*** Decided to write this one from 3rd person PoV for a different taste, and compare which suited best. I personally like writing from 1st person PoV when Adriano talks, as it gives more connection to him and shows his perspective. He is human after all.
I changed my mind as I was writing this chapter, as I felt this direction is much better than the previous one I had, where she quits acting after this movie and moved in with Adriano. This version feels more realistic and captures the difficulties. Not to mention it matches the realism I'm trying to portray.
5000+ words chapter, enjoy the drama and conclusion!
Do vote for the story. Let's reach top 50 this week.
***
The morning after the media chaos, the hotel's rooftop lounge had taken on a calm, almost serene quality. Pale light crept over the horizon, softening the angular edges of glass towers and lending a quiet dignity to the wrought‑iron tables scattered about.
Adriano and Kate sat in a secluded corner that overlooked the distant harbor, a silent witness to the new day. Before them lay two steaming cappuccinos and a plate of freshly baked croissants, arranged neatly on a pristine white tablecloth. The gentle clink of porcelain and the faint murmur of early risers created an atmosphere of quiet intimacy.
Kate shifted her gaze to her phone, her eyes narrowing in frustration as she scrolled through the barrage of messages. "They're everywhere," she murmured, sliding the device toward Adriano. On the screen, tabloid headlines blared in bold, sensational fonts:"Soccer Superstar's Secret Tryst with Upcoming Actress!"
"Adriano's Hidden partner comes Out! Love or clot chaser?"
"Are they actually dating or is it another Publicity stunt?"
Her voice was soft yet tinged with incredulity. "I've never seen anything like it, people really finds any reason to hate, don't they?" she continued, her tone a mixture of disbelief and concern.
Adriano frowned and slowly stirred sugar into his cappuccino until it dissolved into the creamy foam. "I should've known this would happen when we attended the party together. Typical Hollywood media trying to exploit people's lives to make money and generate views. Don't pay attention to their words. It's you and me, we know what is between us, and what's best for us."
Kate reached across and touched his hand. "But people believe what they want to believe. You know how the media works." She paused, weighing her next words. "I've been thinking… maybe you should come back to Florida with me. Stay at my parents' other house until it blows over. It's private, off the grid. We can relax and spend some time together in peace. "
He shook his head, exhaling. "I don't want to Kate, as tempting as it might sound . I have to be back in Europe in a week for my presentation and preseason training. If I spend these days of break hiding in a guest room, what's the point of the vacation? I want to be here—with you—making memories, not glued to the news cycle."
She looked disappointed, but her expression shifted to determination. Kate reached across and gently touched his hand. "Okay. Then let's do something bold. We'll stick to our plan: snorkeling, that sunset sail, the vineyard tour. We'll show them we're not afraid." She smiled, a small curve of her lips that lit her eyes. "We'll take control of the narrative—enjoy these days on our terms."
He returned her smile, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Deal." He raised his cup in a toast. "To us."
They clinked mugs, the sound sharp in the quiet morning air. Kate's laughter, soft and bright, drifted between them.
*
They lingered over breakfast, talking through the itinerary: a speedboat excursion to the coral reef, lunch at a seaside bistro, a horseback ride at dusk along the dunes.
As Kate detailed the snorkeling gear they'd need—reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes—Adriano nodded, his mind half on the conversation, half on the headlines still burning on his screen.
He glanced up when a waitress approached, not expecting anything more than an order refill.
But as she drew near, his heart lurched. Dark hair tumbled over one shoulder, eyes that once held warmth now glinting with something sharper.
Olyvia, his first girlfriend who was with him during his La Masia days in Barcelona. They got close as they were both Portueguese, and Adriano missed the warmth of home. Yet she was the first to abandon him after his injury, cutting of all contact.
He sat up so quickly his chair scraped the marble floor. Memories surged: A sixteen year old boy, Spain, the echoing corridors of La Masia's dormitory, their secret rendezvous in the orange groves at sunset. Her laughter like chimes in the courtyard.
And then—the injury. The match against Real Zaragoza youth team. The snap of bone. His ankle bent at an impossible angle. The hospital's antiseptic smell. Her face in the bleachers, bright with pride… until it wasn't. How she had turned away, leaving him to heal and struggle all alone.
He pressed a hand clutching his shirt instinctively, struggling for calm. Kate noticed the change. "Adri—"
But before she could finish, Olyvia's voice purred through the morning air. "Hola, Adriano. You are looking better than I imagined" She smiled, slow and sultry, and placed a hand on his shoulder. The apron she wore was the same as the other staff's, but the confidence in her stance made it clear she didn't belong behind the counter.
Adriano's gut twisted. He yanked her hand away as though it were fire. "Get your dirty hands off me. What the fuck are you doing here?"
Her smile didn't falter. "Oh, come on. It's been a while. Didn't you miss me? After all, we were so very close."
He rose, chair clattering back. "I asked what the fuck are you doing here? I made myself perfectly clear the last time we spoke I don't want to see your face ever again." He shouted turning away from her, " Where's the manager of this damn hotel?"
She laughed, a sound that once had thrilled him and now made his blood run cold. "I'm not a staff," she said, tugging at the apron's strings. "Just borrowed the uniform. But you owe me."
Kate stood as well, confusion and protectiveness warring on her face. "Excuse me? Who the hell are you ? Why are you bothering us?"
Adriano's voice was flat, controlled but laced with anger. "I told you I don't want anything to do with you."
Olyvia's dark eyes gleamed. "You think you can rise to fame and leave everyone behind? I was there when no one even knew your name. I deserve a share of your success."
Kate's lip curled as she moved forward. "I won't ask again, Who the hell are you?"
Olyvia turned on Kate, eyes blazing. "The name's Olyvia Vargas. I'm his first girlfriend. I knew him before you even heard his name. So back off, new girl. You're nothing but another girl clinging to him for his fame."
Guests nearby stiffened, some leaning forward, discreeetly starting to record the incident. A hush fell over the lounge as some waiters rushed to inform the manager.
The hotel manager appeared, eyebrows raised. "Is there a problem?"
Olyvia held up her hands in mock surrender. "Just a personal reunion. A private matter, which you should not get involved in."
Adriano's fists clenched at his sides. His face paled, but his eyes burned. He'd been hurt by many—critics, opponents, jealous teammates—but none had wounded him like she had, or rather his past self . Kate moved to stand beside him, placing a hand on his forearm. Her touch was comforting.
"Olyvia," Adriano said, voice trembling with anger and pain. "I don't owe you anything. You left me when I needed you most. You mocked me when I waited on your doorstep for hours, with a broken leg, alone in the rain."
Olyvia's smile flickered. "I did what I had to. You were worthless then. What future you could have offered me?"
He winced, the memory of that night sharp and cruel. He had limped to her house after surgery, cast still fresh, heart raw. Hours passed. No door opened. No apology. Only the cold drip of rain and the echo of his own hopes.
Kate tightened her grip on his arm. "You're lying," she said to Olyvia. "He doesn't owe you a thing."
Olyvia's face contorted with fury. "If you don't give me what I deserve, I'll go to the press. I'll tell them about the abortion you made me have. I'll show them the records. I'll tell them how you hit me around when we were together."
Adriano's breath caught. "Are you insane? We haven't seen each other in over two years—you can't be pregnant at that time, and that's a lie. "
She took a step closer, lowering her voice. "You think you can deny me? I'm a weak , pitiful woman abandoned by the star Adriano, people will eat that up.
I haven't been idle , I have made some friends who will help me bury you under scandals you can't imagine. So you better behave dear ex boyfriend. " She whispered to his ear with purr.
Kate shoved her away and hugged Adriano protectively, as he closed his eyes in sheer disbelief and anger, trying to control himself from hitting the woman his former self once fell in love with.
Kate spoke coldly, " Not only you harrased us, now you are trying to blackmail him in front of me? You better get the hell out before I slap your teeth off."
Olyvia chuckled in amusement, " Try touching me, and I will ruin your career before it begins slut. Don't think I don't know you are nothing but gold digger clinging to him. Behave, and maybe I'll cut you a piece when I recieve the 10 million dollars I deserve from him."
The manager tried to weakly intervene, " Could I ask you to take this somewhere private? You are disturbing the other guests."
Adriano shook his head at the sheer audacity of Olyvia. ' How stupid was the old Adriano to ever fall for such a pathetic woman, and even love her?' He thought to himself.
A mature voice interjected, calm but authoritative: "Young lady, I suggest you stop right there before things go past the point of no return." An older gentleman in a tailored navy suit advanced, his gait confident. He had a composed aura and carried a leather briefcase, clearly someone well off.
"You're in public, making unsubstantiated claims, threating to use falsified documents to blakmail, and manipulate public opinion falsely. That's defamation, harassment, incitement of unrest, and blackmail. You could be legally prosecuted for that."
Olyvia lashed out, " Who the hell are you ? Don't butt in my matter if you don't want trouble."
The man replied calmly, " You don't want me as your enemy young girl. My firm deals with people like you trying to extort athletes after they get rich, and you think you deservve their hard earned money. Me and firm will bury in lawsuits if you don't shut up and listen to my words."
Olyvia's mouth opened, then snapped shut. The man raised a finger. "One more word and we will file the lawsuit immediately. Security, please remove Ms. Vargas from the premises."
Two uniformed staffers moved in. Olyvia shrieked, struggling as they gripped her arms. Phones snapped photos. A murmur of approval rippled through the onlookers.
Adriano stared, stunned. "Who—?"
The older man turned to him, offering a gloved hand. "Paul J. Green. Me and my firm represent athletes in legal matters and provide consultation. And deal with things like that." He extended his hand towards Adriano. "If you have any amount of retainer fee…"
Adriano fumbled in his pocket and produced a crumpled twenty‑dollar bill, which Paul accepted with a slight bow. "Payment received," he announced, tucking the bill into his jacket with a smirk. "I am legally your attorney and liable for any legal matters that might affect you. I will handle the legal fallout if she tries anything."
Kate exhaled, relief flooding her features. "Thank you. Do i know you sir? You feel familiar"
Paul smiled," No need to thank me, just looking after my niece. Your uncle and I are old friends. I guess you forgot uncle Paul after you moved to Florida, little Katie."
He placed a business card on the table and looked at Adriano. "Don't worry about it Adriano. My firm will handle it pro bono if needed. I am a fan of yours, although I hoped we had met under better circumstances.If you need anything—advice, representation—call me. Kate's uncle and I are old friends since college, that makes you family. "
Paul then walked away and addressed the manager, whispering something that made the man blanch. "I will need you to detain her until the police arrive, and deal with this properly if you don't want to get sued." he said. The manager turned pale and nodded.
Olyvia was escorted out, screaming profanities in Spanish. Adriano sank back into his chair, Kate at his side.
Paul returned with a smile and said, ' We'll sort this out once the cops arrive, you just need to give a statement to send her to jail and press charges. There's plenty of evidnece and witnesses."
Adriano looked at the card, his hand still shaking. "Thank you Mr. Paul, truly . I… don't know what to say."
Paul smiled. "No need. Consider it a small help from your elder. Now, may I suggest you both order something to eat? After that excitement, you deserve a proper breakfast."
Kate laughed, the tension breaking. "Yes, please." She hugged the older man, " Thank you uncle Paul, you should visit Florida. My parents and Uncle Fred would love to thank you."
He chuckled, " Your uncle called me this morning, telling me you were staying here. I figured you might need some counseling after the media fiasco this morning. But it seems I got another client." He joked to lighten the mood. Adriano shook hands with him and thanked him profusely.
Paul pulled out his phone,"Well, I already got paid, but I wouldn't mind a picture with the Hollywood's hottest couple," he chuckled. Adriano and Kate smiled, relaxing from the earlier stress. They took a photo with him and bid him farewell after the formalities were done and a struggling Olyvia was escorted away by the police.
Some of the guests testified, providing their recordings , which served as enough evidence to put the charges on her. Adriano and Kate also gave their statements.
As Paul departed, Adriano and Kate sat in silence, watching the staff clear away the disturbance. The manager approached, offering profuse apologies, which Adriano waved away.
"I'll make sure my friends in Hollywood know about this, how you let your VIP guest get harrassed, blackmailed and almost assaulted." he said, voice calm but firm. "But right now, I'd rather enjoy my vacation. So get out of my face before I decide to sue you for mental damages."
The manager bowed. "Of course, sir. I apologise again for the trouble." He walked away in silence, knowing his job was probably gone.
*
Later that afternoon, the couple found themselves on the hotel's private beach. The pale sand felt cool beneath their feet, and the turquoise water lapped gently at the shore. They spread a large towel under a palm tree, unpacking fruit, cheese, and a chilled bottle of sparkling water.
Kate leaned back on her elbows, watching the horizon. "That was… intense."
Adriano nodded, pulling off his shirt and wading into the shallows. "I didn't expect her to show up here of all places. I thought she'd learned her lesson."
Kate rose and joined him, letting the water swirl around her ankles. "She'll think twice now." She asked curiously, " Why were you ever involved with such a girl? I thought you were the calm, collected and smart type, who thinks a lot before doing anything."
Adriano chuckled sadly, " Call it mistakes of youth. When I came to La Masia first, it was hard to adjust to without my mom and dad. I was working very hard just to prove myself, but it felt so alone. That's when I met her.
She was a pretty girl, and as a young hormonal boy, I fell for the praises she would offer me, and how she would brag to friends that her boyfriend is a future football star. She even introduced me to her parents, who behaved nicely towards me, as we were both Portuegese. But They only valued what I could be, not the person I was.
When the injury happened, I wanted to rely on them for support, but they closed the door on my face. My stupid younger self thought they were stopping me from meeting her, but it was her who didn't want anything to do with me.
Later when I started shining in Malaga, she reached out once again, thinking she could just come back in my life, and I would take her back. Well, I won't lie, I swore at her and insulted her greedy family, and told her not to show her disgusting face ever again. But I guess that wasn't enough." He looked at the ocean wistfully.
He paused, a shadow crossing his face as the memories flashed through his mind—the long nights waiting in the rain, the bitter rejection, the cruel indifference. "I didn't think she'd ever try to drag it back up."
Kate moved closer, resting her hand on his arm. "You deserve peace, Adriano. You deserve to be with someone who respects you—who truly cares about you."
He then turned to her, water droplets sparkling on his skin. "Thank you for standing up for me, Kate. It means a lot."
She smiled, intertwining their fingers. "No need. I'll Always be there for you, like you have been there to advice me when I needed it. and don't forget, I'm supposed to be your girlfriend,and that's what girlfriends do," She added with a laugh.
Adriano smiled and squeezed her hand , appreaciating her presence that helped him forget the previous incident.
They spent the next hour walking along the water's edge, talking about lighter things: the art exhibit they wanted to visit, the best gelato flavors, the books they were reading. The morning's confrontation already felt like a distant storm cloud passed.
As they returned to their towel, Kate picked up a small seashell and held it out. "A reminder," she said. "Even when things get rough, we can find beauty."
Adriano accepted the shell, turning it over in his hand. "I like that. I'll cherish it forever."
They sat close, shoulders touching, and shared a simple lunch of prosciutto‑wrapped melon and crusty bread. The sun was shining brightly, yet it wasn't overwhelming or harsh, just a gentle warmth. A light breeze carried the scent of salty ocean air.
Their conversation drifted from lighthearted jokes about sunscreen brands and beach playlists into something deeper—more vulnerable—as the afternoon wore on. The tide gently lapped at the shore, a rhythmic hush beneath their voices.
Adriano, legs stretched out in the sand, plucked absently at the hem of his swim trunks, eyes fixed on the horizon. Kate sat cross-legged beside him, her fingers tracing idle patterns in the grains between them.
She tilted her head, watching him. "Can I ask you something personal?"
He nodded without hesitation, still gazing out to sea.
"What was life like before all of this?" She gestured vaguely, meaning the fame, the chaos, the flashing cameras and tabloid lies.
Adriano took a moment. "Before everything…" he began slowly, "it was quieter. I was born in Porto. My father worked as a construction supervisor, my mother took care of us at home and sometimes helped out at the local bakery.
She makes the best bread you can imagine, maybe because she pours all her love into them. We didn't have much, but they made sure I had whatever I needed. They knew my passion for football and supported my dream.."
Kate watched his face closely as he spoke, noting the way his voice softened.
"I was good, even as a kid. By twelve, local people were already whispering my name. Coaches talked like I was some kind of prodigy. My dad beamed with pride—but it was a lot. I got picked up by an academy in Lisbon, then scouted for La Masia by the time I was thirteen. Barcelona was… huge. I didn't even speak Spanish properly at first."
He smiled faintly, though there was a quiet melancholy in his expression.
"I remember waking up at five in the morning for training. Every day. Rain, cold, holidays—didn't matter. Sometimes I was too tired to eat breakfast. And being in boarding school? God. It was lonely. I missed my mom's birthday three years in a row. I watched my parents grow older through video calls on Skype."
Kate's brows furrowed. She reached for his hand, linking her fingers through his. "That's a lot to carry for a kid."
"I didn't realize how much I'd sacrificed until I turned 16, and couldn't remember the last time I'd just… played for fun. It became everything. Not just a game, not even a career. My entire identity."
He turned to her now, his eyes searching hers. "I know people think we're spoiled, footballers. That we get everything handed to us. But the pressure—it starts so early. One bad game, and they call you a fraud. A missed goal, and you're trending for the wrong reasons. It's hard to breathe sometimes."
Kate shifted closer, her voice low and steady. "You don't have to prove anything to me, Adriano. I know who you are. I see the person beyond the pitch."
He held her gaze for a long moment, gratitude blooming in his chest.
Then she took a deep breath. "I guess it's my turn."
He nodded, watching her carefully.
"My dad was in the Navy, before he became athletics director at a high school." she began, eyes trained on the waves. " We moved then to Florida. It was a new town, new school, new friends. It was hard at first to fit in."
Adriano listened in silence, sensing how hard it was for her to talk about this.
"It made me adaptable," she continued, "but it also made me guarded. I stopped trying to form deep friendships because I knew I'd lose them if we moved. I envied kids who grew up on the same street their whole lives, had best friends since kindergarten.
Not to mention many people knew my parents, specially my mom who played Tennnis before."
She paused, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"And then when I grew up, I seeked validation from people, wanting to become someone appreciated by evryone. I did a few modeling gigs, and the Soprts Illustrated appraoched my agent for the swimsuit shoot.
It was not what I wanted, but I convinced myself this was just the start. Just to get my face out there. But after that, I became the object of attraction, nothing more than a pretty face, only known for body. But I am fine now." Kate added quickly, seeing the worry flash across Adriano's face.
"But it was brutal at that time. My parents were disappointed and my agency trying to force me to go with the flow. I decided to take the break , and as luck would have it , I finally found clarity. Meeting you, and talking with you that day changed how how I viewed the world and myself.
I knew you were keeping distance, perhaps thinking I was another shallow model only chasing money and fame, only living wildly and trying to enjoy without thinking anyhting. I don't blame you. I was becoming that kinda person slowly without noticing."
Adriano's throat tightened. He reached for her hand again, squeezing gently.
"But You helped me get through it, Your words helped me more than you know." she whispered. "I never told you that properly. But I'm grateful, Adri. So much."
He leaned in, gently kissing her forehead. "You never have to thank me for that. I did it because you wanted to change who you are, it was all you Kate. You should give yourself more credit."
She nodded, resting against his shoulder, their shared silence filled with understanding.
After a while, their conversation turned to the present—what they wanted from each other, from this relationship, from the future that felt more complicated by the day.
"I don't want to hide it, I like you Adriano, and I want us to be together." Kate said firmly. " But I also don't want to put you under pressure, or have you deal with gossips and rumours every week. Hollywood comes up with cebrity scandals more than Ben and Jerry's come up with ice cream flaovers. I'm pretty sure there would be new posts about both of us already when we return to hotel. Not to mention when we stay apart for work."
Adriano took a deep breath and spoke, " This was something I wanted to talk later, but I guess now might be good as time as any. I don't prefer to have long distance relationships where we don't see each other for weeks or months.
I won't hide, I'm moving to Manchester after I return, and it would be difficult to get used to there all by myself.
I know it sounds selfish, but I want someone to be truly with me, share my worries, care for me. Not just once a month or few months, every single day. I don't want to be alone despite being with someone. You knwo how footballers have relationship troubles often, I want to avoid that."
Kate asked nervously with concern, " Then what does that mean for us? I have shoots for my new movie from July, which should be finished around December if all goes well. I haven't taken any more offers yet, but my agent might be bringing me something soon."
Adriano sighed andclosed his eyes, then spoke softly, " I'm not gonna tell you what to do with your life Kate. I won't force you into anything. But my experience has taught me that kinda relationship will fail eventually, and I won't drag you for a year only to break your heart.
But I know what I want, specially after this morning. I need someone by my side to keep me grounded, and share my life. I can only promise my love and unconditional support, and the promise to be there for them."
He added gently, " I know this isn't fair, but I would rather live in reality, than be trapped in a beautiful dream that eventually shatters."
Kate closed her eyes , thinking about his words. She understood the concerns Adrian had, and she also shared the same concerns. It wasn't her desire to have a whirlwind romance like Hollywood stars, changing partners every couple years until they are old and realize the loneliness of their lives.
She took a deep breath, knowing her next words will decide their future, " I have contracts for 4 Marvel movies. The one coming next year, Then the shooting for next one starting in next year. The next two would be around late 2018 and after.
I can walk away from them, but It will cause serious legal repurcussions. And I need some time to prepare." Adriano listened to her without interrupting, wanting to know her choice.
She looked at him deeply and spoke, " To be honest, your concerns are legitimate, and I also feel a long distance relationship when we are both busy will not be good for us. So, we can do this.
I'll go to England with you when you return, and Stay for a bit before my shooting starts. Once I'm done, I'll come back to you and stay until the next movie. After that, we can live together properly for a couple more years until my next movie.
Once I'm done with this contract, I'll permanently stay with you, and we can have our own life together. It might be difficult,but we can always visit each other when we are away. I'll come by every month, even if for a day, and you can do the same. We can make this work if we truly want it."
Adriano was thoughtful. He knew Kate was trying her best , even willing to give up the career she wanted so much just for his sake. He needed to atleast try for her sake. He thought deeply, and Kate waited for his response with anticipation.
He spoke seriously, " Although it'll be difficult, I want to make it work. I don't want to regret later for giving up without trying again, specially when you are thinking about sacrificing so much for me. Let's try to work this out Kate. I just hope you won't regret your decision later."
She looked at him surprisedly, then a wide grin formed on her face as she jumped and tackled Adriano on the soft sand who caught her firmly with a chuckle, " easy there, don't try to inure me before the season so I can stay back with you."
She silenced him witha passionate kiss as they rolled around in the sand, embracing each other tightly. After their lips parted, she loooked at him affectionately, " So , does this mean I'm officialy dating the most expensive footballer Adriano Riveiro? " She winked mischivously.
Adriano laughed as he carressed her face, " Well, if you really insist, I guess I'll have to reluctantly accept."
Kate pinched him in mock anger, " You should be lucky that the scarlett witch is willing to date you." She then added, " Don't worry, we'll make this work. You'll be my first priority, not the glamour of Hollywood. We can announce our relationship once I come to Manchester in December. We can also work on on ourselves and prepare for the future."
Adriano nodded, " that's fine. This would also help us better kow each other and understand ourselves." He then joked, " But I better not hear in the news that the Scarlett witch is enchanting other guys in Holywood."
Kate chuckled and grabbed his collar to pull him in for another kiss, " And I better not find you in the arms of some hussy trying get into your bed. Don't forget, My dad was in the army." She winked .
They talked and laughed with each other, discussing how to balance work and life, what days might be good for their meetings, and the gaps in their schedules. They planned in detail so there's no complications later on.
Adriano reached into the cooler and produced two small bottles of sunscreen. "We'll need this if we go snorkeling," he said, twisting off the cap. He squirted lotion onto his palm and began to rub it into Kate's shoulders.
She closed her eyes and sighed in content. "You better take care of me like this forever."
He smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "Always."
They sat in companionable silence as the waves whispered around them, the sky a brilliant blue dome overhead. The confrontation on the rooftop, the threat of scandal, the sudden arrival of an old wound—it all seemed part of a past chapter.
Here, on the sunlit shore, they were simply two people in love, planning a future together, determined to weather whatever storms might come.
And as they rose to leave, hand in hand, the tide rolling in behind them, the world felt full of possibility once more.