clear as Emily opened up, her words slowly peeling off her shoulders like a weight lifting. She was genuine, vulnerable, and you could see she wanted to make things right.

"I never meant to insult you with the money… I just… it was my first time in London. I didn’t know where you lived or anything, and I really just wanted to make sure you got home okay" she explained, still visibly embarrassed every time she dared meet your eyes. “Letting you leave that night was… my biggest regret.”

Her honesty hit you harder than you expected. You could feel her drawing closer, revealing more of herself, and you couldn’t help but give her a small knowing smile. You noticed the shy, hopeful glint in her eyes, as if she was waiting to see if you’d forgive her.

"You know… I’ve been back to London quite a few times" you admitted, fiddling with your hands on the table. "And I kept telling myself it wasn’t to see you, because I was still so pissed off. But if I’m honest… I always hoped I’d run into you again. Part of me wanted to yell at you, maybe even give you a slap, but the other half…" You trailed off with a soft chuckle. "Well, I was kinda hoping to take you back to my room afterward."

Emily let out a quiet laugh, her eyes bright with a spark of hope she hadn’t felt in a long time.

"Maybe this time, I can try not to be an idiot" she said, her voice warm with real affection, and reached out, gently taking your hand.

Your heart skipped a beat, and without a second thought, you squeezed her hand. "I think you owe me that much."

Emily glanced toward the café door with a playful smile, then gently tugged you closer until your face was mere inches from hers. Her lips met yours in a slow, tender kiss, as if she was savoring the same sensation from the last time you’d been together.

"Fox!"

A couple of months later

The noise at Wembley was overwhelming, with chants and cheers echoing across the stadium as the players did their victory lap, waving at the fans. Alessia, still flushed and breathless from the game, spotted you in the crowd and flashed a cheeky grin.

“Look who decided to show up!” she shouted, her voice barely cutting through the noise. Leah, right behind her, looked up and met your eyes. Her face lit up the moment she saw you.

“I thought you weren’t coming” she said, weaving through the crowd and waving at some fans in the stands. Before she could say more, you pulled her into a tight hug, only to wrinkle your nose as you felt the sweat soaking through her shirt.

“You stink” you teased, a smirk tugging at the corners of your mouth.

“You’re hilarious” Leah shot back, rolling her eyes before playfully pinching your cheek. You gave her a playful nudge in response, and Alessia laughed, clearly enjoying the usual back-and-forth between you two.

But then Alessia’s eyes landed on your outfit, and her smile turned into a wide grin. "Aren’t you hot in that jacket?" she asked.

You froze, shoving your hands in your pockets, trying to act casual. But Leah’s sharp eyes caught the faint pink creeping onto your cheeks. Her gaze shifted from amused to challenging.

“Wait… don’t tell me that-”

“No! Leah no!” you protested, but Leah had already grabbed your hands with unstoppable determination. In one smooth motion, she unzipped your jacket. Her face went from confusion to disbelief as she saw what you were wearing underneath.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” she muttered, her jaw almost dropping, while Alessia burst out laughing at the sight of the USA crest, the four stars, and the number 23 splashed across your blue shirt.

“There’s no way you’re at Wembley in that shirt,” Leah said, half laughing, half scowling, giving you a look of pure disbelief.

“Why do you think I had the jacket on, you idiot?” you shot back.

“This is too bloody good!” Alessia was practically doubled over, clutching her stomach as she looked between you and Leah, who was torn between laughing and being genuinely offended. Just then, Emily showed up, her face soft and shy, clearly unaware of the chaos she was walking into.

“Have you seen what she’s wearing?” Leah shot Emily a glance before letting out a dramatic sigh “Well, at least you showed up,” she muttered, giving you one last cheeky pinch before walking off, a smirk still lingering. Alessia followed, chuckling, and gave Emily a quick high five before heading back toward the rest of the team.

Once Leah was out of sight, Emily finally looked you up and down, and a giggle escaped her lips when she saw the shirt.

“I thought Leah might be less fuming if England won,” she murmured, rubbing the back of her neck, looking a little guilty, but also kind of sweet.

“Stop overthinking it,” you said softly, grabbing her by her collar and pulling her close, not caring one bit about the railing between you. You leaned in and kissed her, letting her know exactly how much you’d looked forward to this moment.

Emily’s hands found their way to your face, her thumbs tracing gentle circles on your cheeks. When she pulled back, a small smile played on her lips.

“Thanks for coming,” she whispered, her voice full of affection. Then she glanced down at your shirt again, laughing softly and her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Nice shirt choice by the way. Knew you’d make the right call.”

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desperate-gay · 23 days ago

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where the hell are the ilona maher fics…???

#ilona maher #ilona maher x reader #writers get writing PLEASE

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desperate-gay · 24 days ago

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Would u write a Alex Morgan x reader fic where reader is pregnant and it follows the pregnancy journey

of course! ill just go to my trusty side kick @occasionallyaurora for some help

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desperate-gay · 24 days ago

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she’s backk

Womanizer (Part 1)

Fuckboy!Alexia Putellas x reader

Words count: 14k

Warning: little suggestive, angst.

Note: Hi everyone! I’m going to begin re-uploading some of my fics little by little. Here’s the first part of “Womanizer,” and I’ve also made a few changes here and there—nothing too significant.

You relocated to Barcelona, hoping for a fresh start—a new city, new people, and a chance to rebuild your life with your three-year-old daughter, Mia.

You needed a place where the past wouldn’t haunt you, where you could finally focus on giving Mia the stable life she deserves.

It hasn’t been easy. You spent five years with your ex-boyfriend, someone you once believed was your forever.

But over time, the cracks began to show. He cheated on you more times than you care to remember, always finding excuses, always making promises he never kept.

When you discovered you were pregnant, you thought maybe things would change—that becoming parents might finally bring him closer.

Instead, the moment he found out about the pregnancy, he walked out on you without a second thought.

He left you to carry the weight of it all alone—heartbroken, pregnant, and unsure of what the future held.

Here in Barcelona, you met your neighbor, Carmen, a true blessing in your life. From the very first day you moved in, she was there—knocking on your door with a plate of home-cooked food, her warm smile making you feel like you weren’t quite so far from home.

Plus, Carmen spoke English, which was a huge relief. Navigating a new country was hard enough, but trying to learn Spanish on top of everything else was overwhelming at times.

So when you first realized she was fluent, it felt like another little gift from the universe.

Carmen, with her silver-streaked hair and lively eyes, quickly became a constant in your new world, someone who seemed to understand without asking too many questions.

“You remind me of my daughter,” she often said , her tone affectionate as she passed by your door or handed you a fresh loaf of bread from the bakery down the street.

It didn’t take long before she offered you a job at her pride and joy—her little flower shop.

“It’s nothing fancy,” she told you with a shrug, “but it’s my heart. And I could use the help. You’ll like it, trust me.”

At first, you hesitated. You hadn’t planned on working with flowers, or working at all, not while you were still getting your bearings in a new city.

But Carmen’s offer came at just the right time, and something about her made it impossible to refuse.

The shop may be small, but it’s absolutely beautiful. In the morning, soft sunlight streams through the windows, creating a warm glow that highlights the arrangements of roses, lilies, and wildflowers.

You spent your first days trimming stems, arranging blooms, and greeting customers. It was peaceful in a way you hadn’t expected—almost therapeutic.

——

One afternoon, while you were carefully arranging a bouquet behind the counter, the soft chime of the doorbell rang through the shop. You glanced up, and there she was—Alexia Putellas.

Her arrival was impossible to miss. Not only because she was Barcelona’s football darling, her face splashed across billboards all over the city, but also because she was infamous for her reputation.

A womanizer.

The kind of woman who appeared to have a new girl every week.

Carmen had often spoken of Alexia, mentioning how she visited the shop almost daily and was practically like a daughter to her. But until then, you hadn’t met Alexia yourself.

She had been away, traveling for football matches, and with her reputation, you were relieved not to have crossed paths with her. Well… until now.

Your daughter, Mia, was a huge fan of hers, idolizing her both as a footballer and as a larger-than-life figure.

Alexia entered the shop with that unmistakable swagger, every movement filled with a quiet confidence that immediately grabbed attention.

She wasn’t alone either. A shorter woman was draped under her arm, looking relaxed and cozy, as if she were used to being in such close proximity to Alexia.

It was unclear whether she was a friend or one of Alexia’s many “flings,” but the way they moved together hinted at something more, or perhaps nothing at all. With Alexia, it was hard to tell.

Alexia greeted Carmen with a huge smile on her face and a warm hug.

She leaned down, pressing a kiss to Carmen’s cheek. “¡Hola, Carmen!” she said warmly. “¡Qué gusto verte! Te eché de menos.” (Hi, Carmen! It’s so good to see you! I missed you.)

Carmen beamed, clearly delighted to see her. “¡Alexia! ¡Qué alegría verte de nuevo!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with affection. “Ha pasado un tiempo desde la última vez que viniste. ¿Cómo has estado? ¿Todo bien con los partidos?”

(Alexia! What a joy to see you again! It had been a while since you last came by. How have you been? Everything going well with the matches?)

“Todo bien, gracias. Una temporada agotadora, pero estamos ganando, así que vale la pena,” Alexia replied, her eyes drifting around the shop before locking onto you. (All good, thanks. It had been an exhausting season, but we’re winning, so it’s worth it.)

She flashed a small smirk before redirecting her attention back to Carmen.

“Esto es Laura,” she added casually, introducing the woman at her side. (This is Laura)

“Laura, te presento a Carmen, la dueña de esta maravillosa floristería.” (Laura, let me introduce you to Carmen, the owner of this wonderful flower shop)

Laura smiled kindly at Carmen. “Encantada, Carmen,” she said, her voice soft but genuine. (Nice to meet you, Carmen.)

“El placer es mío, Laura,” Carmen replied. “¿Qué te trae por Barcelona?” (The pleasure is mine, Laura.What brings you to Barcelona?)

Laura shrugged with a small laugh. “Estoy aquí de visita. Alexia me está mostrando la ciudad.” (I'm here visiting. Alexia is showing me around the city.)

The conversation flowed easily between them, but Alexia’s gaze kept shifting back to you.

Her eyes swept over you in a way that felt unsettling, almost predatory, as if she were sizing you up.

It was a look you had seen before—back when you were too trusting, too naive, and ended up burned by someone who had once gazed at you the same way.

After a bit of back-and-forth, Carmen invited Laura to check out some of the newer flower arrangements, leading her away from the counter. That was when Alexia seized her moment.

She sauntered over to you, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Hola, guapa,” she said in a tone dripping with confidence. “No creo que nos hayamos conocido. Soy Alexia.” (Hello, gorgeous. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Alexia.)

You focused on your work, refusing to meet her gaze. You knew exactly what she was trying to do, and you pretended as if she weren’t there.

Alexia let out a soft, playful laugh, clearly unfazed by your attempt to ignore her.

She tilted her head slightly, a teasing smile playing on her lips as if she found your avoidance not only amusing but also a challenge.

Her confidence radiated, and it felt as if she reveled in the attention, determined to break through your defenses.

“Sabes, no es educado ignorar a la gente.” Alexia said, her voice teasing as she leaned closer to the counter. (You know, it’s not polite to ignore people.)

“Te dije mi nombre, así que al menos puedes darme el tuyo, ¿verdad?” (I told you my name, so you can at least give me yours, right?)

You still did not answered her, but it didn’t stop Alexia, who just smirked.

“¿Es algo exótico? Tal vez Sofía o Isabella? O, ¿qué tal Victoria? ¡Ese nombre es atractivo, como tu! Definitivamente podría imaginar a una Victoria segura detrás de este mostrador.” (Is it something exotic? Maybe Sofia or Isabella? Or how about Victoria? That name is hot, just like you. I could definitely see a confident Victoria behind this counter.)

She smirked, clearly enjoying the game. “Vamos, solo dame una pista. No seas tímida, prometo que no muerdo… a menos que tú quieras.” (Come on, just give me a hint. Don’t be shy,I promise I won’t bite… unless you want me to.)

As you sensed your patience slipping and longed for her to leave, you decided that revealing your name might prompt her to finally walk away.

“Y/N” you replied coolly, your voice polite but distant.

“Un placer, Y/N,” Alexia continued, clearly undeterred by your indifference. She leaned casually on the counter, her eyes following the movements of your hands as you arranged the flowers. “Sabes, tienes un gran talento con las flores” (Nice to meet you, Y/N. You know, you have a real talent with flowers)

You maintained a neutral expression, knowing precisely what she was up to.

You were tired of smooth talkers who flirted just for fun, especially someone like Alexia, who probably thought she could seduce anyone effortlessly.

You had seen it all before—Mia’s father displayed the same cocky demeanor before he walked out on you when things became difficult.

Without looking up, you switched to English, fully aware that Alexia spoke it fluently. “I’m sure your girlfriend wouldn’t appreciate you flirting with someone else.”

Alexia’s smirk widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Ah, what a beautiful voice you have, Y/N,” she replied in flawless English, her thick accent making her cockiness even more apparent.

“But she’s not my girlfriend, don’t worry. Just a friend… we have a lot of fun together.” She winked at you, making it painfully clear what she meant.

You rolled your eyes and returned your attention to the flowers, hoping that ignoring her would make her go away.

But Alexia leaned closer, not giving up so easily. “You seem annoyed. I could help with that, you know,” she said, her voice low and suggestive.

You let out a huff, finally met her gaze. “You’re the one annoying me.”

Alexia chuckled, clearly enjoying this. “Feisty. I like it,” she said, leaning even closer, her grin widening mischievously.

The way her eyes sparkled with mischief made it hard to look away. “You know, people like you? They’re always incredible in bed,” she teased, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper that sent a shiver down your spine.

The tension in the air thickened, and you could feel your heart racing as you tried to maintain your composure in the face of her boldness.

You shot her a withering glare but stayed silent, determined not to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

You figured if you didn’t engage anymore, she would get bored and leave. Before she could say anything else, though, Laura called for her from the other side of the shop.

Alexia straightened up, glancing over at Laura before turning back to you with a smirk. “Don’t miss me too much. I’ll be right back,” she said, winking before sauntering off.

You watched as she made her way to Laura, wrapping her arms around her from behind, her lips brushing against the top of Laura’s head.

As if sensing your eyes on her, Alexia glanced back in your direction, sending you another wink, clearly relishing the game she was playing.

You rolled your eyes again, muttering under your breath as you flipped her off. Alexia just grinned, amused, before turning back to Laura.

Eventually, they returned to the counter to pay. Carmen chatted happily with them as they gathered their things, but your focus remained on your work, doing everything you could to ignore Alexia’s presence.

As they finish paying, Alexia turned to you one last time. “Adios, Y/N,” she said with a subtle wink. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You didn’t bother replying, just giving her a blank look as she left the shop, the bell chiming softly behind her.

Once they’re gone, Carmen walked over, an apologetic smile on her face. “I’m sorry, Y/N,” she said gently. “I left you alone with Alexia. She can be… intense.”

“Intense is an understatement,” you replied with a small laugh.

Carmen chuckled, shaking her head. “Yes, I know. She really enjoys the company of women, but I promise you she is a good person at heart. You just need to get to know her well.”

You raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Sure,” you muttered, not believing a word of it.

——

“Mommy!” Your daughter’s voice rang out the moment you walked through the door of your apartment, home from work.

“Hi, baby! I missed you so much” you said, scooping her up and enveloping her in a tight hug, covering her face with kisses.

“I missed you too!” she giggled, her small arms clinging to you.

You gently set her down and handed her the single flower you brought home. It was a ritual by now—bringing her a different flower once a week because she absolutely adored them.

“Ooh, this one is so beautiful! Thank you, Mommy,” she exclaimed, planting a kiss on your cheek before rushing off to her room, likely to add her new flower to the others.

“Muchísimas gracias, María,” you said, turning to María, Mia’s babysitter, who had helped you since you arrived in Barcelona. You handed her a small envelope with money.

“You’re welcome, Y/N. I love taking care of her. Es una niña maravillosa,” María responded warmly, her smile genuine.

María had babysat Mia since your move to Barcelona. Mia hadn’t started school yet; she was still working on her Spanish. María had been instrumental in helping her with that.

“Mia, come say goodbye to María, please,” you called out.

Mia came running, her face lighting up as she threw herself into María’s arms and planted a kiss on her cheek.

“Adiós, María,” she said in sweet, accented Spanish.

“Adiós, Mia. Hasta mañana,” María replied, giving her a final hug before turning to you. “Adiós,” she said, and you echoed her goodbye as she left.

After dinner, Mia begged you to let her watch the Barcelona match. You rolled your eyes internally at the thought of seeing Alexia.

Now, you settled in front of the TV with Mia snuggled next to you, both of you watching the match. Mia practically vibrated with excitement.

When Alexia scored a goal, Mia leaped up from the couch, clapping her hands and cheering loudly. “Did you see that, Mommy? It was amazing!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she mimicked Alexia’s celebration, kissing her shirt just as Alexia did on the screen.

“Yes, I saw that,” you said, forcing a smile, though your heart wasn’t in it. You couldn’t ignore the pang of frustration seeing how deeply Mia admired Alexia.

“I want to be just like her when I grow up,” Mia declared, her gaze fixed intently on the TV. Her little hands raised, as if she celebrated her own goal.

“Eww, no,” you said without thinking, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

“Why not?” Mia asked, her voice quivering slightly. “I want to be a great player like Alexia. You don’t think I can be?”

“Shit, Y/N, think before you speak!” you mentally scolded yourself, realizing how your spontaneous reaction might have hurt her feelings.

Your heart softened as you saw the earnestness in her eyes.

“Of course you can be a great player,” you said, lifting Mia onto your lap and kissing her forehead.

“Even better than Alexia. But remember, you don’t have to be like her. You can be yourself and still be amazing.”

“Yes! I can be better!” she exclaimed, her spirits lifted. She turned back to the TV, still nestled in your arms, eyes glued to the game.

As you watched the match, you couldn’t help but feel conflicted. You understood that Alexia’s skill on the field earned her immense admiration and a place in Mia’s heart.

Still, you struggled with how to reconcile your daughter’s adoration for someone whose reputation was so at odds with your own values.

——

“Hola, guapa. I missed you since yesterday,” you heard Alexia’s voice, dripping with her signature cockiness, as you arranged some flowers in a pot.

Surprised, you spun around to find her standing right behind you. With Carmen out for her dentist appointment, it was just you and Alexia. You let out a frustrated sigh.

You tried to ignore her, focusing intently on your task.

“Hey, didn’t I tell you it’s rude to ignore people, especially client” Alexia teased, her tone almost mocking. “I might have to tell Carmen about this.”

“You’re not a client, just a nuisance,” you replied curtly, heading towards the counter.

Alexia followed, leaning casually against the counter with her elbow propped up and her head resting on her hand, her gaze fixed on you.

“Oh, me encanta cuando las mujeres se hacen las difíciles. Es un gran excitante” (Oh, I love it when women play hard to get. It’s such a turn-on.)

“I’m not trying to play hard to get; I’m honestly just not interested,” you replied, beginning to trim some rose thorns with a flower cutter.

Alexia’s smirk widened. “Oh, really? Who isn’t interested in me? Me has visto? (Have you seen me?)”

You glanced her up and down, unimpressed. “Yes, I see you and there’s not much to see,” you retorted, though you couldn’t deny she was stunning.

“Por favor, amor, you and I both know you’re lying,” she said with a smirk, clearly enjoying the game.

She continued, “You know, last night I had a match.” You merely hummed in response, your disinterest clear as you kept working.

“Did you watch it?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of pride.

You made a face of mild disgust before lying, “No.”

“What a shame,” she said with a self-satisfied grin. “We won, and I even scored a goal. I did it just for you,” she added, her tone dripping with confidence and a touch of arrogance.

You couldn’t help but scoff at her boldness. “Is that your go-to line for every girl you want in your bed?” you asked, finally glancing up from the roses.

“Yep” she replied with a casual shrug, her playful smile never wavering.

You tried to ignore the way she was getting under your skin. “So, what do you want? Carmen won’t be here until this afternoon if you’re looking for her.”

Alexia’s eyes glinted with mischief. “I didn’t come for Carmen. I just wanted to see you. Echaba de menos tu actitud atrevida,” she said, her gaze lingering on you as she bit her lip. (I missed your feisty attitude.)

You aimed the flower cutter at her, attempting to emphasize your point. “Don’t make me use this on you.”

Alexia’s grin only grew wider. “Dios, you’re so incredibly hot when you’re all aggressive. It just makes me want you more.”

You chose to disregard her remark.

“I want to buy some flowers,” she finally said after a few seconds with a smirk.

“Well, look at that, you’re in a flower shop. Shocking, I know! Just pick whatever flowers you want, pay for them, and leave” you snapped, your patience wearing thin.

“Hey! No need to be rude,” she teased, crossing her arms as she sat on the counter. “Necesito un consejo.” (I need some advice.)

You gestured with your hand, urging her to continue.

“So, what type of flowers should I buy to say I’m sorry?” she inquired, her curiosity evident.

Seeing her sincerity, you decided to help. “You might consider blue hyacinths. They symbolize sincerity and deep apologies,” you suggested, guiding her to the flowers.

“Or you could go with red carnations. They symbolize both an apology and love,” you suggested, presenting her another option.

Alexia examined the flowers with an intensity that made you pause, her fingers gently grazing the petals as she considered her options.

Standing this close, the subtle hint of her perfume filled the air, and it was impossible not to be drawn in.

You found yourself watching her more than you should, noticing the way her long, blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light just right.

Her hazel eyes seemed brighter in the soft glow of the shop, framed by thick lashes that only added to her striking appearance.

She stood tall, her toned body moving with an effortless grace that commanded attention.

For a moment, you were caught off guard, realizing just how incredibly gorgeous she really was.

“Ugh, I can’t decide. Which one would be more fitting for ‘I’m sorry for fucking you, pushing you out of my bed, bruising you, and forcing you to leave half-naked because my sister was coming over? But hey, will you come back and have sex with me again?’” she said nonchalantly as you snapped out of your daze.

You stared at her in disbelief before finally saying, “The blue hyacinths,” and shoved the flowers into her chest as you walked away.

Alexia headed to the counter, pulling out her wallet. “Thank you. I hope she’ll love them. How much?” she asked, her smirk never fading.

You told her the total, and she paid, you expected her to leave but instead of leaving, she slipped around the counter, trapping you between her and the wall.

“What do you want now? Nuisance… I mean, clients aren’t supposed to be on this side of the counter,” you said sarcastically, meeting her gaze with defiance.

Alexia leaned closer, her breath warm against your ear. “I’ll get you in my bed one day. I saw the way you looked at me. Estás tan cerca de ceder.” (You’re so close to giving in.)

“The only time I’ll be in your bed is in your dreams,” you whispered back, maintaining your defiant tone.

Alexia’s smile was both wicked and confident. “I can’t wait to have you in my bed, even if it’s just in my wildest dreams,” she said before turning to leave.

She paused at the door, glancing back with a sly smile. “I don’t give up easily,” she added before walking out.

You watched her leave, a mix of frustration and unwanted attraction coursing through you.

——

The next morning, you saw Alexia back in the shop, but this time, thankfully, Carmen was also there.

As you stepped out of the back room, you noticed Alexia accompanied by a different woman, not Laura, whom you had previously met.

You assumed it was the woman Alexia needed to apologize to for, as she had eloquently put it yesterday, “fucking her, pushing her out of her bed, bruising her, and forcing her to leave half-naked.”

You arranged flowers on display, giving Alexia and her companion a brief, polite greeting before heading to the other side of the shop.

While bending over to adjust some flowers, you heard Alexia’s unmistakable voice. “Hmm, me encanta ver a las mujeres inclinarse así. Es mi posición favorita.” (Hmm, I love watching women bend over like that. It’s my favorite position.)

You straightened up immediately, shooting her a sharp look as she smirked at you.

“I see the flowers worked,” you said, gesturing towards the woman with her.

“Oh, that’s not her! But yes, they worked,” Alexia replied with a self-satisfied smirk.

“I just wanted to thank you. Gracias a ti, tuve una noche increíble,” she added with a playful wiggle of her eyebrows. You rolled your eyes and turned away from her. (Thanks to you, I had an amazing night.)

Later, as you and Carmen worked at the register, Alexia and her girl of the day approached, carrying a bouquet of flowers.

“Oh, ¡buena elección! Las rosas rojas siempre son una gran opción,” Carmen commented enthusiastically, and the women thanked her. (Oh, good choice! Red roses are always a great option.)

Alexia’s arm was draped casually around her current girl’s shoulders, a gesture of intimacy that was impossible to ignore.

As she retrieved her wallet from her handbag, she handed Carmen a generous tip along with the payment for the flowers.

“Espera por tu cambio; no hay suficiente en la caja. Estaré en la trastienda.” Carmen said, her voice fading as she headed off behind the door. (Hold on for your change; there’s not enough in the register. I’ll be in the back room)

With Carmen out of sight, Alexia shifted her attention back to the girl, her lips curling into a playful smirk.

She slid her hand around the woman’s neck, her touch both firm and tender. Alexia leaned in slowly, her movements deliberate and sensuous.

She pressed her lips against the girl, allowing the kiss to deepen, lingering longer than what would typically be considered casual.

Their lips pressed together softly, creating a moment that felt as though time had stopped. Throughout the kiss, her eyes stayed fixed on yours, a playful smirk tugging at her lips as if she were challenging you to respond. When you grimaced in disgust, she playfully winked at you.

Alexia’s fingers traced the curve of the woman’s neck, her touch light yet possessive, adding an intimate layer to the kiss. You could see the subtle flicker of her tongue against her date’s lips, a teasing invitation that amplified the heat of the moment.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly reveling in the show she was putting on just for you, a daring glint that suggested she knew exactly the effect she was having.

With each passing second, the kiss felt more like a challenge, a bold statement of her confidence and allure, designed to provoke a response from you.

As Carmen’s footsteps echoed closer, Alexia slowly pulled away, a satisfied grin spreading across her face.

She tantalizingly licked her lips, relishing the taste, before delicately wiping away the remnants of lipstick left by the girl with her thumb.

Turning to you, her expression radiated a playful blend of mischief and confidence, as if she was fully aware of the effect she had just created.

Her gaze was unwavering, her eyes twinkling with amusement and a touch of challenge. You met her stare, trying to keep your composure despite the palpable tension that filled the air.

You narrowed your eyes at her, feeling the heat of the moment as you struggled to maintain your professional demeanor amidst the charged atmosphere created by Alexia’s brazen flirtation.

“Carmen, ¿podrías arreglar que estas flores se entreguen en mi casa mañana por la mañana?” Alexia asked sweetly, her gaze flickering to you with an almost imperceptible, suggestive glint. (Carmen, could you arrange for some flowers to be delivered to my house tomorrow morning?)

“Sí, por supuesto. Y/N, ¿podrías encargarte de la entrega?” Carmen asked you with a gentle smile. (Yes, of course. Y/N, would you be able to handle the delivery?)

You forced a polite smile and nodded. “Of course,” you replied, feeling Alexia’s gaze linger on you. She beamed, giving you a subtle, mischievous wink that made your heart skip a beat.

“¡Genial! Entonces, Carmen, te enviaré un mensaje con los detalles más tarde, ¿está bien?” Alexia said, her tone almost triumphant as she looked at Carmen. (Great! Then, Carmen, I’ll send you a message with the details later, okay?)

“¡Claro!” Carmen replied warmly, handing back the flowers and Alexia’s credit card. (Of course.)

“Nos vemos mañana,” Alexia said with a lingering, teasing smile, blowing you a kiss before turning to leave. Her smile promised more than just a casual encounter. (See you tomorrow.)

Carmen watched Alexia walk away, her gaze lingering on her for a moment before she turned to you with a knowing grin.

The look on her face said it all; she had clearly noticed the kiss Alexia had blown your way, and it was impossible to miss the amusement dancing in her eyes.

“Please, don’t,” you said, shaking your head as you walked away, hearing Carmen’s amused chuckle behind you.

——

“Mommy?” Your daughter’s voice piped up during dinner, catching your attention.

“Yes, darling?” You looked up from your meal, focusing on her earnest face.

“One day, can I come to your work with you? I really want to see the pretty flowers,” she asked, her large eyes full of hope and excitement.

“I’ll have to ask Carmen about that first,” you said, and her eyes lit up with a bright smile.

“So that means it’s a yes, right? Because Carmen loves me so much. She always tells me she loves me,” she said, her grin widening as she swung her legs under the table.

“Of course, Carmen adores you. It’s impossible not to with how adorable you are,” you said, reaching over to gently squeeze her cheek. You planted a series of soft, playful kisses on her cheek, making her giggle uncontrollably.

——

“Alright, it’s here,” you muttered to yourself as you arrived at Alexia’s apartment with her flower delivery.

She had ordered three large bouquets—two of red roses and one of white roses.

You knocked on the door, the sound echoing softly in the quiet hallway, but there was no answer.

You waited, glancing at your watch, the seconds ticking by as anticipation turned into impatience. After several minutes, you tried again, this time rapping more insistently, your knuckles striking the wood with a bit more force. Still, there was only silence, amplifying your growing frustration.

Determined to be heard, you took a deep breath and stepped back slightly, gathering your resolve. With a final, resolute knock, you let your palm strike the door firmly, the sound resonating like a challenge.

After a few more seconds, Alexia finally opened the door, looking slightly breathless and dressed only in a sports bra and shorts.

“Hola, guapa. Sorry for the wait, I was… busy. Please, come in,” she said with an inviting smile, opening the door wider as you stepped inside.

“Here. You can put them on the kitchen table,” she gestured to a white table.

“Were you working out?” you asked, noting her sweaty appearance and minimal attire.

She smirked, her confidence barely contained. “You could say that. Just working on my cardio.”

You couldn’t help but let your gaze linger on her defined abs, each muscle sculpted with precision, a testament to her dedication.

The tattooed elegance of her back drew you in further, intricate designs that seemed to tell a story of their own.

She was breathtaking, a vision of physical perfection that left you momentarily speechless, your admiration almost palpable in the air between you.

Your admiration was interrupted by the sound of voices. Turning around, you saw two tall, blonde, and impossibly beautiful women emerging from a room. They looked like they could be models.

“Damas,” Alexia said, her voice dripping with satisfaction, “tuve una noche and mañana increíble con ambas” as she handed them the red rose bouquets. (Ladies,I had an amazing night and morning with both of you)

The women cooed with delight as they received the vibrant roses, each leaning in to plant affectionate kisses on Alexia’s cheeks. Alexia beamed, clearly enjoying the attention and returning their affection with playful smiles.

Alexia escorted them to the door, playfully patting their backs and giving one of the girls a cheeky slap on the backside.

As they turned to leave, she pulled one of them in for a quick kiss on the lips, her expression teasing as their mouths met for a fleeting moment.

The girl’s surprise turned into a delighted smile, and they shared a soft laugh before the pair stepped out, leaving Alexia with a satisfied grin on her face.

You couldn’t help but cringe at the display, irritation bubbling up inside you.

Once Alexia closed the door, she turned back to you with a smug, challenging grin.

“Can you please pay so I can get back to work?” you said, trying to keep your tone steady but feeling your frustration simmering.

“Yes, of course, but first I have a gift for you” Alexia replied,she walked over to the kitchen table, picked up the bouquet of white roses, and handed them to you with an almost mocking flourish.

You raised an eyebrow, feeling a surge of annoyance. “I don’t want it,” you said flatly.

Alexia’s smirk didn’t waver. “Claro. Simplemente se lo daré a la chica con la que estoy saliendo esta noche.” (Fine. I’ll just give it to the girl I’m seeing tonight.)

“Yeah, do that. Now, please pay,” you insisted, your patience wearing thin.

“Don’t you want to relax a bit? There’s a couch over there, or maybe something more comfortable—like my bed?” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

“That’s why you wanted the flowers delivered? To lure me into your bed?” you snapped, your anger boiling over.

“Maybe,” she said, her tone smug and unrepentant, and that was the breaking point.

“So, you had me deliver these flowers, made me wait outside while you entertained two women, and now you think a bouquet of roses will bribe me into bed?” you shot back, your voice escalating with every syllable.

“Exactly,” she said, her demeanor unshaken. “I wanted to show you that I can have anyone I want. I just had an incredible night with two women. No one can resist me, so why do you?”

You were fuming, your words coming out sharp and hurtful.

“Listen closely, Alexia, because I’m only going to say this once. I would never date someone like you. You’re selfish, arrogant, and unbearably overconfident. You think no one can resist you because of your looks or your celebrity status, but that’s a mistake. People are drawn to the idea of being with a celebrity, not to you as a person. They use you just as you use them. You’re nothing more than a lonely woman who sleeps around because you lack meaningful connections. Your allure may attract attention, but it’s clear you have no real relationships. You’re just filling a void, and that’s not something I’d ever want to be a part of. You.are.pathetic.” You locked eyes with her, every word stinging. “Stay away from me. Don’t talk to me again.”

Alexia’s expression shifted from smug to shocked, her face falling. Her eyes glistened with hurt as she stared at the floor. “Um…okay… voy a buscar mi billetera. Vuelvo enseguida.” she murmured, her voice trembling slightly as she turned away quickly. (I’m just going to get my wallet. I’ll be right back)

As you watched Alexia turn away, a pang of regret began to sink in. You realized that your outburst might have been fueled more by your unresolved feelings about your ex than by anything Alexia had done.

Her confident demeanor, bold attitude, and apparent inability to form genuine connections hit a nerve, resurfacing your past frustrations.

You could see how your words might have been more a reflection of your own pain and disillusionment than a fair judgment of her.

Even though some of what you said was truthful, the intensity of your anger revealed how deeply you were affected by your own experiences.

Alexia returned with the payment, handing it to you with a subdued “You can keep the change.” Her voice was soft, her usual confidence replaced by a vulnerable quietness.

You took the money, nodding curtly. Without another word, you turned and left her apartment, heading back to the flower shop with a heavy heart.

——

For three days, Alexia hadn’t shown up to the store, and the gnawing guilt was becoming harder to ignore. You tried not to dwell on it, but it lingered in the back of your mind.

The shop felt quieter without her presence, and the longer the silence stretched, the more you felt the weight of your actions. You knew it wasn’t just a coincidence—your outburst had driven her away.

Carmen noticed it too. On the third day, as the two of you were arranging flowers for a new display, she finally spoke up.

“Has Alexia said anything to you?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of worry.

You shook your head, not wanting to meet her eyes. “No… Why?”

“It’s just strange, isn’t it? Alexia not coming by for this long, especially when she’s still in Barcelona. It’s… odd,” she said, glancing at you carefully as you nodded.

“Did something happen?” Carmen asked softly, her voice more knowing than questioning.

At first, you tried to brush it off. “Nothing happened,” you mumbled, but Carmen raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. You sighed, knowing there was no point in lying.

“Alright… something did happen,” you admitted, setting the flowers down. Carmen leaned in slightly, her attention fully on you.

“She’s been… acting a certain way ever since I met her. You know, making these dirty jokes, flirting nonstop, doing things to get a reaction out of me.” You hesitated, unsure if you should tell her the rest, but Carmen waited patiently.

“She—uh—made out with someone in front of me while staring right at me,” you continued, feeling the irritation rise again as you remembered that morning.

“But it wasn’t just that. When I went to her apartment to deliver the flowers, she made me wait outside while she was… occupied with them. Then she handed me those ridiculous roses, trying to sweet-talk me into sleeping with her.” The words came rushing out now. “That’s when I lost it.”

Carmen looked shocked, her brows furrowing in surprise. “And what did you say?”

You hesitated again, but Carmen gave you an encouraging nod, so you told her the whole truth. “I basically told her she was selfish, cocky, and overconfident. That people only used her because she’s a celebrity, and she’s just a lonely woman who sleeps around because she has no real connections and that she’s pathetic.” As the words came out, you cringed, realizing just how harsh they had been.

Carmen stared at you for a moment, processing everything. Then, she let out a soft sigh, shaking her head.

“Wow… that’s… a lot,” she said slowly. “I understand why you blew up, honestly, with how she was acting. Alexia can be… well, a little much. But those words?” Carmen hesitated, glancing at you sympathetically. “I think they might’ve hurt her more than you realize.”

You scoffed lightly, though not out of amusement. “Hurt her? Carmen, she was literally flaunting two women in my face like it was some kind of power move.”

“I know, I know,” Carmen replied gently, “and that’s exactly why I think she was hurt. Look, Alexia may put on this big, confident show, but I’ve known her for a while. Underneath all of that, she’s a lot more sensitive than she lets on.”

You frowned, processing Carmen’s words. “She didn’t seem too sensitive when she was throwing those women in my face.”

“She’s hiding behind it,” Carmen said, shrugging slightly. “People act like that when they’re trying to protect themselves. Not saying it excuses her behavior, but it explains it. She’s not used to people seeing past the surface.”

You slumped against the counter, feeling torn between your anger and guilt. “I don’t know… maybe I took it too far. She just reminded me so much of my ex. It’s like I wasn’t just yelling at her, but at him too.”

Carmen smiled softly, her eyes warm with understanding. “Ah, now we’re getting somewhere. Look, I get it. Sometimes old wounds can make us lash out at the wrong people. Alexia just happened to push the wrong buttons.”

You sighed heavily, running a hand through your hair. “What should I do? I can’t just pretend nothing happened.”

Carmen chuckled softly, patting your shoulder. “I’d say maybe you owe her a conversation. But don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re both adults, and you’ll figure it out. Trust me, Alexia’s tough, but she’s not as unbreakable as she pretends to be.”

She gave you a playful nudge and added with a smirk, “Besides, you know what they say about love and hate, right? Sometimes they’re closer than you think.”

You rolled your eyes at Carmen’s teasing, but deep down, her words gave you a lot to think about.

——

Two days after your conversation with Carmen, Alexia finally made her reappearance.

You were busy assisting a couple of clients when, out of the corner of your eye, you noticed her walk into the shop.

She carried a bouquet of flowers in her hand, more specifically blue hyacinths.

The air felt heavier with her presence, but at the same time, the absence of the usual playful energy she brought with her was unmistakable.

The store had felt quieter without her, and the weight of the silence between you two was something you could no longer ignore.

You had driven her away. That much was clear.

You noticed her standing by the counter, her eyes fixed on you.

There was none of her usual cocky confidence. Her posture was more reserved, even hesitant. When you finished with the clients and they finally left, it was just the two of you in the shop, the tension thick in the air.

She took a step closer, her movements slower than usual. “Hola, guapa,” she greeted softly, her voice noticeably different.

Gone was the teasing arrogance you had grown accustomed to. Instead, it was quiet, almost vulnerable.

“Hola,” you replied, matching her tone. You weren’t sure what to expect from her, but this... this wasn’t it.

She handed you the bouquet—blue hyacinths. The flowers of apology. Alexia had remembered. “These are for you. I... I wanted to apologize for how I acted. What I did was wrong, and I’m really sorry,” she said, holding your gaze, her eyes filled with sincerity.

You took the flowers, their fragrance soft and delicate, but their meaning hit you harder. “Thank you, Alexia. I, um, I need to apologize too. My words that day were... I shouldn’t have said all of that. I was just really angry and—” You began to ramble, but Alexia gently interrupted you.

“No, don’t apologize,” she said, shaking her head. “You had every right to be upset. I made you wait, wasted your time, and I... pushed you too far. I’ve been making things difficult for you since day one. Te volví loca, aunque no exactamente de la manera en que esperaba” she added with a light laugh, trying to keep things casual. But as soon as the words left her lips, she grimaced, regretting the joke. (I made you crazy, though not exactly the way I hoped)

Before she could apologize for that too, you smiled—a small, genuine smile.

Alexia froze for a second, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What?” you asked, confused by her reaction.

“You smiled,” she repeated softly, her voice a mixture of awe and surprise.

You raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“You never smile. Well... not at me, anyway. So, yeah, I’m kind of shocked right now,” she said, as if it was the most mind-blowing revelation she’d ever had.

You couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh my god, Alexia, you’re ridiculous.”

But Alexia’s expression softened even more, her eyes full of warmth as she watched you laugh. “And now you’re laughing too? Wow, a smile and a laugh in the same conversation? I must be the luckiest person alive,” she said, playfully over-exaggerating her excitement.

“You’re being ridiculous,” you said again, though your heart wasn’t in it. Instead, you were secretly touched by her joy over such a small thing.

You brought the bouquet to your nose, inhaling the sweet fragrance as you studied her face.

Alexia’s gaze softened even further. “You have a beautiful smile, you know that?” she said quietly, the sincerity in her words catching you off guard.

You felt your cheeks warm under her compliment, and you quickly shook your head. “Alright, let’s not push your luck,” you said, still smiling despite yourself.

Alexia’s initial tension seemed to dissipate at your response, and she paused for a moment, gauging your expression before asking, “So… do you forgive me?”

You pretended to consider it, watching the subtle anxiety creep back into her expression. Finally, you nodded. I forgive you.”

A noticeable wave of relief swept over her, and she couldn’t help but pump her fist in triumph. “Yes!” she whispered excitedly, her happiness almost infectious.

She then extended her hand to you, a playful glint in her eye. “Since I’m forgiven, I think we should start over. Clean slate, yeah?”

You blinked, surprised at her gesture, but after a brief moment, you took her hand in yours. Her grip was firm but gentle, her skin warm and soft. “Alright,” you agreed, amused by the formality of it all. “I’m Y/N, nice to meet you.”

“I’m Alexia,” she said with a grin, shaking your hand like it was the first time you’d ever met. “Nice to meet you, Y/N.”

The absurdity of the moment made you both smile. It was corny, yes, but endearing in a way you hadn’t expected.

For a brief second, as you shook hands, you found yourself getting lost in her hazel eyes. There was a softness there, a vulnerability you hadn’t seen before.

She wasn’t just the flirtatious, cocky woman you had met. She was... more. And for the first time, you found yourself truly seeing her.

Before anything could be said, the sound of Carmen entering the shop snapped you both back to reality.

You quickly let go of Alexia’s hand, almost like you had been caught doing something you shouldn’t have.

“¡Aahh, Alexia! ¡Estás de vuelta!”Carmen exclaimed, pulling Alexia into a warm hug. (Aahh, Alexia! You’re back!)

Alexia returned the embrace, though she shot you a sheepish smile over Carmen’s shoulder. When they broke apart, Carmen affectionately pinched Alexia’s cheek before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Ya era hora, niña. La tienda ha estado demasiado tranquila sin ti causando problemas.” (It’s about time, niña. The shop has been too quiet without you stirring up trouble.)

Carmen’s eyes flicked to the flowers in your hand, and she raised an eyebrow at Alexia. “Hmm, jacintos azules. Buena elección.” she remarked, giving Alexia a playful pat on the back before disappearing into the back room. (Hmm, blue hyacinths. Good choice)

Alexia laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. You smirked at her, your eyebrow raised. “So... did you cheat on us and go to another flower shop to buy these?”

Alexia’s laugh was light as she shook her head. “No way. I bought them here, I swear. You just were not there. I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a cheater,” she joked, her voice playful yet sincere.

For some reason, you believed her. As flirtatious and free-spirited as she was, Alexia didn’t seem like the type who would betray someone’s trust. That thought settled something inside you.

You found yourself smiling again as you looked at her, the distance between you both feeling much smaller now.

——

From that point on, your dynamic with Alexia changed. Although her flirting remained, it lost some of its cockiness and overconfidence, taking on a softer and kinder tone.

Instead of irritation, you found yourself laughing more often. Carmen was right; Alexia had the capacity to be genuinely sweet when she wanted to be.

Also even though you were getting along better with Alexia now, you never brought up your daughter. You felt it was best to keep that part of your life separate.

If your daughter found out you were in daily contact with her idol, she would undoubtedly beg to join you. Plus, despite Alexia’s more tolerable demeanor, you still wouldn’t want your daughter around her.

Alexia’s routine of dating a new girl every day didn’t change, but each time you caught sight of her with someone new or flirting, a strange sensation churned in your stomach.

One day at the store, it was just you and Alexia. She was recounting her morning training session, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.

At one point, you found yourself sharing a particularly intriguing story from your life with Alexia.

You animatedly recounted the details, your excitement palpable as you described the events that had unfolded.

Alexia listened intently, her eyes sparkling with interest, occasionally interjecting with questions or teasing remarks that made you laugh.

The way she engaged with your story made you feel valued and appreciated, until the door swung open and a strikingly tall brunette entered the store.

Alexia’s gaze snapped away from you, her head turning to follow the woman’s entrance. She was instantly fixated, her attention now fully captured by the newcomer.

The woman greeted you both, her eyes lingering a moment longer on Alexia with a hint of admiration.

Noticing that Alexia had shifted her focus, seemingly captivated by the newcomer, you let out a resigned sigh and paused your story, feeling the weight of the interruption.

It was frustrating to see your words fall on deaf ears as the dynamic between you shifted once again, leaving you feeling momentarily sidelined.

You went back to your task, meticulously trimming the thorns off the roses. As you worked, you could feel the shift in the atmosphere. Alexia’s gaze was fixated on the woman, her eyes practically drinking in every detail, utterly captivated and oblivious to the fact that you had stopped your story.

You walked out from behind the counter to put the roses on display, and only then did Alexia seem to realize you were still there.

“Ay, Y/N, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. Please, tell me the end of your story,” she said, following you with an apologetic look.

You sighed, trying to downplay your irritation. The shift in Alexia’s focus from you to the beautiful woman stung more than you expected. “It’s okay. You can go talk to her,” you said, avoiding eye contact.

Alexia hesitated, clearly feeling guilty. “No, really, I want to hear the end of your story,” she insisted, her gaze flickering back to the woman who was still eyeing her.

Were you jealous? Of course not. You had been through similar situations before and were determined not to fall into the same trap. Protecting your heart was crucial.

Despite enjoying Alexia’s company lately, you felt it was wiser to keep things minimal and friendly, especially with the feelings you were grappling with.

“No, it’s fine. Go talk to her,” you said, walking away.

Alexia, although still feeling bad, couldn’t resist and moved toward the woman.

From your position at the register, you watched as Alexia approached her with a wide smile. You saw them chatting, smiling, and occasionally touching each other’s arms. Each gesture twisted your stomach with unease.

Eventually, as you were counting the register’s money, Alexia and the woman came back to you. The woman greeted you again, and you felt Alexia’s eyes on you, but you focused on the woman instead.

“Eso será 12 euros, por favor.” you told her. Before she could reach for her wallet, Alexia placed her hand over the woman’s, stopping her. (That will be 12 euros, please)

“Está bien, cariño. Yo lo tengo.” Alexia said, her smile gentle as she handed you the money. The woman thanked Alexia with a kiss on the cheek, making you roll your eyes mentally. (It’s okay, cariño. I’ve got it)

You accepted the money and gave Alexia her change, avoiding her attempts at eye contact.

The woman thanked you and prepared to leave but then turned back to Alexia, waiting for her to followed her.

“¿Podrías esperar afuera unos minutos? Saldré en seguida.” Alexia asked, smiling. The girl nodded before walking out of the store and waiting outside. (Could you wait outside for a few minutes? I’ll be right out)

Alexia turned back to you, remaining silent. You looked up. “What?” you asked, confused.

“What’s the end of your story?” Alexia asked, clearly eager to know how it concluded.

You sighed. “Alexia, the girl’s waiting for you,” you said, not looking at her.

“But I want to know the end!” she said, almost pleading, her tone earnest and insistent.

“Well, you would have known if you had been listening in the first place,” you replied, your voice carrying a note of frustration.

Alexia fell silent for a moment. “I’m really sorry, I just got… distracted,” she said, her gaze drifting toward the glass door where the woman was waiting.

“Yeah, I know,” you said flatly. Alexia remained silent, and your patience wore thin. “Alexia, can you go now? The girl’s waiting, and I have a lot of work to do,” you said, exasperated.

Alexia bit her lip, looking at you as if you had done something cruel. “Yes, I’ll go. I’m sorry,” she said.

She walked toward the front door, glancing back one last time before leaving.

Once she was gone, you let out a deep breath. Damn it, you were jealous that Alexia was going out with another woman.

This couldn’t be happening.

——

“Absolutely, Mia can come to the store!” Carmen responded, her voice full of warmth and enthusiasm after you mentioned the possibility of Mia joining you at work.

“Thank you so much, Carmen! She’s going to be ecstatic. She’s been asking me nonstop about it,” you said, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders.

And that was the truth—Mia had been relentless, pestering you every day with the same question. You’d been avoiding giving her a straight answer, constantly making excuses.

Mostly because of Alexia, who also frequented the store daily, and you knew it was only a matter of time before the two crossed paths.

As you and Carmen continued chatting, Alexia walked into the store, just as she always did. She approached Carmen first, who was standing closer, greeting her with a soft “Hola” and two kisses on the cheek, as was her custom.

Then, something unexpected happened. Alexia moved toward you, her eyes locking onto yours, and for the first time, she greeted you the same way, leaning in to give you two kisses on the cheek.

She had never done this before—usually, it was just a simple “Hola guapa” paired with her usual soft smile.

“Hola guapa,” she said, her familiar words bringing a sense of comfort despite the surprise.

“Hola,” you responded, managing a smile, feeling the last remnants of nerves from yesterday dissolve the closer she got. She was standing so near to you, her height forcing you to slightly tilt your head up to meet her gaze.

“How are you?” she asked softly, her voice holding a gentleness that made your heart skip for a moment.

“I’m good, and you?” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. You hated to admit it, but having her so close made you feel something—safe, but also a little flustered.

“I’m great,” she said, pressing her lips together as an awkward silence started to settle between the two of you. You shifted slightly, unsure of what to say next.

Finally, you broke the silence. “Did you have fun with that girl last night?” you asked, a teasing smile tugging at your lips, hoping to lighten the mood.

Alexia’s smile faltered for a split second, and she hesitated before answering, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Um... no.”

Her answer took you by surprise, and you furrowed your brow in confusion. “No?” you repeated, not expecting that.

“No,” she said again, this time more firmly but still quiet. Her eyes flickered with something—guilt, maybe? You weren’t sure.

“Did you find someone better then?” you joked, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk, trying to coax her back into her usual lighthearted mood.

But instead of laughing, her expression grew more serious. “No,” she whispered, and this time, her voice carried a weight that made you pause. “Actually... I felt really guilty about what happened yesterday.”

You blinked, caught off guard by her sudden shift in tone. “Guilty?” you repeated, the word hanging in the air between you two.

Alexia nodded, her gaze dropping momentarily before she looked back up at you, her eyes soft and sincere. “About..you know..ignoring you yesterday,” she said gently. “I was out of line. I let myself get carried away,I let my... urges take over,” she continued, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m really sorry. I know it probably hurt you, and that was never my intention.”

You stood there, processing her words, feeling the sincerity behind them. She wasn’t just apologizing; she was genuinely remorseful. You could see it in the way her eyes softened, the way her voice lowered with each sentence.

But despite her heartfelt apology, you hesitated. You weren’t sure if you could just forgive her so easily, not this time. It wasn’t the first time Alexia had done something impulsive, and you didn’t want to keep brushing it off like it was nothing.

“Alexia...” you started, unsure of how to continue. You bit your lip, avoiding her gaze for a moment, trying to gather your thoughts.

She took a small step closer, her expression pleading now. “Please, Y/N, I’m really sorry,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I wasn’t thinking straight. You know me, sometimes I just act without thinking, but I would never want to hurt you.”

You sighed, crossing your arms as you weighed her words. “I get that, Alexia, but this isn’t the first time,” you said, meeting her eyes again. “You can’t keep doing things and expecting me to just... forgive you right away.”

She swallowed, her eyes glistening as if the weight of your words hit her hard. “I know... I know, and I hate that I keep messing things up between us. But please... this time, I mean it. I’ll be better. I promise.”

There was a long pause, both of you standing in the soft light of the store, the usual chatter and bustle around you fading into the background as you considered her words.

Finally, you sighed, shaking your head a little, feeling your resolve begin to waver. “It’s not that easy, Alexia. You can’t just say sorry and expect everything to be okay. I need to know you really mean it this time.”

“I do,” she insisted, her voice breaking slightly. “I swear to you, I’ll make it up to you. Just... give me one more chance, please.”

Another long pause. You could see the desperation in her eyes, the way her shoulders slumped slightly as if she was afraid you might walk away from her for good.

“Fine,” you finally said, though your voice was softer now. “But this is the last time, Alexia. I mean it. If you mess up again, that’s it. I won’t keep forgiving you.”

Alexia’s face lit up with a mix of relief and joy, and before you could react, she squealed and wrapped her arms around you, lifting you off the ground slightly. You let out a small squeal of surprise, not expecting her to hug you so tightly.

“Thank you, thank you!” she cried, setting you back down but not letting go just yet. “I swear, it’ll be the last time I do something stupid. I promise.”

You couldn’t help but smile, though you tried to hide it. “The last time, Alexia,” you warned, pointing a finger at her sternly.

She nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes, the last time,” she repeated, still grinning. Then she gave you a pleading look. “Now, will you finally finish the story you were telling me yesterday? I’ve been dying to hear the end.”

Just as you were about to answer, the door chimed and a few customers entered the store. Carmen shot you a knowing look, subtly signaling for your attention.

“Another time,” you said with a sigh, gently patting Alexia’s cheek before walking away. “Work calls.”

Alexia watched you go, her eyes following your every move, and a huge smile spread across her face. But as she stood there, a strange feeling stirred in her stomach. Something unfamiliar, something she couldn’t quite place.

She shook her head, brushing off the sensation as nothing more than hunger.

With a shrug, she pulled out her burner phone, scrolling through her contacts before texting one of the many girls in her phone, asking if they wanted to come over later.

——

“Are you excited to spend the day with Mommy?” you asked your daughter as you walked to the store one morning.

“Yes!” she cheered, bouncing with excitement.

A few days had passed since Alexia’s latest apology, but things had remained mostly the same.

She continued to visit the store every day, buying flowers for whichever woman she was with at the time.

Her flirtation remained gentle and tender, but something had shifted, though you couldn’t quite pinpoint what.

She frequently complimented your looks, outfits, and hairstyles, which you appreciated, even though it was rare for her to show this side of herself.

Despite this, she still made occasional risqué jokes about her various partners—and even you.

Two days ago, Alexia had been recounting a dinner she went to with friends and handed you her phone to show you pictures of the restaurant and the food. Unfortunately, she opened the “wrong album.”

You were shocked to see numerous pictures of naked women and you practically threw the phone back at her.

Alexia looked puzzled at your reaction but quickly masked it with a smirk as she glanced at her phone.

She began scrolling through the explicit pictures again, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Biting her lip, she seemed to savor the memories associated with each image, a mischievous gleam in her eyes as she relived the moments she had captured.

“This is my special album,” she said with a teasing bite of her lip. “When I’m traveling and feeling lonely in a hotel room, it’s nice to have some… interesting pictures to look at.”

You made a face of disgust.

She leaned in, smirking. “Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you’ve never sent or received pictures like these,” she teased, resting her chin on her hand as she propped her elbow on the counter.

“That’s none of your business,” you said, feeling your face flush.

“Oooh, you didn’t deny it, and your face is all red. You’ve definitely sent some,” she said with excitement.

With a cocky grin, she added, “I can’t wait to add yours to this album. It would make it so much more interesting…and beautiful.”

You looked at her in disgust and gently pushed her face away with your hand.

“In your dreams,” you said, smiling despite yourself.

“You know what they say: never give up on your dreams,” Alexia said smugly. “And you know me well enough to know that I never do. If I did, I wouldn’t be the best woman footballer in the world.”

You shook your head, amused.

“I can’t wait to see all the pretty flowers, Mommy!” Mia’s excitement was palpable as she bounced on her little feet, her eyes wide with anticipation. You looked down at her, your heart warmed by her enthusiasm.

You had chosen this particular day for Mia to accompany you, carefully planning to avoid a potential encounter with Alexia.

Alexia had informed you the day before that she would be away from the store due to a demanding schedule of training, interviews, and a photoshoot. You knew that if Mia were to see Alexia, she might freak out since she’s basically her hero.

While Alexia was known to be good with kids—something you’d observed in several videos—her frequent appearances with new partners and her tendency to be very touchy and affectionate in public could have made the situation awkward for Mia.

Your daughter’s inquisitive nature would surely lead to a barrage of questions, which you wanted to avoid.

“This time, I want to pick my flower of the week, Mommy, okay?” Mia asked, stretching her arms up towards you, signaling that she wanted to be picked up.

“Of course, sweetheart,” you responded with a soft smile, bending down to scoop her up. She nestled her head against your shoulder as you lifted her, her small arms wrapping around your neck.

You could feel the warmth of her little body and the soft rustle of her breath against your skin. Together, you made your way to the store, ready to enjoy a day filled with flowers and moments of bonding, free from the concerns that Alexia might brought.

——

“Mia, would you like to help me put the flowers in the pot?” Carmen’s voice was warm and inviting.

“Yes!” Mia responded immediately, her excitement evident as she bounded off with Carmen.

You couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm as they disappeared around the corner, heading towards the back of the store.

The morning had been smooth and joyful. Mia had been gleefully exploring the shop, sniffing flowers and marveling at their colors. There had been no tantrums—a welcome relief—and you’d promised her another outing if she continued to behave so well.

As you worked on arranging bouquets for display, the bell above the front door jingled, signaling a new customer.

Looking up, your heart nearly stopped when you saw Alexia walk in. But she wasn’t alone—she had her arm casually draped around another woman, a relaxed smile on her face.

“Hola, guapa,” Alexia greeted you, approaching the counter. She momentarily released the woman to give you a quick kiss on both cheeks before resuming her hold around the woman’s neck.

Panic flared in your chest. “What are you doing here?” you asked, trying to keep your tone calm but failing to mask the urgency. Your eyes darted towards the back of the store, hoping Mia was still preoccupied.

Alexia’s eyebrow arched, catching your unease. “Is that how you greet me now?” she teased with a playful smirk. “Oh, and this is Isabel,” she said, introducing the woman. “Isabel, esta es Y/N.” (Isabel, this is Y/N.)

You forced a polite smile at Isabel, offering a quick nod before turning back to Alexia. “You said you wouldn’t be here today. You said you will be busy all day.”

Alexia chuckled, clearly amused by your flustered state. “Plans changed. My photoshoot was canceled, so I thought I’d drop by and visit my two favorite flower girls.” She winked at you, trying to keep the gesture hidden from Isabel. “Where’s Carmen?”

Your heart raced. “She’s not here—she’s out on a delivery,” you lied quickly, hoping to get Alexia to leave. You were certain she would linger if she found out Carmen was still around.

Alexia gave you a curious look but shrugged. “Alright...”

“Right, well, it was nice seeing you, y Isabel, fue un placer conocerte. you said, trying to wrap things up. “I’m sure you have other plans.” (and Isabel, it was lovely meeting you)

Alexia’s eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. “You’re acting strange. Are you trying to kick us out?” she asked with a grin.

“No, no, it’s just... you know, I’m sure you both have things to do,” you replied, glancing over her shoulder towards the back of the store again.

Alexia’s smirk didn’t fade. “Yeah, we do,” she agreed, looked down at Isabel.

She gave Isabel’s shoulder a gentle squeeze before intertwining their fingers and gently kissing the crown of her head.

A pang of discomfort hit you at the sight, but before you could react further, the sound of Mia’s voice cut through the tension.

“Mommy!”

You closed your eyes briefly…you were so close.

When you opened them, Mia was rushing towards you, her small hands proudly holding a flower.

“Mommy, look!I found my flower of the week” Mia exclaimed, stopping right beside Alexia and Isabel, her face beaming with pride as she showed off her flower.

Everything seemed to slow down as Alexia’s gaze fell upon the tiny figure next to her. Her expression shifted dramatically from casual amusement to shock, her eyes widening and her mouth falling open.

It was as if she had been struck by a sudden realization.

Her voice was barely above a whisper when she spoke. “Mommy?” she repeated , her tone full of disbelief. “You have a daughter?” Her words were tinged with a mix of surprise and confusion, as if the idea of you having a child was completely foreign to her.

You nodded, feeling a lump in your throat.

Mia, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, suddenly shouted in recognition, “Alexia!” Her high-pitched voice echoed through the store as she threw herself at Alexia’s legs, hugging them tightly.

Alexia stood frozen, her shock palpable as she looked down at Mia clinging to her. Her usual composure was replaced by a look of utter bewilderment.

“I love you so much! You’re the best player in the whole world!” Mia declared, her tiny arms wrapped around Alexia’s legs.

Alexia’s expression softened at Mia’s affection. Though still stunned, there was a growing tenderness in her eyes.

Slowly, she reached down, placing her hand gently on the back of Mia’s head and stroking her hair. “Thank you,” she said softly, still grappling with the surprise.

You stepped in and carefully pried Mia away from Alexia’s legs, lifting her onto your hip.

Despite Mia’s tight grip, you managed to ease her into your arms, hoping to shield her from the awkwardness of the situation.

“Mommy, look, it’s Alexia! We see her on TV when she plays her games!” Mia said excitedly, pointing at Alexia, who remained visibly shaken.

Alexia’s gaze turned to you, her eyes searching for answers. The realization that you had kept such a significant part of your life from her was evident in the way she stared, her expression a mix of hurt and confusion.

“What’s your name, pequeña?” Alexia asked Mia gently, her disbelief still evident.

“Mia!” your daughter responded enthusiastically.

Alexia offered a strained smile. “Nice to meet you, Mia. I’m a friend of your mommy’s.”

Mia gasped and turned to you with wide eyes. “Mommy, you never told me Alexia was your friend!”

Alexia gave a quiet chuckle, though her gaze remained fixed on you. “Y ella tampoco me habló de ti.”she added in Spanish, her tone more serious now. The subtle accusation in her words was clear, despite her attempt at a smile. (And she never told me about you either)

Sensing the tension, Mia pointed to the intertwined hands of Alexia and Isabel. “Is that your girlfriend?” she asked innocently.

Your face flushed with embarrassment. “Mia...” you began, but Alexia merely laughed, her discomfort evident.

“Mia, it’s not polite to ask those questions,” you said gently but firmly.

“Sorry, Mommy... Sorry, Alexia,” Mia pouted, quickly shifting her focus to something else.

“Did you hurt yourself?” she asked Alexia with concern.

Alexia looked puzzled. “No, why?”

Mia pointed to her own neck. “You have a bruise here,” she said matter-of-factly.

Your heart sank as you noticed the hickey on Alexia’s neck. Her eyes widened, and she quickly covered it with her hand, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Oh, that? Yeah, I... got hurt playing,” Alexia mumbled, clearly flustered. Isabel, standing silently beside her, smirked at the scene.

You suspected Isabel might not understand the full context but clearly grasped what was happening right in this instance.

Mia nodded solemnly. “You need to be more careful, Alexia. Right, Mommy?”

You couldn’t help but smile at Mia’s concern, which mirrored your own words of caution. “Yes, sweetheart. Alexia needs to be more careful.”

Alexia met your gaze, understanding the underlying message. She gave a small nod, acknowledging the reprimand.

“You’re right, Mia. I’ll be more careful,” Alexia said, her tone softening as she pinched Mia’s cheek, eliciting a giggle from your daughter.

The moment of levity was short-lived as an uncomfortable silence settled over the group.

Mia, in her innocent way, suddenly blurted out, “Mommy says you’re hot!”

Your face flushed with embarrassment at Mia’s remark.

Alexia’s smirk widened, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, really?” she teased, clearly enjoying your discomfort.

While watching a game on TV with Mia the other day, you might have commented that Alexia looked "hot" when she appeared on screen, noting her sweaty, glistening skin, messy hair, and visible abs, completely forgetting that Mia was nearby and could hear you.

You felt your face grow even warmer. “Mia, that’s not... what I meant,” you stammered, but Mia continued, oblivious to the embarrassment she was causing.

“You said it when we were watching her game, Mommy. You said, ‘Oh my god, she’s so hot,’” Mia mimicked your tone perfectly, making you wish you could disappear.

Alexia’s smirk grew, clearly relishing the moment. “Well, I guess I should be flattered,” she said playfully, enjoying your discomfort.

“I meant... you were playing really well,” you said, trying to explain, but Alexia wasn’t letting it go easily.

“Oh, is that what you meant?” Alexia’s teasing tone only heightened your embarrassment.

Before you could respond, Mia added, “Mommy, does that mean Alexia needs to take her clothes off since she’s hot?”

You groaned inwardly, your face now burning with mortification. “Mia! No, that’s not what I meant at all,” you said, your voice rising as you struggled to regain control.

Alexia tried to stifle her laughter. “It’s okay, Mia. I’m fine just the way I am,” she said, winking at your daughter, which only added to your embarrassment.

Clearing your throat, you tried to redirect the conversation. “Alright, Mia, say goodbye to Alexia. She has things to do, and you need to get back to Carmen.”

Alexia’s brow furrowed. “So Carmen is here? Not on a delivery?” she asked, realizing you had lied.

“Yeah…” you admitted, and Alexia nodded, accepting it.

Mia reached out her arms towards Alexia, who looked at you for permission. You nodded, and Alexia took her in her arms.

Mia gave Alexia a warm farewell hug, her small arms encircling her. “Goodbye, Alexia. And goodbye Alexia’s girlfriend,” she added, waving at Isabel, who responded with a courteous smile.

You let out a sigh, reflecting on the unintended label Mia had given Isabel.

As Mia turned and ran back towards Carmen, Alexia’s expression shifted from playful to serious.

She turned to you, her eyes lingering with unspoken questions. “We’ll talk tomorrow, please come to my place, you know where it is” she said softly, the weight of her words evident in her tone.

You nodded, feeling the gravity of the conversation that awaited you. There was a lot left unsaid, especially now that Mia’s existence was no longer a secret.

As Alexia and Isabel left the store, you let out a long, weary sigh. You leaned against the counter, feeling emotionally drained from the unexpected turn of events.

Tomorrow’s conversation with Alexia loomed large, and you knew it would be a challenging discussion.

And, of course, you’d need to have a talk with Mia about the importance of boundaries—and perhaps a bit about discretion as well.

——

The next morning, you went to Alexia’s apartment with Mia. Since María had the day off and Carmen was visiting family, you had no choice but to bring Mia along.

When you mentioned the visit to Mia, she was thrilled and immediately insisted on wearing the Alexia jersey you’d bought her a few weeks prior. She put it on proudly, her excitement shining through.

When you reached Alexia’s door, you knelt down to Mia’s level. “Alright, Mia,” you started softly, “let’s remember to be on our best behavior today, okay?” Mia’s face brightened as she nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, Mommy, I’ll be good,” she promised, and you pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

With a blend of nerves and anticipation, you knocked on the door. The last time you’d been here, Alexia had been entertaining two other women, and things had ended on a sour note. You silently hoped this visit would take a better turn.

Alexia answered the door almost immediately, her face breaking into a warm smile. “Hola, guapa,” she greeted you, her tone soft and inviting. You returned the greeting with a smile, “Hola, Alexia.”

From beside you, Mia’s small voice piped up with an enthusiastic “Hola, Alexia,” and she waved excitedly.

Alexia’s smile widened as she crouched down to Mia’s level. “Hola, nena,” she said affectionately, taking Mia into her arms.

Mia wrapped her tiny arms around Alexia’s neck. When they separated, Mia proudly pointed to her shirt and said, “Look, Alexia, I’m wearing your shirt today!”

Alexia’s eyes twinkled with delight as she laughed softly. “Yes! That’s a fantastic choice,” she said, giving Mia a high-five, which Mia eagerly reciprocated.

You couldn’t help but smile at the heartwarming interaction between them.

“Come on in,” Alexia said, straightening up and opening the door wider, gesturing for both of you to step inside.

As you stepped inside, a small dog came bounding towards you, tail wagging furiously.

“Puppy!” Mia squealed, dropping to her knees as the dog jumped up and began licking her face. Mia’s laughter filled the room, and you found yourself laughing too.

You joined Mia on the floor, gently petting the playful puppy. “This is Nala,” Alexia said, introducing the dog with a smile.

“She’s adorable,” you commented, reaching out to give Nala a gentle scratch behind the ears.

“Sí, igual que su dueña.” Alexia said with a smirk, adding a playful tone in Spanish that made you look up at her and shake your head with a soft smile on your face. (Yeah, just like her owner)

“What that mean?” Mia asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“It means she’s as adorable as you are,” Alexia explained with a chuckle, ruffling Mia’s hair, which caused Mia to giggle even more.

Afterward, Alexia offered you both drinks, and Mia made her way to the living room, settling in to watch TV while Nala curled up contentedly on her lap.

You and Alexia sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee in silence. You weren’t sure how to start the conversation, but Alexia quickly took the initiative.

“So… you have a daughter,” Alexia said, glancing towards Mia.

“Yes,” you replied, nodding.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, confusion and hurt evident in her eyes.

You hesitated, struggling to find the right words. The truth—that you didn’t want Alexia near your daughter due to her reputation—seemed too harsh.

You looked away, avoiding her gaze as you fumbled for a response. Alexia seemed to understand your discomfort.

“You didn’t want me to meet her, did you?” she asked softly.

You didn’t respond, so she continued.

“When you saw me at the store after I mentioned I wouldn’t be there, you looked really stressed and surprised. That’s why you brought Mia that day, right? Because you didn’t want me to see her?” There was a hint of hurt in her voice.

You stared down at your coffee and nodded.

“And that’s also why you were so eager for me to leave? So I wouldn’t have the chance to meet her?” she persisted.

Once again, you didn’t speak, only nodding in confirmation.

“And you even lied about Carmen being on delivery to get me out of the store?” she asked.

You nodded again, meeting her gaze and seeing the hurt in her eyes.

“But why? I thought we were friends. I’ve shared so much about my life with you, and we’ve spent a lot of time together. Why keep Mia from me?” she asked, a mix of confusion and sadness in her voice.

“I... you know... you have a reputation. I didn’t want my daughter around you,” you admitted, noting the pain and disbelief on her face.

“Especially in the beginning, when we first met. You were insufferable and disrespectful, and I didn’t want my daughter exposed to that,” you continued.

Alexia nodded slowly, though her eyes still reflected hurt.

“I understand you wanted to protect your daughter from me,” she said. “I can be a lot at times.” Her voice carried a sad resignation.

You felt a pang of guilt seeing her so down, especially after witnessing how gentle and affectionate she was with Mia. You realized how wrong you had been.

“I’m really sorry,” you said, feeling deeply remorseful. Alexia reached across the table and took your hand in hers.

“No, don’t be. You’re a mother, and I understand that mothers will do anything to protect their children,” she said, her eyes meeting yours with a comforting warmth.

“Yes, and I was wrong. You were nothing but kind and loving towards Mia. As you can see, she absolutely adores you,” you told her with a gentle smile, which Alexia returned.

Her hand remained in yours, her touch warm and reassuring.

“So... what about Mia’s father or another mother?” Alexia asked cautiously, her tone tentative.

“Oh, the father isn’t in the picture anymore. He was terrible to me—cheated on me and left when he found out I was pregnant with Mia,” you confessed, feeling a wave of sadness.

Alexia shook her head in disapproval, her expression one of sympathy.

“That’s also why…” you started but trailed off.

Alexia’s eyebrows knitted together in concern. “Go on,” she urged gently.

You hesitated, knowing it was time to reveal everything and lay all the cards on the table

“That’s also why I didn’t want you to know about her or meet her. You reminded me of him,” you began, and Alexia’s face showed clear shock, her eyebrows knitting together.

“He used to flirt with other women, even right in front of me. He was always so cocky and confident, never taking anything seriously,” you continued.

“When I snapped at you the other day, it wasn’t just about you—it was about him too. I used that moment to say everything I wished I’d said to him,” you added, your voice trembling as tears formed in your eyes, which you quickly wiped away, not wanting Mia to see you upset.

Alexia immediately stood up, gently pulling you with her.

“Mia, your mommy and I need to step into the bathroom for a moment. Is it okay if you stay here by yourself for a bit?” she asked Mia softly. Mia, absorbed in the TV, nodded without much interest.

Alexia guided you to her bathroom, closing the door behind you both. She enveloped you in a comforting embrace, your face nestled against her neck while her hands supported you—one at the back of your head and the other wrapped around your waist.

You let your tears flow freely, a release you hadn’t allowed yourself in a while. It felt cathartic to finally let everything out.

Alexia murmured soothing words into your ear, holding you close as you cried.

As you began to calm down, Alexia spoke softly. “You and Mia deserve so much more than that. I promise you, I’m not like him. I may be confident and a bit cocky, but I will never leave you. As long as you want me in your lives, I’ll be here.”

Her words warmed your heart. You pulled back slightly to meet her gaze. “Thank you,” you whispered, and Alexia gently rested her forehead against yours, offering a soft smile and cupping your cheeks.

The closeness made your heart race. Being this near to Alexia, after seeing her with other women, was a new and intense experience for you.

The memory of those other women made you pull back quickly, sniffing and smiling softly as you wiped your tears away.

“Thank you again, Alexia,” you said, drying your face.

Alexia smiled gently. “No need to thank me.” She then opened the bathroom door, and together, you both returned to the living room where Mia was waiting.

Alexia had convinced you to stay for lunch, and now the three of you were gathered around the kitchen table, enjoying bolognese pasta together.

Alexia and Mia were engaged in an animated conversation about football.

“Mommy said that one day, I’m going to be better than you,” Mia announced proudly, pointing her fork at Alexia.

“Did she now? Is that true?” Alexia asked, raising an eyebrow at Mia before turning her gaze to you with a playful smile.

“Yes, I did. Because it’s true, right, Mia?” you said, gently poking her sides. Mia giggled and looked up at you, her face glowing with joy.

“Yes, Mommy! I’m going to be the best when I grow up!” she exclaimed, and you couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her on the cheek.

“Mommy!” Mia squealed with laughter, trying to wriggle away as you planted more kisses on her giggling face.

Alexia watched the scene with a soft smile, that familiar warmth spreading through her stomach, the same feeling she’d experienced the last time she’d apologized to you.

After lunch, you and Alexia tackled the dishes together while Mia, worn out from all the excitement, napped peacefully in Alexia’s bedroom.

“You know,” Alexia started, her voice carrying a smug tone as she stood by your side, drying the plates. “Now it all makes sense.”

You glanced at her, confused. “What makes sense?”

Her smirk grew wider, and you could already feel the teasing energy coming. “You always gave me MILF energy,” she said, eyeing you up and down like she was enjoying a private joke.

You felt heat rush to your face, but before you could react, she was already grinning even more, leaning in like she had a secret to share.

“Especially when you get all serious and bossy with me. God, I love it when you’re bossy,” she added, lowering her voice. “It’s so hot.”

You didn’t waste a second. You nudged her hard with your hip, splashing water in her direction. “Don’t make me slap you,” you warned her, but she only laughed harder, loving every second of this.

Alexia recovered quickly, her smirk firmly back in place. “And by the way,” she added, wiping a plate with a casual air, “don’t think I forgot about you calling me hot.”

You froze, glancing at her quickly. “I—I did not call you hot,” you said, trying to sound firm, even though you knew you were lying through your teeth.

She chuckled, the sound deep and amused. “Oh, really? That’s not what Mia said yesterday. Maybe we should go wake her and ask her again.” She made a move toward the hallway, clearly teasing, and you immediately stepped in, placing your hand over her mouth.

“Shut up,” you muttered, your face burning as she laughed under your palm. You could feel her lips curve into a grin as she brushed your hand off with ease, cockier than ever.

There was a brief moment of silence between you two as you continued with the dishes, but the tension was palpable.

Then, out of nowhere, Alexia’s voice broke the quiet. “You know I’m not giving up, right?” Her tone was playful but serious, the teasing edge never quite leaving.

You turned to face her, already knowing where this was headed. “Still not having sex with you, Alexia,” you said, crossing your arms over your chest in defiance.

Her eyes darkened with that familiar mischief. She stepped a little closer, the smugness practically oozing from her. “Come on, you think I’m hot, don’t deny it. Mia even confirmed it. And don’t think I don’t notice the way you look at me,” she added, her voice dipping just enough to make you shift where you stood.

You rolled your eyes, but your heart skipped a beat. “I think you’re hot, you think I’m hot, why not just… be hot together?” She shrugged, her expression impossibly smug. “In a bed. Naked.”

Tired of her arrogance, you decided it was time to play her own game.

You sighed dramatically. “Okay,” you said, making it sound like you were giving in.

Alexia’s cocky grin faltered for just a second as her eyes widened, surprised by your sudden agreement.

You stepped closer to her, and for once, she seemed speechless, unsure of what to do with her usual bravado.

As you closed the distance, pressing yourself fully against her, you felt her body stiffen, her breath hitching.

You took her hands, placing them around your waist, dangerously close to your butt. Her eyes searched yours, confused, intrigued, and undoubtedly turned on.

Without breaking eye contact, you wrapped your arms around her neck, leaning in until your lips grazed the shell of her ear.

“How about tomorrow night?” you whispered, your voice sultry and slow. “You can pick me up from work… take me back here… and you can fuck me… all. night. long.” You paused after each word, letting the sexual tension linger between you.

You felt Alexia’s sharp intake of breath, her body instinctively reacting to your closeness.

The faintest moan escaped her lips, her face pressing into the crook of your neck as if she couldn’t control the heat rushing through her.

Her hands moved lower, finally squeezing your butt gently, and you could feel her struggling to maintain her composure.

“And you know what the best part would be?” you whispered, your lips barely brushing her skin, your fingers lightly tracing the back of her neck.

Alexia, still caught up in the moment, could barely manage a hoarse, “What?”

Her hands kept caressing you butt, her body betraying just how much she was enjoying the moment.

You resisted the urge to push her hands away, knowing full well you enjoyed it too. But you had a point to make.

You leaned in even closer, letting her feel your breath against her ear. “The best part is…” you paused, feeling her anticipation grow. “This will all be happening… in your dreams.”

And with that, you pulled away completely, leaving Alexia standing there, utterly stunned, her jaw practically on the floor.

You smirked, enjoying the rare moment where you had the upper hand. “I’m gonna go check on Mia,” you said casually, as if you hadn’t just left Alexia breathless and flustered.

Alexia stood there, unable to speak, her mind reeling from what had just happened. She had always been confident, always in control, but you had completely turned the tables on her.

She was used to being the one who teased, the one who left others speechless—but now, you had her feeling things she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Wow,” she finally muttered under her breath, her heart still racing. She had been with plenty of women before, but none had made her feel like this—none had gotten under her skin the way you just had.

The way your fingers had trailed down her neck, the soft whisper of your voice in her ear… it had her unraveling in a way she hadn’t expected.

That familiar warm sensation bubbled up in her stomach again, the same one she’d felt earlier at the table.

She could still feel the ghost of your touch on her skin as she hurried to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face in an attempt to cool herself down.

But the truth was, she was hot. You’d left her wanting more—and for the first time, Alexia wasn’t quite sure how to regain the upper hand.

“Thank you, Alexia,” you said as you got back to your apartment.

After your moment in the kitchen, Mia had woken up, and it was time to head home. Alexia insisted on escorting you, so she, Mia, Nala, and you all made the walk to your apartment together.

During the walk, Alexia and Mia chatted animatedly about everything and anything, their laughter and conversation filling the air until you reached your front door.

“Bye-bye, Alexia! I had so much fun with Nala. Can I see her again?” Mia asked, her little arms wrapped around Alexia’s shoulders as they both looked down at Nala.

“Of course, sweetie. We can definitely arrange another playdate if your mommy agrees,” Alexia said, glancing up at you with a hopeful look. You nodded in agreement.

“Okay, and I want to see you again too. You’re my best friend now!” Mia exclaimed, snuggling her face into Alexia’s neck. Alexia smiled and stood up, with Mia clinging to her like a koala.

“You’re my best friend too, nena” Alexia said softly.

“Mommy is our best friend too! We can’t forget her,” Mia suddenly said, as if realizing she had almost overlooked you. She pulled her face away from Alexia’s neck and stretched out an arm.

“Mommy, come join the hug too!” Mia said with innocent enthusiasm. You smiled warmly as you stepped into the group hug.

As Alexia’s free arm wrapped around your waist, you draped your arm around both of them, leaning your head on Alexia’s shoulder.

Alexia looked down at the two girls in her arms, and a deep sense of contentment washed over her. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead.

The touch of her lips sent a pleasant shiver through you. You looked up at her, smiling gently, and she returned your smile with equal warmth.

As the hug ended, Mia gave Alexia one last kiss on the cheek and a pat on Nala’s head before heading inside.

“Thanks again,” you said with a smile. “You’ve been so quiet with me since we left apartment. Did something happen?

Alexia rolled her eyes playfully. “Yes, you turned me on really badly, and now I have to go home and take care of it myself,” she said, a groan escaping her.

“Oh, come on. I’m sure you could call one of the women in your contact list, and she’d be at your place in ten minutes,” you teased.

“Yes, I could,” Alexia said with a smug grin, “but I’d rather imagine you with me than another woman. I might accidentally call her by your name.”

“Okayyyy,” you said, laughing.

“I have a new goal,” Alexia announced suddenly.

“What’s that?” you asked, intrigued.

“My new goal is to take you on a date,” she said with a mischievous smile.

“So it’s not just about getting me into your bed?” you asked, amused.

“Well, yes, but I want to do things properly. My new goal is to convince you to go on a date with me,” she clarified.

“I’m curious to see how you plan to achieve that,” you said with a grin.

“I’ll treat you well and completely stop flirting with or looking at other women,” she said confidently.

“You? Stopping from flirting with other women? Alexia Putellas?” you said, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

“Yes, I can totally do that,” she said, feigning offense.

“Sure…” you said, still unconvinced.

“Alright, let’s make a deal. If I don’t flirt with, sleep with, or even look at another woman for a month, you agree to go on a date with me,” she proposed, determination in her voice.

You considered it for a moment, knowing she might find it challenging. “Okay,” you agreed.

“Really? It’s not just another joke?” she asked, surprised.

“No joke. One month, no women, and I’ll go on that date,” you confirmed, and she cheered.

“Great! Well, now I need to go and take care of myself, if you know what I mean,” she said with a suggestive wink.

“Bye, Alexia,” you said.

“Adios, guapa,” she replied, waving as she walked away.

…

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desperate-gay · 25 days ago

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Could u please do a part 2 of this

https://www.tumblr.com/desperate-gay/739657971096862720/scary-talks-at-midnight-alex-morgan-x

of course! what would you like to see

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desperate-gay · 29 days ago

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To be fair, Alexia’s awkwardness could be hilarious to write

oh so true

if some requests dwts!reader x alexia i will😏

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desperate-gay · 30 days ago

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like alexia’s awkward socially inept ass would EVER be caught dead on dancing with the stars im giggling at the thought

my thoughts toooo, but if i did im gonna say bc alba or her mom love it so shes doing it for them

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desperate-gay · 30 days ago

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why not dancing with the stars with Alexia? You talked about it last time, why changing your mind?

i could always do alexia too! just the fact someone requested ali and ali is from the usa so plot wise it would be easier, but if you’d still like alexia you are more than welcome to request her!

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desperate-gay · 1 month ago

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#woso x reader #dancing with the stars #woso #ali krieger

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desperate-gay · 1 month ago

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Hi, is it possible to make an Ali Krieger x Reader fic?

yes ofc! ill always write for my baby

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desperate-gay · 1 month ago

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my day is going swell right now

#arsenal wfc #arsenal #barcelona #barcelona femeni #woso

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desperate-gay · 1 month ago

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JONAS IS OUT🎉🎉🎉

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desperate-gay · 1 month ago

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Leah Williamson “but mummy said yes” at home or training with little Mila, please :)

part of mila's universe - turned out a little longer and a little angstier than originally planned! good cop, bad cop II l.williamson

"lee's not normally late?" alessia asked with a slight frown of concern as you bent down to lace up your boots, sat beside her on the bench in the change rooms.

"she took mila out for breakfast. she's in a phase where leah is her favorite person and i'm some horrible wench who just cooks for her and cleans her mess." you grumbled, feeling alessia's hand reach out to squeeze your shoulder.

"hey. you know that isn't what she thinks! she adores you, and leah." the blonde assured firmly but you shrugged her off, not in the mood to be consoled as you'd been screamed at all morning by the hysterical blonde tornado that was your daughter.

you'd barely glanced up as leah had ushered the four year old out the front door, trying to call out to you and offer some comfort but when mila made a dash for the road you glanced up as the front door slammed closed and crumbled.

"not at the moment she doesn't, she told me she hates me about five times this morning." you mumbled, sniffling and forcing down the tears which threatened to spill over, your best friends face falling as she tried to pull you into a hug.

"not now less. i love you its just- i'm not in the mood." you forced a smile shrugging her arm off as the blonde nodded in understanding but you could see she was struggling not to speak. "what?" you sighed, standing up and raising an eyebrow.

"well do you think you should train when your heads like this?" alessia asked gently, wincing at the sour look which crossed your face and your eyes rolled. "i'm fine less. joys of parenthood!" you plastered another fake smile on your face and marched out of the change rooms, the girl scrambling to grab a water bottle and hurry after you.

you deflected with shrugs everyone who continued to ask of leahs whereabouts, having left your phone in the change rooms when it was about five minutes until you were due to start and there still wasn't any sign of your wife a small pit of guilt began to gnaw at your stomach.

but right as you were about to ask to be excused to try calling her the vice captain came bursting out of the double doors of the training complex, nearly tripping over her own feet as she hopped and jumped trying to wrestle on her second boot.

the snickers and giggles at her predicament from some of the younger girls were firmly shut down by the fierce glare sent their way by your wife, everyone grouping off for warm ups as you gave the older girl a curious look.

"is everything alright?" you asked quietly as the blonde nodded, grunting as she pushed her heel into her boot and knelt down to tie it up. "fine! traffic." the blonde waved it off as you hummed, chalking it up to exactly that.

mila would be off in the creche until you all broke up for lunch, with amanda and manu both soon due to have children of their own arsenal had hired two full time qualified staff with child care experience, and renovated one of the old offices into a daycare of sorts.

something both you and leah were immensely grateful for considering there was only so much stimulation you could provide a bubbly energetic four year old who had the power of the cute and was promptly the greatest distraction to the team ever known.

you found your mood remained quite miserable throughout the session however despite your best friends worries you didn't allow it to affect your training, still ever careful to avoid injury and focus on football, not the swirling doubts in the back of your hear telling you that you were a terrible mother.

but nothing was lost on your wife who knew you like the back of her own hand, who was certain if she attempted to check in on you or provide any sort of comfort and assurance during the session it would be rejected, she waited for the right moment.

and that came when the pair of you had wrapped up, your team successfully winning the round robin cool down games and everyone shaking hands, the staff dismissing everyone for lunch after stretching.

"come here." leah grabbed your hand and pulled you to the side, alessia catching her eye and nodding as leah sent her a knowing look.

"i love you, and mila loves you. more than anything in the world, you know that yeah?" her hands gently cupped your cheeks and her heart ached at the sadness in your eyes that you could hide from anyone but her.

"oh my love." leah sighed with a pained smile, your face tucking into her shoulder as the tears you'd held at bay came bursting to the surface, soft sniffles masked into the material of her training top as her strong arms held you tightly.

"it doesn't feel that way. it feels like i'm failing as a mother!" you admitted quietly once your tears had turned to the occasional sniffle, leah softly kissing your tear stained cheeks and frowning.

"hey. baby you do not ever say that yeah? you are the best mother mila could ever ask for. you are patient, kind, attentive, so loving, loyal, supportive-" leah listed off with her fingers, a small smile curling its way into your lips and a slight chuckle leaving your mouth.

"what? whats funny?" your wife paused to question, looking around and behind her to seek the source of amusement. "you're doing it again. the upside down frowny thing!" you smiled properly, smoothing out her angry eyebrows as the blondes cheeks heated up with a slight pink tint.

"well i don't do it on purpose do i? i have an expressive face!" your wife huffed, and you let out a proper laugh as again her scowl caused her eyebrows to curl downward.

"so long as it makes you laugh." your wife rolled her eyes fondly, pulling you into another tight hug as your chin rested on her shoulder and her hand rubbed circles into your back.

"thank you, i love you." you mumbled with an appreciative kiss to her jaw and then another to her lips. "always. i love ya more kid!" the blonde winked exaggerating her harsh milton keynes accent as you pulled a face.

"i hate when you say that." you shook your head as the older girl grinned, her arm settling across your shoulder as you both made your way across the pitch toward the training centre, drawing you into her side and kissing your cheek a few times.

"i know. which is exactly why i say it!"

however things very quickly took another turn south as you and leah arrived to collect mila for lunch, your good mood leah had just spent the last ten minutes bolstering smashed back down to nothing as mila kicked off yet again.

"no! i am not leaving with mama, she's mean and naughty!" the tiny blonde huffed, clinging to leahs leg and glaring up at you as you deflated entirely, mumbling to your wife how you'd just meet her at lunch and hurrying away.

"mila." leah squatted down with a stern look on her face, getting down to your daughters level, more than ready to tell her off about how she spoke to you just like she had been this morning, and the entirity of this week in fact.

but once again leah had a weakness, which was that the four year old knew exactly how to play her like a fool.

so with some crocodile tears and a wobbly bottom lip leah was cooing and fussing over the girl, picking her up and bouncing her up and down like when she was a baby, the warnings about her behavior dying on her tongue in seconds flat.

"say thank you to meg and andie please bubba." leah whispered, both of the girls who worked in the daycare waving goodbye as mila blew them both a kiss and clung on tightly to leah, tears now forgotten as she babbled away about what a lovely morning she had.

there was also something new with mila besides her attitude toward you that you'd failed to see, however it wouldn't be long until you realised and even leah had failed to think that far ahead as the two of them entered the cafateria and mila was fussed over by her aunties.

you however were already sat at a table with kyra, laia, vic and alessia, shutting down their questions of why you weren't sat where you normally would as alessia gave the other girls a firm look to leave it as you remained quiet.

their worries increased when you made no move to get up and go toward your daughter the moment she arrived, only alessia catching the look of longing you threw the small girls way as her hand settled on your back rubbing comforting circles.

"do you want me to go try and to talk to her?" your best friend asked quietly as you shrugged, just wanting to avoid another very public tantrum as you'd already accepted mila was not going to settle this mystery problem she had with you right now.

"don't eat my potatos, or you can all walk home." alessia very seriously threatened the three younger girls eyeing off her tray as she stood, having been her turn for carpool today, heading off toward the table where leah and mila sat.

leah had also shut down all of the questions about your not sitting with them, beth in particular earning herself a stomped on foot when she wouldn't stop pestering your wife about it, causing mila to giggle and beth to pretend leah had broken her foot.

she was mid performance when alessia sat down, mila now no longer interested as she launched herself at your best friend who nearly dropped the four year old who jumped suddenly from lia's lap into her own.

"aunty lessi!" mila beamed, arms flung around the strikers neck and hugging her tightly as leah watched with a smile and alessia tickled the small blonde who squealed and tried to jump away.

"hey tiny, can i ask you something?" alessia asked, giving leah a look as she glanced over curiously, ignoring the way the older blonde shook her head furiously to try and divert her from the chosen topic.

"why are you mad at ma-" but the question stopped as alessia noticed the one thing leah had failed to remember, hands grabbing the four year olds cheeks and turning her head side to side with her mouth open in shock.

"when did you get your ears pierced??" alessia asked in shock, leah choking on a piece of chicken as kim quickly smacked her on the back and she spit it out with a wheeze.

"ew! mummy thats really yuck." mila made a face of disgust, scooting as far away from leah as she could, balancing on alessia's right leg as she striker held her steady, still staring at the small diamonds in her ears in shock.

"she hasn't always had them done?" beth asked with a skeptical look, fork in her mouth and eyes narrowed as alessia's rolled. "no! she has not." the girl clarified as leah went bright red and her best friend picked up that maybe this was a lot newer than they realised.

"tell me you did not do that this morning? and without asking your wife?" lia hissed quietly, grabbing leahs arm and spinning her around to face her, the vice captain shrinking away from the swiss womans fierce glare.

"i could tell you that...but it would maybe sort of be a, lie?" leah winced, lia swearing in german and running her hands down her face with a look of disbelief at the defender who rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.

"she's wanted them done for ages! we went for breakfast and then she was a bit grizzly and hyper so we walked around the shopping centre for a bit, we walked past the piercing parlor and well one thing lead to another and..." leah trailed off, flinching as alessia firmly punched her in the shoulder.

"hey! it is not nice to hit people aunty lessi." mila warned with a scowl, wagging a finger at the older girl who gave your wife a glare, face softening at the adorable four year old in her lap attempting to sternly tell her off.

"sorry mil, that was a grown up accident. you're right we shouldn't hit people!" alessia agreed with a nod despite holding no regret for her actions. "hey tiny i thought mama said you had to be a bit bigger before you got your ears pierced?" alessia asked with raised eyebrows as your daughter nodded.

"she did, she's mean and smelly and bad. but mummy said yes! i love you mummy!" mila beamed as leah sheepishly shrunk into her chair, alessia helping your daughter down at her request as she ran off to go sit with katie and caitlin, clambering up into the irish womans lap and proudly showing off her new earrings it would appear she'd also forgotten about until now.

"you are so dead leah you know she wanted to wait until mila was older and she already feels like shit today. go and fix it, now!" alessia growled quietly as leahs head dropped, pushing her chair back and standing but it would appear it was much too late as mila had continued her rounds, now showing off to kyra.

leah might be your wife and love you fiercly, but alessia had been your best friend since you were ten and no one was more protective over you than she could be.

leah herself was shell shocked by the shovel talk she got from the normally soft spoken kind blonde when the two of you had first started dating.

"mila, can you show mama please?" you called out, almost certain you misheard your daughter just tell laia about her new 'ear bling'. leah wouldn't, surely she wouldn't.

"no!" mila snapped, smile turning to a scowl as she stuck her tongue out at you and raced away, but not fast enough for you to miss the two little studs in her lobes, ignoring kyra asking what that was all about as you slowly stood.

leahs blood ran cold as your eyes met hers, burning with anger and you silently pointed to the exit, storming off as your wife nearly knocked over her tray in her haste to hurry after you, alessia and lia both making sure to keep an eye on your daughter.

"baby just listen-" leah started the moment the cafateria doors swung shut and she stood with you in the hallway.

"no. oh no no no, do not baby me right now leah. those better be clip ons, because i know my wife wouldn't go behind my back and pierce our daughters ears when we agreed she was too young. would she?" you asked, scarily calm and knuckles going lily white from how hard your fists were clenched together.

"um. well, look. um really-" the normally smooth spoken blonde was a mess as she tripped and stumbled over her words, unable to string a sentence together as your eyes squeezed shut and you pinched your nose between your thumb and pointer finger.

"leah catherine williamson you fucking stupid, selfish-"

however before you could unleash the fury bubbling up inside you at the taller girl the doors burst open again and a tiny body came charging out, crashing into leahs legs.

"mummy you left me behind!" mila frowned up the blonde who watched your face drop at the fact your daughter wasn't even acknowledging you right now, the anger coursing through you slowly bleeding away into utter rejection and fear.

"hey. bubba can we please have a chat? a big girl talk!" you knelt down and tried to ask gently, giving her a smile as soft as you could muster as she turned to look at you.

"not your bubba! i'm mummys bubba. go away!" your daughter snapped right as alessia came tumbling out of the door with kyra hot on her heels, halfway through telling off the younger australian for being terrible at hide and seek clearly assuming they'd lost the four year old who was now right in front of them.

"woah. harsh!" kyra muttered with a wince, alessia quickly shoving her back through the doors before she could say another word, a crash inside meaning she'd perhaps pushed a little harder than intended.

"mila no you're mine and mummys bubba. our little legacy, remember?" you tried to force a smile, winded from her words but it was about to get worse before it got better. "no. now just mummys bubba! i hate you! not my mama!" mila yelled, turning and pressing herself into leahs legs as you looked up to your wife for help.

but when all she could do was wordlessly open and close her mouth, quickly scooping up your daughter who'd begun to cry and start comforting her, you crumbled.

"tell them i feel sick and i went home early." you forced out, directed at your best friend who was ready to intervene but knew it wasn't her place, barely able to get your words out before a dry sob sounded and you hurried off with your hand over your mouth.

"hey, mila. you're a big girl now yeah?" alessia decided this had gone far enough and if leah wasn't going to say something, she was. your daughter lifted her head from where it had been buried in leahs neck, tear tracks down her cheeks as she nodded slowly.

"well. big girls talk about why they might be feeling yuck, they don't yell and throw tantrums, and you're a big girl now right?" alessia asked gently as mila nodded again, sniffling and wiping her nose on the collar of your wifes training top.

with a nod from alessia the three of them headed outside toward the pitch, knowing lunch was over soon and the girls would be flooding out. it would seem the fresh air had snapped leah out of whatever hole her head had gotten stuck in as the three of them sat down on the grass.

"so bubba. why are you upset with mama? she loves you very much and you haven't been very nice to her mila." leah warned, alessia now taking a back seat and waiting for the four year old to speak.

"no, no more tears. be a big girl and tell me whats going on in here please bubba." leah shook her head, moving mila out of her lap as she cried out and tried to curl into her, standing her on the grass and gently poking her stomach.

"mama is mean." was all she got out with a frown, leah sighing and closing her eyes for a moment to collect her thoughts, heart breaking as the image of the utter rejection and pain in your face from moments ago flashed through her head.

"why do you think that?" leah pushed, mila huffing and sitting down on the grass, crossing her legs and digging her finger into the pitch. "all she says is no! no no no no no." mila chanted shaking her head, scowling at the grass in a scarily accurate impression of a much younger and moodier leah.

"i'm gonna go check on her." alessia mouthed, slowly getting to her feet and pointing back to the training centre as leah nodded, grateful that you'd always have the blonde in her corner but wracked with guilt for how poorly she'd handled this.

she was supposed to be your wife, it was supposed to be her comforting you, her defending you, her always in your corner for better or worse, in sickness and in health, always.

but motherhood, well it brought with it and held in its hand a whole other host of challenges.

"but mummy says yes. yes yes yes yes, like with my ear bling!" mila perked back up, grinning happily as leah winced, she had really dug herself into it this time.

"okay. serious talk time!" leah sighed, taking mila's hands into her own whose grin never faded. "bubba i know you're a big girl, but you're still mine and mama's baby." leah started, shutting down the little girls protests with a firm shake of her head and a gentle squeeze of her hand.

"you are. mama and i love you more than anything in the whole wide world, and sometimes we have to say no to things if they mean you might get hurt or upset. sometimes you might not know why we-well why mama says no. but she says no because she's a very very good mama who wants to keep you safe, and she always knows best. okay?" leah started, mila slowly nodding.

"but you can always ask why. you can always ask mama or me why we might say no, because mummy needs to say no sometimes too, it isn't fair for it to always be mama. and it isn't fair for you to yell at mama and make her feel bad, because words can hurt too. remember?" leah continued softly as mila nodded again.

"i hurt mama?" mila asked and leah sighed as she had to nod and the girls eyes welled up with tears. "come here bubba." the defender wrapped her up into a tight hug, shushing her softly.

"is mama gonna be mad at me? i don't hate her! i don't! promise!" mila sobbed as leah pushed her flyaways out of her face and softly kissed her forehead. "mama would never be mad at you mila, she loves you too much. but you need to tell her you don't hate her, and say sorry for not being nice. because we have to use nice words with people so we don't hurt their feelings, okay?" leah warned gently as mila nodded, wriggling out of the older girls grip.

"come on mummy we have to go say sorry to mama!" and just like that she was off, surely destined to be a cross country superstar as her tiny legs carried her at a speed leah couldn't even keep up with.

"where is she?" leah came to a screaming halt as mila stopped with a frown, not reallyy sure where she should be running. "lets go see if she's with aunty less in the change rooms." leah took her hand, all but dragged down the corridor where sure enough you were sat crying into your best friends shoulder.

as the doors smacked against the wall you hurried to wipe your eyes, not sure who was coming in but not wanting anyone else to see you in this state as you cleared your throat and tried to compose yourself.

but it was a messy bundle of blonde hair and a tiny red arsenal jersey which came flying inside, climbing up onto the bench and launching at you much to your utter shock, freezing up a little as mila clung onto you.

"mama i don't hate you. i never hate you! and you're not mean, or smelly, or bad, or naughty. i'm sorry!" mila rambled out all in one breath, stopping to gasp in air as her eyes welled up with tears and her arms wrapped around your neck like a python.

"hey hey hey, why the tears my love? no tears." you assured softly feeling her little body shake against you, holding her tightly as leah skidded inside next also very out of breath, alessia nodding for her to give the pair of you a moment, taking her aside to fill her in on what you'd said.

"its okay mila baby, i love you, i'll always love you." you promised, exhaling in relief as your daughter mumbled things into your jumper you couldn't quite understand but you rubbed her back soothingly letting her get them out.

once she'd calmed down and alessia had filled leah in you caught your best friends eye who slowly made her way over, offering to take mila to the gym with her.

"no i wanna go with mama." mila pressed a wet kiss to your cheek making you smile as she clung on tightly. "mama and mummy need to have a grown up talk. and you always say those are boring don't you babe?" you tickled her stomach as she giggled and squirmed away.

"yeah. super boring!" mila agreed, both you and leah assuring her you'd be right in the gym soon as she left with alessia and the room suddenly filled with a brand new type of uncomfortable silence.

"i am-" "we should-"

you both shared a look as leah nodded for you to continue, fiddling with her hands in her lap. "can i have a hug please?" you asked quietly, your wife shell shocked that that was what you had to say.

"what? yeah course you can, come here my girl." leah scooted over to clear the gap between you, a deep exhale leaving your lips as you tucked yourself into her arms, a few beats of silence falling before you pulled away.

"okay, i needed that thank you. now you stupid selfish idiot! you pierced her ears!?" you scowled, smacking your wife repeatedly who held her hands up to shield her face.

"i know i know! i've been forcing you to be the bad cop so i can be the good cop all the time and thats not fair to you, at all. i need to put my foot down and say no too, so you can say yes too." leah instantly admitted as you looked on with surprise.

"or we could just both stay on the same page." you suggested, leah nodding enthusiastically. "brilliant, even better! you're so smart and sexy and funny and the best mum and-" leah rambled as you rolled your eyes, leaning in to cut her off with a kiss, sending her silent.

"shut up." you chuckled, the blonde nodding, motioning as if to lock her lips and throw away the key as you bumped your shoulder into hers.

"i really am sorry. genuinely baby girl, so sorry." "oh i know, which is why you'll be on laundry and dishes and weeding the garden for the next month!" you patted her knee as the blonde sighed but made no move to argue.

"did i mention you're very sexy and smart?" "mm yeah we covered that." "will any form of flattery get me off dishes?" "leah." "a joke! humor, just using humor, you married me for my humor." "well i didn't marry you for your cooking ability babe." "oi!"

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desperate-gay · 2 months ago

Text

Betrayal (Part 3)

Alessia Russo x ex-wife!reader

Leah Williamson x reader

Words count:6,9k

Warning:angst

Part 1, Part 2

Note: So as I previously said there will be a part 4.

“Come on, Coco! Go grab your shoes! We need to get going!” Leah called out, her voice light as we were in the kitchen sipping tea.

I watched as Coco scurried off, my hands wrapped around the warm cup, trying to settle the nervous flutter in my stomach.

Leah must have noticed my unease because she turned to me, her expression softening with concern.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” she asked, her eyes searching mine as I nodded, though the hesitation was clear.

“Um… yeah,” I said, though my voice didn’t sound as confident as I wanted it to. “It’s time I face my mistakes,” I added, exhaling deeply.

Leah stepped closer, wrapping her arms around my waist and pulling me into a comforting embrace.

“Are you absolutely sure you don’t want me to stay? I can drop Coco off at my mom’s and come right back,” she suggested, her forehead resting gently against mine.

I gave her a quick kiss and shook my head. “No, it’s okay. I need to handle this on my own. It’s my responsibility,” I said softly, my hand gently reaching for her face, my fingers lightly tracing the small bruise on her nose from what happened yesterday.

Leah looked into my eyes for a moment, then nodded before kissing me again, her lips warm and soft against mine.

“Ewww!” came a small, giggly voice from the doorway, interrupting our quiet moment.

We pulled apart, both turning to see Coco standing there with her little shoes clutched in her hands, her face scrunched up in playful disgust.

Leah and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Shoes, Mama!” Coco said, holding them out to Leah, her impatience making us smile. Leah bent down to help her put them on, along with her jacket.

Once Coco was bundled up, she ran over to me, her arms open wide. “Bye bye, Mommy!” she squealed, and I bent down to scoop her into my arms, showering her face with kisses, making her giggle uncontrollably.

“Bye bye, my sweet baby,” I said, squeezing her tightly before setting her down.

Then I moved toward Leah, wrapping my arms around her once more. “And bye bye my other baby,” I teased with a grin, giving her a quick kiss that made her chuckle.

After one last hug and kiss, Leah picked up Coco, giving me a reassuring smile before heading out the door.

The moment they left, the house seemed quieter, the weight of the impending conversation with Alessia pressing down on me.

Now, all I could do was wait for Alessia. And with every passing minute, the anxiety grew.

——

As I was stress cleaning, trying to distract myself from the whirlwind of emotions, a sudden knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

I froze mid-step, heart racing in anticipation. I took a deep breath to steady myself, wiping my hands on a nearby towel before heading to the door.

I rushed over, feeling the familiar tension in my chest as I reached for the handle. Another deep breath, then I opened it.

There she was—Alessia—standing awkwardly on the other side. Her smile was a bit uncertain, as if she wasn’t sure how to approach this moment.

She gave me a small wave. “Hello,” she said softly, her voice carrying the same nervous energy as her smile.

“Hi,” I managed to reply, the word barely out before silence settled between us.

The quiet felt heavier than the moment should’ve allowed. After a beat too long, I added, “Um… come in,” stepping aside and opening the door wider to let her in.

“Thanks,” she muttered, clearly feeling the awkwardness as much as I was.

She stepped inside cautiously, and I closed the door behind her, taking a second to compose myself before turning around.

She stood there, glancing around the hallway, her eyes scanning the place she hadn’t stepped foot in for so long. The air between us was thick, loaded with unsaid things.

“Um… let’s go to the kitchen,” I suggested, breaking the silence. Without waiting for a response, I turned and led the way, hearing her footsteps follow hesitantly behind me.

As we entered the kitchen, I turned to her again. “I made some coffee. Would you like some?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Yes, please,” she said, taking a seat at the kitchen table, her movements still unsure, like she didn’t quite know where she fit in this moment.

I moved to the counter, my hands shaking slightly as I poured her a cup.

The tension between us was palpable, but I focused on the task, trying to calm my racing thoughts. After pouring the coffee, I walked over and placed it in front of her.

“Thank you,” she murmured, nodding as she wrapped her hands around the cup, the warmth seeping into her palms.

I nodded back, a silent acknowledgment, before taking a seat opposite her. For a moment, neither of us spoke.

It was as though we were both waiting for the other to break the silence, to start the conversation neither of us wanted to have.

Finally, Alessia cleared her throat. “So… um… is she here?” she asked, her voice quiet, careful, as if she wasn’t sure how to approach the topic.

“Uh… no. Leah took her to her mom’s so we could talk,” I explained, feeling a mix of gratitude and anxiety over the conversation we were about to have.

Alessia nodded slowly, taking a sip of her coffee as if she needed the courage to keep going. “So… she’s mine. Leah confirmed it yesterday,” she finally said, her eyes briefly meeting mine before darting away again.

“Yes, she’s yours,” I replied with a small smile. “If it wasn’t already obvious.” I let out a soft laugh, trying to lighten the mood. She joined in, her chuckle light yet sincere.

“Yeah, she really is like a mini version of me,” Alessia said, her eyes brightening a little.

“My mom was at the match yesterday and couldn’t believe it. She said it was like looking at the ‘before’ and ‘after’ of me,” she giggled at the thought, and I found myself smiling too.

“Did you… tell your family?” I asked, wondering how much of the truth had been revealed on her side.

“Yeah,” she nodded, her smile fading slightly. “I was really upset yesterday, and my mom asked me what was going on, so I told her everything.” She glanced down at her cup as she spoke, tracing her finger along the rim.

I nodded, trying to gauge her emotions. “Okay.”

After a brief pause, Alessia broke the silence again. “So… she told me her name is Coco?” Alessia said, her tone softening as she smiled a little. “It’s an original and cute name.”

I laughed, a small, warm sound escaping me. “No, her name is Cleo. ‘Coco’ is just a nickname. Everyone calls her that, so she thinks it’s her actual name now.”

Alessia laughed too, her eyes softening for a moment. It felt lighter between us, but there was still so much left unsaid.

After a moment, I sighed and leaned back slightly in my chair. “So… I guess you want to know how all of this happened?”

Alessia nodded, her expression growing serious again. “Yeah, I mean… that’s why I’m here,” she said, attempting to inject a bit of humor into the heavy moment, though her eyes betrayed the weight of her emotions.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everything that had been left unsaid hanging in the air. “Alright, I guess I’ll start from the beginning…” I said, glancing at Alessia, who nodded in agreement, her eyes focused intently on me.

“After discovering your cheating, I was devastated. That same night, I was so excited to come home and tell you that the IVF worked and that I was pregnant, only to walk in on you in bed with my closest friend,” I began, my voice wavering as I recalled the moment.

The memory felt fresh, as if it had just happened yesterday, and the pain surged through me like a wave.

“I ended up staying at a hotel that night, my heart was broken... The next morning, I took a train back to London. I needed to be with my family and loved ones, people who could help me process everything that had just happened,” I continued, and Alessia nodded sadly, her expression heavy with guilt.

“My mom suggested that I call her lawyer to handle the divorce. Honestly, I didn’t want to talk to you or see you again, which is why you found the divorce papers in your mailbox,” I explained, my emotions rising as painful memories resurfaced.

I could feel the sting of tears threatening to spill over, but I held them back, forcing myself to stay composed.

“I was so angry with you because it felt like you took a part of me away with that cheating. It was as if you had stolen my future, and I was left with nothing but emptiness. In that anger, I decided to take a part of you in return by not telling you about the pregnancy. Now, looking back, I realize it was the stupidest decision I could have made,” I said, locking eyes with her.

I noticed the tears beginning to form in her eyes, and my heart ached at the sight.

“Even though what you did was wrong, I didn’t have the right to keep your daughter from you,” I added, feeling the weight of those words settle between us.

Alessia nodded, her voice barely a whisper as she muttered, “Okay.” It was all she offered, but I could practically see the intensity of her thoughts behind her eyes, the weight of everything we hadn’t yet addressed pressing down on her.

Her fingers tightened around the coffee cup, and I noticed the subtle tremble in her hands, betraying her nerves.

She kept fidgeting, shifting her grip and running her thumb along the rim of the cup, as if those small motions could somehow calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken words, and I could feel the tension hanging between us.

“Um… I have a special album dedicated to my pregnancy and Coco if you’d like to see it. It includes every milestone of Coco’s journey.” I suggested and Alessia nodded immediately.

I got up and walked into the living room, my heart racing as I opened the cupboard and retrieved the album I had set aside.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way back to Alessia, who was still seated, her expression a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

I settled down next to her, handing her the album with a slight tremor in my hands.

“Here’s the album…” I said softly, watching her as she took it from me.

“Thank you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. As she admired it, I noticed her eyes soften at the cover, which displayed Coco’s tiny handprints from when she was a newborn.

The name “Cleo” was inscribed delicately beneath them, a reminder of the life I had built.

She carefully opened the album, and the first photo was of Coco’s very first ultrasound.

The grainy black-and-white image seemed to hold so much weight, more than just a glimpse of life, but the moment everything changed.

“That’s the ultrasound I was going to give you to tell you I was pregnant,” I whispered, feeling my throat tighten.

I watched as Alessia’s fingers hovered over the image before gently tracing the outline of the tiny form, her touch tender, almost reverent.

She lingered there for a moment before flipping to the next page.

There, a photo taken by my mom of me standing in the kitchen, my shirt lifted just enough to show my small but growing bump, a small yet significant sign of the life growing inside me.

“I took this picture at three months pregnant because that’s when the bump started to show. It’s also the day…” I began, but stopped abruptly.

Alessia glanced at me, confusion flickering in her eyes. “The day of what?” she asked gently, her tone encouraging me to continue.

“The day… that… um… I officially met Leah,” I finally said, my heart pounding as I noticed Alessia’s gaze drop back to the picture, her fingers lightly tracing the edges of the page.

“Tell me more about that,” she prompted, her voice laced with both hesitation and genuine interest.

“Um, yes, of course… so I was in a coffee shop when I saw her…” I began

“Thank you,” I said to the waiter as he handed me my chocolate milk, the warmth seeping through the cup.

As I turned to find a table, I bumped into someone, nearly spilling my drink. My heart jumped, but I managed to keep it steady.

“I’m so sorry! Are you alright?” The voice was apologetic, and when I looked up, I recognized Leah. I had seen her a few times—she played with Alessia on the Lionesses.

“Oh! Y/N, right? You’re Alessia’s wife,” she said, her smile friendly.

“Um… ex-wife,” I corrected, forcing an awkward smile.

“Oh! I’m really sorry,” she apologized quickly, her face flushing slightly.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” I reassured her, trying to ease the tension.

“Are you sure you’re okay? I wasn’t paying attention at all,” she asked, her concern evident as her eyes scanned me.

“No harm done, I promise,” I said, giving her a small smile to show I wasn’t bothered.

“Great! That’s a relief!” she said, her gaze dropping to the cup in my hand. “Chocolate milk? Not a coffee fan, huh?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

I chuckled softly. “Not really,” I lied, my heart fluttering a little as I tried to avoid telling her that I can’t drink coffee because I’m pregnant, especially since she was Alessia’s friend.

“Would you like to join me?” she asked, her smile widening. “Unless you’re meeting someone or prefer some alone time.”

“I’d love to,” I said, my smile matching hers as I followed her to a nearby table.

“After that, we chatted at the coffee shop for hours, and we exchanged phone numbers.” you said, a small smile playing on your lips.

Alessia furrowed her brows, curiosity evident in her expression. “So when did you tell her about the pregnancy? Was it after you started dating?”

“No, it was actually before we began dating. I told her one night while we were hanging out at her place. It was about two weeks after we met, and I just couldn’t keep the secret any longer, especially since my bump was starting to get bigger and that same night I told her that you did not know about it…”

“Okay, I need to tell you something,” I said to Leah as we stood in the kitchen, watching her wash the dishes.

Over the past few weeks, Leah and I had grown closer, forming a friendship that led us to spend nearly every day together. It was time for me to share the truth with her.

Leah turned to face me, drying her hands on a dish towel. “I’m listening,” she replied, her expression attentive.

“Before I show you, you have to promise not to tell anyone—not even Alessia when you see her. She… um, doesn’t know about this,” I said, my tone serious.

Leah’s eyebrows knitted together, but she agreed, “I promise.” I nodded, relieved.

I pulled off my hoodie, revealing a tight tank top that clearly displayed my baby bump.

Leah’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re pregnant?” she exclaimed, taken aback. I nodded slowly.

“What? Since when? With who?” Leah shot off the questions, her surprise evident.

“I’m almost four months along, and…” I started to answer the second question when she interrupted.

“Wait, it’s Alessia, right? She’s the other mom,” Leah said, her shock deepening. “That’s why you made me promise not to tell her! She doesn’t know, does she?” I nodded again.

“Holy shit! Y/N, you have to tell her!” Leah insisted, but I quickly shook my head.

“No. I don’t want to talk to her or see her ever again,” I replied, my voice firm.

“Why? What happened between you two? You never mentioned anything…” Leah inched closer, concern etched on her face.

“She cheated on me with my friend for months,” I said, my gaze dropping to the floor.

Leah sighed heavily. “She did? Wow. I never pictured Alessia as the cheating type,” she said, disbelief in her voice.

“Neither did I, but here we are…” I said a bit more aggressively than intended. “Sorry, sorry,” I quickly added, softening my tone.

“It’s okay…” Leah reassured me. “But Y/N, you can’t keep this from her forever. You’ll have to tell her eventually.”

Taking a deep breath, I replied, “I know,” feeling tears welling up in my eyes. I sniffed slightly, trying to hold it together.

Leah stepped closer, hesitantly placing her hand on my hip. “Hey, it’s okay. I made a promise; I won’t tell her, alright?”

I looked up at her, my voice barely above a whisper as I murmured, “Okay…”

“And she kept her promise; she didn’t say anything for three years. So please, don’t blame her—blame me instead. She felt really guilty about it and spent those years encouraging me to tell you, but I never did,” I explained to Alessia, who simply nodded in response.

“Yeah… I wanted to apologize for punching her in the face. I was just blinded by my anger,” Alessia admitted, her expression heavy with guilt, and I nodded in understanding.

Alessia turned her attention back to the album, flipping the page.

Another picture, taken by Leah, of me holding a pink cupcake a wide smile on my face.

I smiled softly at the memory. “That was when I found out I was having a girl. It was a week after I told Leah about the pregnancy. I asked her to come with me to the appointment to find out the sex, and the gynecologist put the results in an envelope,” I recalled fondly.

“Leah had the brilliant idea to take it to a pastry chef, who made a cupcake filled with cream in the color that matched the baby’s gender,” I explained, a warm smile spreading across my face as I remembered that special day.

“I’m so nervous,” I confessed, my hands trembling slightly as I held the cupcake in front of me.

Leah was standing just a few feet away, practically bouncing on her toes with anticipation.

“Come on, Y/N! I need to know if it’s a boy or a girl!” Leah’s voice was full of excitement, her eyes wide and eager.

I took a deep breath, laughing nervously. “Okay, okay!” Closing my eyes, I slowly brought the cupcake to my lips, heart racing as I took a bite.

As soon as I opened my eyes and saw the pink filling, a wave of joy rushed over me. “It’s a girl!” I shouted, my voice cracking with emotion. Without thinking, I leapt into Leah’s arms, my body practically vibrating with excitement.

Leah let out a loud laugh, catching me easily and spinning me around in her arms. “A girl!” she exclaimed, her laughter echoing through the room as we twirled together.

Our shared joy felt electric, the room buzzing with the energy of the moment. We were both laughing so hard that tears pricked the corners of my eyes, the feeling of happiness overwhelming me.

Leah finally set me down gently, her arms still loosely around me, her smile as wide as mine.

“I would’ve been just as happy if it had been a boy obviously” I said to Alessia with a small smile.

“Yeah… but I remember you always wanted a girl first, then a boy,” she replied, glancing at me, her smile warm.

I couldn’t help but smile back. She remembered that. For some reason, I’d always pictured having a girl first. It was a small, random dream, but it meant something to me.

Alessia’s attention drifted back to the album, and she pointed to a photo of Leah sitting cross-legged on the floor, her hands covering her face in what looked like defeat, with a piece of paper laying beside her.

“What’s happening in this one?” she asked, curious.

I laughed at the memory. “That’s Leah attempting to put together Coco’s crib. She insisted on doing it herself but… well, let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. She was so frustrated after trying for hours and failing miserably.”

“What does that even mean?” I heard Leah exclaim in frustration from the nursery as I lay in bed, trying to rest.

At six months pregnant, the pregnancy was really kicking my ass, and even getting up felt like an ordeal.

Still, I managed to waddle out of my room, curiosity pulling me toward Leah’s voice.

When I reached the nursery, I found her sitting cross-legged on the floor, hands covering her face in frustration.

Tools and parts of the crib were scattered around her. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

“Leah, I can call my dad. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind helping out,” I offered, leaning against the doorframe.

Immediately, she shook her head. “No, I can do this,” she grunted stubbornly, clearly not ready to admit defeat.

I chuckled softly. “Alright, how about I help you then? Show me what’s giving you trouble,” I suggested as I began to waddle over to her.

But before I could get any closer, Leah shot up and gently rested her hand on my waist, guiding me toward the exit.

“No, no, no, you are going to rest,” she insisted, firmly but lovingly pushing me out of the room.

“Okay, okay. I’m going,” I laughed as I headed back to my room.

An hour later, I went back to check on her, and she was sitting in the exact same position, looking utterly defeated. I burst out laughing at the sight.

Without even looking up, she sighed and said, “Call your dad…”

Alessia chuckled softly as I shared the memory with her.

“My dad ended up coming over and managed to put the crib together in less than an hour. Leah, well, she was relegated to painting the room yellow and helping with some of the decorations,” I explained, watching as Alessia nodded.

Despite her smile, I could see a hint of sadness in her eyes.

We flipped through a few more photos—pictures of the finished nursery, my growing baby bump, and various ultrasounds.

Then, Alessia paused on one particular picture.

It was a photo of me and Leah.

Leah was standing behind me, hugging me from behind with her hands gently resting on my bump, her lips pressed to my cheek. A bright red heart was painted on my belly, a symbol of warmth and love.

Alessia looked up at me, clearly expecting an explanation, just like she had for all the other photos.

I took a breath and began, “That was the day of our first kiss. I’d seen these cute videos of women painting their baby bumps, and I wanted to do something like that…”

“It’s cold!” I giggled as Leah ran the brush full of paint across my belly, trying to steady myself despite the ticklish feeling.

Leah was focused, her brow furrowed slightly in concentration as she carefully painted a heart on my bump.

I watched her, and I couldn’t help but think about how incredibly attractive she looked right then.

Over the past few weeks, I’d been feeling things for Leah—every time she smiled at me, every time she spoke. My heart would skip a beat.

“Done!” Leah exclaimed, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Let me see!” I urged her. Leah quickly snapped a picture of her artwork and came to stand beside me, showing me the photo.

“I’m really proud of it!” she said, beaming as I admired the heart she had painted. It was big, bright, and full of life, much like the connection that had been growing between us.

“It’s adorable,” I said, turning to look at her. Leah’s smile softened as she met my gaze.

There was a moment of quiet, the air thick with unspoken feelings.

Her eyes flickered down to my lips, then back to my eyes. She leaned in slightly but hesitated. “Can I?” she whispered.

“Yes,” I breathed, barely able to contain my excitement.

Leah closed the gap, her lips brushing against mine in a gentle, tender kiss.

I kissed her back, feeling her smile against my lips as I mirrored it with my own.

It was the start of something I hadn’t expected, but it felt right.

“After that, Leah and I had a serious conversation about you,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Me?” Alessia’s surprise was palpable, her eyebrows raised in disbelief.

“Yes, you,” I continued, feeling the weight of the words I was about to say.

“Leah insisted again that we should tell you the truth because, at that moment, there were two secrets I was keeping from you, not just one.” I took a deep breath, the regret washing over me. “But once again, I was a coward. I was still so mad at you…”

Alessia’s expression turned somber. “Yeah… I wish I could turn back time,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice that resonated deep within me.

I nodded, the silence between us stretching as I struggled to find the right words. Turning to the next page in the album, I was met with a picture of me and Coco on the day of her birth, a bittersweet reminder of that life-changing moment.

“I guess that was taken right after you gave birth?” Alessia asked, a soft smile breaking through her somber mood.

“What gave it away? The ugly crying, the messy hair, or the sweat?” I joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere, and Alessia laughed, her eyes sparkling momentarily.

“You know, at that point, I still didn’t have a name for her?” I said, the nostalgia creeping into my voice.

“Really? But I remember you listing so many names for me!” Alessia replied, clearly surprised.

I nodded, feeling the pang of those old memories. “Yeah… I had a lot of names in mind when I thought we were going to raise a baby together. But after everything happened… those names felt too tied to the life we were supposed to have.”

Alessia’s expression shifted to one of sadness, and I felt the weight of the unspoken words lingering between u

“So how did you find the name?” she asked softly, her curiosity genuine.

“Well…”

While scrolling through social media on my phone, I stumbled upon a hilarious video clip from that TV show about mermaids.

The video poked fun at the characters accents.

It featured a scene where the characters were bantering, and their thick Australian accents made the dialogue even funnier.

I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity of it all, especially when one character was named “Cleo.”

The way the others exaggeratedly pronounced her name with those deep accents had me in stitches.

Then, like a light bulb going off in my head, it hit me—“Cleo”! What a beautiful name that was.

“Cleo!” I exclaimed suddenly, the excitement bubbling up inside me.

Leah, who had been peacefully rocking our daughter in a chair, looked up at me with a curious expression, her brow slightly furrowed.

“Cleo?” she echoed, trying to wrap her mind around my sudden enthusiasm.

“Yes! That’s it! I want to name her Cleo,” I declared, my heart racing at the thought. Leah’s face transformed into a warm smile as she processed the name.

“I love it,” she replied, her voice soft and full of affection, and I could see that she was already picturing our little girl with that beautiful name.

“So you named our daughter ‘Cleo’ because the way the Australians were pronouncing the name made you laugh?” Alessia said, raising her eyebrows and chuckling.

“Well, yes…but it’s also such a cute and beautiful name,” I replied with a smile.

“And how did you end up with the nickname Coco?” Alessia asked.

“Leah actually came out with this nickname…”

“Hi! Hi! Are you smiling at me? Yes, you are!” Leah cooed at Cleo, cradling her in her arms as the soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room.

It was the middle of the night when Cleo began to cry, her tiny fists flailing, signaling that she was hungry.

So here we were, at 2 AM, snuggled in bed after a feeding session. Leah had gently taken Cleo into her arms to burp her, and that’s when she noticed the baby’s sweet little grin.

“Ooh, you’re so cute!” I said softly, brushing my finger against Cleo’s chubby cheek, marveling at how adorable she was.

“Please give us another smile! Just one more!” Leah urged playfully, her voice rising in excitement.

To our delight, Cleo responded with another smile, her eyes sparkling with joy, making both of us burst into laughter.

“Yes, that’s my Coco!” Leah exclaimed, her voice full of affection.

“Who’s Coco?” I asked, furrowing my brow in confusion, intrigued by the new nickname.

“Well, Cleo, obviously!” Leah replied, her gaze still locked onto the baby, utterly enamored.

“Why Coco?” I inquired further, genuinely curious about the name.

“I don’t know! It just came to me. I mean, Coco/Cleo—it has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? But if you don’t like it, I can stop calling her that,” Leah said, finally turning to me, her eyes wide with concern.

I smiled gently, leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips. “No, I like it,” I assured her, feeling warmth spread through me as we pulled apart.

“Our Coco,” Leah whispered, her expression softening as she gazed down at Cleo, her heart full of love for our little girl.

“And ever since that moment, we started calling her Coco,” I explained with a soft smile, thinking back on the memory. “Well, except when she’s in trouble—then it’s full name time.”

Alessia chuckled lightly, tilting her head as she looked at me. “What’s her full name?”

“It’s Cleo Charlotte Y/L/N,” I replied, feeling a sense of pride as I said it.

Alessia’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “She doesn’t have Leah’s last name? I assumed she did.”

I shook my head. “No… I mean, Leah and I aren’t married yet, and she never officially adopted Cleo, so she just has my last name for now.”

“Yet?” Alessia asked, her curiosity piqued as she leaned forward. “Are you two engaged or something?”

I smiled a little at the thought. “No, we’re not engaged, but we talk about it sometimes. Marriage, more kids… it’s something we both want. It just hasn’t happened yet.”

Alessia nodded, absorbing the information. “I see,” she said softly with a hint of sadness in her voice, before looking back down at the album.

As she flipped through the pages, her eyes lingered on every picture of Cleo—tiny moments of her growth, from her first smile to her wobbly steps.

Each picture seemed to stir something in Alessia, and as she admired the photos, I couldn’t help but notice the bittersweet look in her eyes.

Alessia paused at a picture of me, Leah, and Cleo. We were all smiling, but it was obvious that we had been crying—happy tears, with Cleo nestled between us, her little hands clutching at Leah’s shirt.

“What’s happening here?” Alessia asked, her voice soft as she turned the album toward me.

I smiled warmly, remembering the moment so clearly. “That was the day Coco said her first word…”

“Come on, Coco, I know you can do it. Say ‘mama,’” I heard Leah cooed as she fed our almost one-year-old.

Cleo simply whined, her focus clearly on the food rather than on talking. “Alright, alright,” Leah said, handing her the spoon as Cleo eagerly opened her mouth to eat.

I walked over, smiling at Leah’s persistence. “Babe, she’ll talk when she’s ready. Don’t stress.”

Leah sighed, a bit frustrated. “I know, but that idiot Jane keeps bragging about how her daughter can already say ‘mama.’ Like her kid’s some kind of prodigy,” she muttered, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Jane was a mom we’d met at the nursery, and Leah had taken a disliking to her ever since.

She was one of those mothers who constantly gloated about her child, as if no one else’s could compare.

“I’m sure she’ll call you ‘mama’ soon enough,” I reassured her, but Leah gave me a weird look.

“Call ME ‘mama’ ?” she asked, confused.

“Well, yeah… Isn’t that what you’ve been trying to get her to say? ‘Mama’?” I asked, just as confused.

Leah shook her head softly. “Yes,but I wanted her to say it for you…”

“Wait, don’t you want her to call you ‘mama’?” I asked, feeling a bit nervous.

“Of course I do, but… do I really deserve to be called that? I mean, Alessia’s her real mama,” Leah said, her voice laced with uncertainty.

I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “Leah, you are her mama. You’ve been here for her since day one—feeding her, cuddling her, playing with her… You deserve it just as much as anyone.”

Leah smiled softly at me, gratitude filling her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered, and I leaned down, kissing her gently.

Just then, Coco let out a whine, reaching for her food. “Sorry, Coco, your mommy’s distracting me,” Leah teased, smirking at me.

I playfully swatted her arm, causing her to drop the spoon. “Shit,” Leah cursed, bending to pick it up.

“Shit!” a little voice mimicked. I froze, my eyes snapping to Cleo.

Leah shot up, eyes wide in disbelief. “Did she just say ‘shit’”

“Shit!” Coco repeated, louder this time.

“Leah, stop saying it!” I scolded before turning to Coco. “No, baby, we don’t say that word.”

But Coco giggled, clearly amused with herself. “Shit!” she said once more, and despite the situation, Leah and I both burst into laughter.

Tears streamed down our faces from laughing so hard. “See?” I teased. “She’s your daughter, swearing like a sailor already…”

By the time I finished sharing the memory, Alessia was laughing, wiping a tear from her eye.

“So, her first word was actually ‘shit’?” she asked, her giggles still escaping.

“Yes, officially,” I said, laughing along with her. “But unofficially, it was ‘mama.’”

Alessia shook her head in disbelief, still smiling as she turned the pages of the album.

We continued going through the pictures—Christmas mornings, Halloween costumes, her first shaky steps—and with each picture, I told Alessia the story behind it.

As I spoke, I noticed the flicker of emotions in her eyes: sadness, regret, and even a twinge of anger.

It made my heart ache. The guilt settled deep within me as I realized how much I had taken away from her, all the little moments she never got to be a part of.

I could see how badly she wanted to be there, how much she longed to share those memories, and it weighed on me even more with every turn of the page.

A little while later, we arrived at the most recent memories.

The picture was taken last week during Coco’s first football game, with her and Leah in the shot.

“It was Coco’s first game last week,” I said. “She even scored a goal…”

“Come on, Coco, shoot the ball!” Leah yelled, her voice rising above the excited chatter of parents and children on the field.

Coco had the ball at her feet, her little brow furrowed in concentration as she took aim. With a determined kick, she sent the ball flying into the net, scoring a goal.

“Yes! That’s MY daughter!” Leah cheered, leaping from her seat and clapping her hands with uncontainable joy, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Coco turned to us, her face beaming as she waved enthusiastically, making sure we had witnessed her moment of glory.

A few minutes later, the game intensified. “Oh, come on, ref! That’s a foul!” Leah exclaimed, her frustration spilling over when a little boy nudged Coco, causing her to lose her balance and tumble to the ground.

But in true Coco fashion, she bounced back up quickly, shaking off the fall like a champ.

“Leah, sit down! It’s a toddler game, not the World Cup finale,” I said, playfully tugging at her shirt to pull her back into her seat, unable to stifle my laughter at her overprotective nature.

“Who does that little boy think he is, pushing my girl like that?” Leah muttered, crossing her arms and pouting.

I chuckled at her fierce protectiveness, knowing she had a heart full of love for Coco.

As the match drew to a close, Coco spotted us and sprinted over with her tiny legs pumping.

“Mama!” she called out, her voice filled with excitement as she launched herself into Leah’s waiting arms. Leah caught her effortlessly, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

“You did so good, my love,” Leah said, pulling back to gaze into Coco’s eyes, planting a kiss on her cheek that made Coco giggle.

“Did you see my goal, Mama?” she asked, her eyes wide with hope.

“Of course I did! Amazing!” Leah exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

“Oh, okay! So I guess we’re just ignoring Mommy now…” I chimed in, pretending to sulk and started to walk away dramatically.

“No, Mommy!” Coco whined, her little arms reaching out toward me, her face scrunching up in a way that tugged at my heartstrings.

I scooped her up into my arms, showering her face with playful kisses, and her giggles filled the air.

“My little football player,” I said affectionately, feeling a swell of pride as she nodded eagerly, her laughter contagious.

“I’m going to be just like Mama!” she declared, her eyes shining with determination, and a soft smile crept across Leah’s face, reflecting the pride and love she felt for our little star.

Alessia closed the album, and a heavy silence settled between us.

The weight of her sadness was palpable; she was grieving not just all those years lost but the countless moments of motherhood that had slipped through her fingers.

I could see it in her eyes — the pain of missing out on first steps, first word, giggles, and every little milestone that defined the early years of a child’s life.

“I feel like I’ve missed so much,” she murmured, her voice cracking. “Not being here to watch Coco grow up… it’s like I’ve been robbed of something irreplaceable.”

I felt a tidal wave of guilt crash over me. I had taken that chance away from her. Yes, she had been a terrible wife, but there was a part of me that believed she would have been an amazing mother if given the opportunity.

The thought twisted painfully in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

“I…I just…I feel like you stole something from me, you know?” Alessia said, looking deeply into my eyes. Her expression was a mix of hurt and longing, and I felt the sting of tears threatening to spill.

“I know…” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, trembling as I fought to maintain my composure.

“You had NO RIGHT to hide her away from me. NO RIGHT!” she said a little angry, her frustration spilling.

Her fists were clenched tightly at her sides, and I could feel the heat of her anger radiating from her.

“I know…” I repeated, my heart aching as I looked into her eyes. I felt tears welling up, blurring my vision, but I held them back, determined to stay strong in front of her.

She took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm herself down. “But I appreciate you taking the time to show me that,” she said, her voice softening slightly.

“Telling me all those stories. For some reason, I feel closer to her knowing all that.” I nodded slowly, relief washing over me.

“Thank you,” she added, her gaze piercing as if she was trying to read my thoughts. “For your honesty and for owning up to your mistake.”

“Of course,” I said, feeling a wave of warmth at her acknowledgment.

But confusion washed over me when I noticed her starting to fidget, her fingers tapping against her leg as she avoided eye contact.

“I have something to tell you too,” she said, rubbing her forehead as if trying to find the right words.

I nodded, encouraging her to go on, despite the heavy tension in the air.

“I…” she hesitated, her breath hitching as she collected herself.

“Lisa and I are still together, and we’re engaged,” she revealed, her voice steady but tinged with an edge of nervousness.

And just like that, all the sympathy and guilt I had been clinging to vanished, replaced by a wave of anger.

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