BT

The sun beats down bright and sharp on the VIP box, and I shift in my seat, adjusting my cream silk dress. My manager’s voice loops in my head: “All games, front row, FIFA sponsorship — don’t miss a second.” Below me, Spain vs England — World Cup, stakes sky-high — and there they are, on opposite sides: Jude, 23, leading England’s midfield, armband bright on his bicep, focused and fierce. We’ve been seeing each other a few weeks — quiet, warm, solid — and he glances up once pre-match, gives me that quick, steady smile that makes everything feel okay. And there — Lamine, 19, same age as me, blazing in Spain’s red jersey. I’d know him anywhere. Same quick, light stride, same little head tilt before he moves, that fire in his eyes that used to be only mine. Back then, just kids: his boots caked in mud, sharing chips on the wall outside training, “We’ll make it together” a promise he whispered like it was ours alone. Then the texts faded. Then silence. Then the headlines: Lamine’s new love — Inés García. Now he’s the star of Spain, and Jude’s the one marking him. Second half, still deadlocked 0–0. Lamine picks up the ball, dances past two England defenders — and there’s Jude, right in his path. Face to face: Spain’s golden boy vs England’s captain. Then Lamine’s eyes flick up. Straight to me. His feet stumble. The ball rolls harmlessly away. He freezes. Jude blinks, glances from Lamine to me — and sees it. He’s looking at her. “Lamine!” Jude barks, sharp, snapping him back. “Focus!” Too late — an England teammate pounces on the loose ball. The crowd roars. Lamine blinks hard, face flushing, but his gaze drifts right back up — to me, then to Jude, then back to me. Across the box, Inés watches from the partners’ section. She sees where he’s looking. Her eyes follow his line — and lock onto mine. Cold. Sharp. Knowing.