DUMPED BY MY EX, CHOSEN BY THE BILLIONAIRE SOCCER STAR

Daniela's POV

I looked at the clock. The red numbers blinked, 6:00. Why does it always feel like night hangs on this long? The house pressed in with silence, except for Raphael's slow breaths beside me. Lately, he's been shrinking, since missing the contract for the football player, and that warning from his boss. I can't help wondering if there's anything I could do to lift him, but the shadows seem to settle deeper around him, out of my reach.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. The weight in the room appeared dense, almost physical. Why is it always harder to breathe when things go wrong for him? As I dressed for my morning run, I wondered if moving my body fast enough could shake off this worry that seems glued to my skin. Floorboards rattled underfoot.

As I walked downstairs yesterday, the scent of coffee lingered, mingling with the morning chill. Elena, Raphael's mother, was already up, standing in the kitchen doorway, watching me.

Elena surveyed me up and down, lips pursed into a nearly vanishing line. She asked quietly, "Why do you run so early?" Her eyes paused for a second too long on my shoes. Her fingers clenched rhythmically around her mug. "You have a nice form, Daniela, but it's better to tend to your husband. He needs you more than ever. Be more supportive,"

She said it all in a soft, careful voice, but her look was sharp. My chest tightened under her judgment; every word held a threat she wouldn't voice aloud. Is there anything I do that pleases her, or is she always searching for my failure?

Maybe if you didn't baby him so much, I wouldn't have wanted to snap. But my grandma's voice resounded: " Be polite to elders. Why is that so impossible with Elena? What does she see in me that isn't enough? I do everything for her son and get nothing in return. What am I missing?

I put my AirPods in and turned on the music. The world compressed to just the pace of my feet and the sound in my ears as I ran outside. When I returned and entered the apartment again, Raphael was already in the shower, water flowing audibly through the bathroom door. I quietly undressed, entered the bathroom, and walked into the steam to join him.

Daniela, I'm in a hurry; I will see you at the office. Great. Why does being dismissed so easily still sting so deeply? I suppressed the urge to cry. He acts indifferent, but it aches that he hasn't touched me in so long. I hate how small I feel right now.

The Oronzo Agency is Madrid's most famous. Its glass tower in Azca gleams with trophies and jerseys. Everyone here lives for competition. Whenever I step onto the twelfth floor, I feel it as a static charge: ambition, hunger, fear. Am I the only one who sees how this constant chase wears Raphael down? I warned him: You have to want it enough; this place devours the indecisive. Now, he's falling behind, and I can't fix that.

"Daniela, my coffee, por favor, and come to the meeting with me," Mr. Moreno called. I ran to get his coffee and caught the end of a conversation. They wanted a famous football player to sign, but no one could reach him. He likes going to a club with friends. I knew the place, my friend Lara bartended there. I had to tell Raphael; this was his chance.

I sat in the chair to Mr. Moreno's right, in the conference room, to take notes. He valued my opinion; in private, he would never admit it to anyone else.

"Bueno, let's see the commercials," he said, opening the first file. They played it, and I laughed. "Mierda."

I didn't mean to; it just came out because the commercial was stupid and badly made. Everyone turned to me. Mr. Moreno slapped his hand on the table. "You're redoing it. Next," he shouted.

As I walked out of the meeting room, I noticed angry looks from the other agents directed at me. Still, I reminded myself I wasn't here to make friends. This job was temporary; I was in my third year of school, studying physical therapy. I planned to take three more years for a doctorate. To cover bills, I'd also picked up a weekend job. People often asked why I was in physical therapy and encouraged me to stay in the agency, saying I was smart and ambitious, but my path was clear to me.

"Thank you, sir. Honestly, I thought you would fire me," I told Mr. Moreno. We laughed. It was horrible...

Yes, it was. I always look forward to your reaction; that's how much I trust you with all this. Now, say the word, and I will fire them and hire you...

"Mr. Moreno, as much as I love working for you, I don't see my path going there, and I'm grateful for you and this job for now," I replied.

You deserve better, Daniela, okay, now tell me what you think of the others?

After an hour discussing commercials and suggesting ideas in the meeting, I walked back to my desk. I made myself a coffee, then left my department and walked over to Raphael's to see him.

"Daniela, what do you want?" Raphael asked.

I leaned closer and whispered, "I have some information. Let's have lunch together, I can tell you then. This is big."

"Fine, I will see you downstairs later. Now go," he dismissed me. I understood he was stressed and taking it out on me.

I called my friend Lara right before one because she slept in.

"Yes, I called to ask for a favor," I said when she picked up.

"Daniela, you have to buy me lunch first, por favor," Lara joked.

"Bad girl," I teased. "Listen, Manuel Karro, I need to get to him. He is..."

"I know who he is, Daniela, and he doesn't do well with being ambushed. I will try to get you inside the VIP; from there, it's on you," Lara replied.

"That will be perfect. Thank you, Lara. I owe you big."

"Yeah, you do, but you're my bestie, and I will do anything for you. Muah, love you," Lara said.

After I hung up, I went downstairs and looked in the café for Raphael. He was talking to a woman, laughing. She saw me, her smile vanished, and she took her coffee and left. "Now tell me what is so important," Raphael said.

I told him about the conversation. "And I asked Lara to call us when he comes to the club. Are you ready to sign him?" I asked.

"What do you mean? Of course," Raphael replied.

"Raphael, learn everything about him. Start today, everything, what he likes to drink, eat..." I urged.

"Are you teaching me how to do this, Daniela?" he asked, his voice angry as he grabbed my wrist. Then, seeming to realize his mistake, he let go. "I'm sorry," he said softly.

For a moment, I just stood by the table, feeling where his fingers gripped my wrist, a rush of heat to my cheeks, and my heart thundering in my chest. Did I really go too far, or am I just exhausted from holding us both together? I searched for a reply that would snap him awake or show him how hurt I was, but nothing came out. Maybe it's not about being strong anymore, maybe I'm too tired. I forced myself not to cry here; not now, not for him to see.

I cried in the bathroom, then washed my face and went back to work.

Daniella's POV

Manuel Karro, Vortex's biggest soccer star, was arrogant, flashy, and full of himself. He led the team to the top, so maybe he earned it.

I studied his interests on Instagram, Facebook, and other media. Raphael would never do it himself, and I couldn't stand watching him struggle anymore. Maybe I wanted to prove I was useful, or to see him succeed. If I could help, it would mean that our messy lives still had space for me to make a difference. Two weeks in, I knew enough to have a conversation and beg. As if on cue, the phone rang. Lara's voice came through.

"Daniela, he just walked in. If you come now, he will be in a good mood. "Adios," Lara said over the phone.

"Raphael!" I shouted. "Where are you?"

I ran down the stairs, almost bumping into him. "Let's go, he's out, and this is your chance," I said.

"Stay home. I will go alone," he told me.

"No," his mom interfered, "take her with you." He wanted to protest, but nothing came out; he didn't see that I wanted to help him. I think he saw me as a burden. Or maybe I was too pushy? That ache in my chest twisted tighter as I watched him look away, pretending he hadn't heard me.

Maybe he'd be better off if I just left him alone; maybe he would finally succeed without me there, always trying to fix things. But I couldn't shake the feeling that if I stepped back now, I would disappear from his life even more. Was I helping him, or just making things harder? The thought stuck to me, heavy and cold, but I pushed it aside the way I always did and forced myself to follow.

I got dressed fast and waited. He came out of the bathroom and laughed at my outfit. "Really? Are you going to see the queen?" he teased.

He opened the closet and picked out a short black dress I wore long ago, when we were happy, and he took me out.

I put it on, let my hair down, and added lipstick and heels. Now I looked like a working girl?

His reaction changed. That's what I'm talking about, he cheered up. He drove to the club. Lara walked us into the VIP area. She pulled me to the side.

You look hot, girl, Lara said, touching my hair.

Stop it, this is what? I pointed out that the dress looks bad on my image...

Bad? How many times did I tell you, natural beauty...Lara did tell me many times. She is gay and wanted something more to be between us, but she also knew nothing would come of it, and we remained friends.

Manuel was surrounded by six women but looked bored. Raphael made his move, and I stood to the side, watching.

He talked to Manuel, whose eyes stayed on me. Manuel stood up and walked toward me. I stepped back, ready to bolt.

Wait, he shouted. Can I buy you a drink?

Uhh, no, sorry.

"Yes, of course," Raphael said from behind him. "This is my wife."

He laughed. Yeah, right... Oh, you're serious? Fine, sit. I was bored.

We sat. I found myself stretching my dress, which barely covered half my thigh. He ordered drinks and turned to me.

Are you an agent too?

"No, I work in the media department." I hesitated before adding, "I saw your commercial for the perfume." My cheeks burned with embarrassment as an unexpected laugh slipped out. "Sorry," I said quickly, "I didn't mean to do that." For a second, I wondered if I'd just blown the whole thing. Why couldn't I keep it together when it actually mattered?

"Oh, I've got to hear this. Please elaborate," Manuel said, turning toward me.

"It's cheesy. Should've been more romantic, it is a good perfume after all," I admitted.

"Cheesy? How would you have done it?" Manuel asked.

"I would show you flying away, your girlfriend in bed, missing you. She sprays your perfume and..." I said, imagining aloud.

Both Manuel and Raphael stared at me, mouths open.

Don't stop now, I do want to know the ending,

"She gets excited, you come home early, she opens her eyes, and you're there next to her," I finished.

He clapped. I couldn't tell if he was sarcastic or sincere.

"Now, because of this, Raphael, I will listen to your proposition. I like your wife, I wish she were my agent," Manuel said, grinning.

Raphael smiled, but I knew it must have hurt. He began his pitch, but by the end, it was weak.

"But, honey," I said, "you forgot to tell him about the two contracts with the top products."

He finally got into the game. "Thank you, Daniela, yes." He talked about that, and Manuel said he would think about it.

"Are you going to design my commercials, Daniela?" Manuel asked.

Raphael kept nodding his head.

"No, Manuel, I will not lie to you, but my boss values my opinion. So maybe?" I replied honestly.

"I will talk to your boss, and you will do them for me. This is my clause, Raphael. You are a lucky man," Manuel said as he put his hand out.

Raphael couldn't believe it. We will stay in touch, he said.

Manuel turned to me and kissed my hand. "I hardly wait to see my new commercials," he said.

"Good night, Manuel," I said. Then we left. In the car was silence; Raphael pulled over.

"What do you think you're doing? I can handle myself..." he said, slamming his hands on the steering wheel. "I got the biggest player."

My chest thudded with a rush of hurt, frustration, and guilt all at once. I pressed my palm over my heart, silently willing the storm to pass. I stayed quiet, wondering if I'd ever be enough.

He didn't even thank me, kiss me, or anything.

We went upstairs. He undressed and went to bed. I lay in the dark, wondering if he still loved me.

I shouldn't have gone with him. From now on, he needs to figure things out on his own. Who am I kidding?

Daniela's POV

Raphael was in the kitchen drinking his coffee the next morning when I walked in. He came close and kissed me. I was shocked.

We make a good team, don't we? How about you and me celebrating tonight?

Even more shocked, I barely remembered to breathe. Still, my chest fluttered with happiness-he was coming out of that gloomy mood. A grin spread across my face. Great, I said, my voice almost trembling with excitement.

Oh, buy yourself a dress. After all, I signed the biggest star in Madrid's history, he chuckled as his mother walked in.

Son, I knew eventually you'll succeed. She threw me a look and went to make a toast.

I left for work happy. The day started well. Mr. Morris called me to his office.

Good morning, I greeted him as I placed his coffee on the desk. Did you want to see me?

Daniela, this morning I got a call from Manuel Karra. To my surprise, he demanded that you take charge of his commercials. He won't have it any other way. I also found out your... husband is signing him today. Big win for the agency. But why do I have a feeling this is your doing?

He really did it, I whispered, disbelief and pride vying for space in my heart. Maybe it was just the right place at the right time?

Oh, Daniela, you're a bad liar, but your secret is safe with me. And I have to promote you now because of Manuel's demands.

What? No, I can't do this, and I have school...

Daniela, you're very talented. Yes, you can. Oh, before you leave here, he handed me a check.

What is this? I looked at the amount, and my eyes bulged. Mr. Moreno, I can't accept this...

That is from all the commercials that succeeded because of your input. Think about it. Change careers.

I laughed. Yeah, the money is good, I could pay some...

No, this is for you only. Treat yourself. More than deserving. Now here are the files. Think about what we go from here with it. Manuel is waiting for an answer.

Yes, I will do this for Raphael, because he needs this break. Thank you, sir.

I walked to the desk and looked at the check. Raphael and I have different accounts. He has access to mine, and we pay bills together. But this check will go towards my loans. I'm treating myself today.

The day went by fast. I already made an appointment for the hairdresser. Drove there, then bought a dress and a pair of nice shoes. I got home before him, showered, and got all dressed up.

He walked inside and froze. Daniela, you look... He started to kiss me, and my body melted into his.

I pulled away. Get dressed, come on, you promised to take me out.

He chuckled. Yes, I did. Give me a couple of minutes. Oh, the signing went well, he shouted from the bathroom. He also called Mr. Moreno about the commercials.

Yes, I'm in charge of that... his phone rang.

His face became serious as he walked out of the bathroom. Of course, sir. Thank you for the call.

He picked me up and twirled me around. The owner, Mr. Orozco, just called me to congratulate me. And...

I waited impatiently. Go on...

He is looking forward to having me move to the top floor if I sign more exclusive players.

This is amazing, Raphael. You did it. I will be here if you need anything.

Yeah, now let's go. I'm starving.

The night went well. When we got home, he took me into his arms. He kissed me desperately, then got on top of me and finished before I even reached an orgasm. But it was okay. I knew he still loved me and our lives would change for the better.

The next day, I went to the administration department to pay some of my loan, even though I was making payments.

The lady at the desk looked at me. You missed three payments, but this will catch you up, cover the penalty, and put you two months ahead on your payments.

What do you mean, I missed the payments? I have... I pulled up my bank account screen and saw it was 100 euros. Shocked, I left and dialed Raphael.

He wasn't answering his phone. I drove home and started dinner. His mom walked inside.

Raphael is busy tonight with the client's dinner-just us. I stared at her, then tried to call him again. He hung up.

Okay, I thought. I need to give him space. Maybe he did need it.

It was past two in the morning when he got home. I couldn't sleep, thinking about my life, the ups and downs. Somehow, I drifted off, and the alarm went off.

I got in the shower and got dressed. He got up holding his head.

Raphael, I said gently. Why didn't my payments go through? Where did my money go?

Daniela, we have bills. This, pointing his finger around, is not free. Drop out of school if you can't afford it.

We decided to split them. It should've been...

Stop. I have a bad headache and need to go to work. He moved past me.

I went downstairs to get coffee. His mom sat there, her face angry. You are very ungrateful. We took you in, put you through school, and now you're shouting at him?

Took me in? I'm his wife, I told her. I have the right to know how he is spending my salary. What is his salary going on?

Stop questioning him and be more supportive. He needs it now.

Of course, I said, forcing a smile. I drove to work, angry. My day was ruined. Nothing was going right, no matter what I did.

I called Lara on my lunch break, sat in the back, alone. Hey, I said

Who made you sad? That prick...

Lara, I called to vent. The words tumbled out, raw and hurried, as I told her everything.

You need another account. Is he taking all your money while saving his? Can't you see it?

"We're married, and he is stressed," I told her. Then I saw him again. The same woman. She wore fancy clothes and had her nails done. Her purse was probably more than my monthly salary.

Daniela? Lara asked, are you there.

Yes, listen, let's go out tonight, you're off.

I have a date, but I will cancel it, just for you.

No, don't. We will go another time. I was holding my tears. Maybe I was being petty. After all, he is just talking to her. Who is she?