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Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: The Date: Red and Wild(38 days to go)

April 10th – 12:04 PM, Mia's Private House, Kensington, London

The sleek black Bentley rolled up slowly, pulling to a soft stop just outside a modest townhouse in Kensington. Tony adjusted his jacket in the backseat, heart pacing slightly faster than usual.

Mia stepped out a few minutes later.

Dark jeans. Oversized hoodie. Hair tied in a low ponytail beneath a baseball cap.

She looked like a normal girl today.

Tony's eyes locked on the ponytail.

"You changed your hair," he said, surprised by how quickly the words left him. "That dark ponytail... suits you. Like—really suits you. Makes you look like trouble."

Mia tilted her head. "Good trouble or bad trouble?"

He grinned. "The kind I'd text at 2 AM."

She snorted. "You're such a flirt."

"You're such a distraction."

She rolled her eyes, but her smile tugged wider. "Where are we heading first?"

"Snacks and tickets. Then… Anfield."

Her brows lifted. "We're seeing Liverpool play?"

Tony leaned closer. "Liverpool vs. City. Premier League showdown. You're welcome."

Mia just laughed. "So this is your idea of a date?"

"It's therapy disguised as chaos."

(Tony.....Well Kai, he was a huge fan of Liverpool, he made sure, even though he was poor in his previous life, always watch Liverpool play.)

1:21 PM – Outside Anfield Stadium, Liverpool

The smell of hot dogs, spilled beer, and city wind blew through the air. Tony led the way to the vendor stalls outside the gate.

"One large popcorn," he ordered. "And two drinks—one with extra lemon."

Mia raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I like lemon?"

Tony didn't even blink. "I know a lot of things."

"Oh, please don't say that like a villain."

(Well...They onced talked about it before)

He paid, handed her the lemon soda, and nodded toward the ticket gates. "Seats are near the halfway line. You'll thank me later."

They passed through the turnstiles, the roar of the crowd already vibrating through the concrete walls like thunder.

1:59 PM – Anfield Stadium, Liverpool

They took their seats just as the whistle blew.

The field glowed green, and the red wave of Liverpool fans sang loud enough to rattle the clouds.

"Welcome to religion," Tony said, leaning back as the kickoff began.

"Yeah, your so called religion, I bet this won't be any good"

First Half:

The game started with intensity—fast-paced midfield battles, sliding tackles, and high pressing from both teams.

(It was Premier League War)

Liverpool FC(Fa cup winners) vs Manchester City(Carabao Cup winners)

Ederson Vs Allison

Gakpo vs Bruyne

Virgil vs Stones

Rodri vs Alexander

*Mo.Salah Vs E. Haaland*

6' – Kevin De Bruyne drifted through Liverpool's midfield like a phantom, found Foden with a killer pass. Foden took two touches, broke past Van Dijk, and slotted it calmly past Alisson. 0–1 to City.

Mia gasped. "He makes it look so easy."

(She's interested, I'm glad)

12' – Liverpool answered back quickly. Robertson stole the ball on the wing, passed to Núñez who flicked it to Salah. Salah turned, danced past Ederson, and curled it into the top corner. 1–1.

"Okay, that was hot," Mia admitted.

(Yep, She's Wife material)

19' – The tension rose. Rodri received a yellow card after chopping down Mac Allister in midfield.

(Mr. Ballon d'Or get's a card)

26' – Another foul, this time from Alexander-Arnold on Grealish, brought City fans to their feet. Trent got booked. Yellow.

(Trent is lucky!!!!)

29' – Salah again caused chaos, drawing defenders wide. He crossed into the box—Darwin Núñez leapt high, crashing his forehead into the ball. Goal. 2–1 Liverpool.

"Amazing" Mia was truly captivated

35' – Haaland wasn't quiet for long. A long ball from Stones fell to his feet. He shrugged off Konaté, charged forward, and toe-poked it past Alisson. 2–2.

(City level it)

37' – Tensions flared. A reckless challenge from Joe Gomez earned him a straight wicked one . A Red card.

44' – Despite being a man down, Salah didn't slow. He cut in from the right and unleashed a left-foot rocket into the net. Hat trick coming? 3–2.

(Liverpool take the lead, just before the half)

Half-time.

"Why does this feel like an action movie?" Mia asked, halfway through her popcorn.

Tony grinned. "Wait till Act 3."

Second Half:

48' – Gakpo dribbled down the wing, beat Walker, and took a shot. It bounced off Ederson's gloves—straight to his feet. Tap-in. 4–2.

(Gakpo finally scored)

59' – Haaland, always in the right spot, met a curling cross with a perfect header. 4–3.

66' – Chaos struck. Curtis Jones lunged two-footed at Bernardo Silva. Ref didn't hesitate. Straight red. Liverpool down to 9 men.

(This is crazy, the reds are crazy)

69' – City took advantage. De Bruyne passed to Alvarez, who slid it calmly past Alisson. 4–4.

Fans screamed. Flags waved. Tony couldn't even sit still.

75' – Yellow for Grealish after a theatrical dive trying to earn a penalty. Ref wasn't buying it.

80' – Salah returned like a ghost. Robertson found him near the box, and he chipped Ederson beautifully. Hat trick complete. 5–4.

Mia clapped. "I get the hype now."

(Yeet!!!!!!!)

83' – Foden wasn't done. He cut in and struck from 25 yards out. The net bulged. 5–5.

The crowd was now deafening.

90+5' – Final moment of madness. A quick counter. Jones to Jota to Trent to Virgil—he curled it around two defenders into the far corner. 6–5.

Anfield shook like a beast awakened.

Mia stood now too, cheering with Tony, who didn't even notice he'd dropped his soda.

(It was amazing....Just amazing)

4:09 PM – Outside Anfield

The post-match atmosphere was electric. Even the sky looked like it was cheering.

Tony walked beside her, the fading echo of cheers behind them.

"That was insane," Mia breathed. "Is it always like this?"

Tony nodded. "Not always this wild. But it's why I love it. For ninety minutes, everything makes sense."

They stopped near the parking lot, where her driver waited nearby.

Tony looked at her, suddenly quiet.

She hesitated.

Then leaned in—kissed his cheek.

Tony blinked.

Then she tilted her head.

"I warned you," she whispered, before pressing her lips to his.

Not rushed. Not perfect. Just real.

(I'm sure he missed this!!!)

It lingered.

Heat rising, breath slowing.

When she pulled back, her eyes met his. Calm. Serious.

He leaned forward, and whispered something softly in her ear.

Mia froze.

Her playful smile faded slightly—her expression shifting into something steadier. Focused.

She nodded.

"Yes. I'll be there."

And with that, she turned, opened the car door, and slipped inside.

The driver pulled off without a word.

Tony stood still, hands in pockets, staring after the taillights.

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