Home Design

The moment Richard got the keys to his new house, he realized one thing—he had no clue how to furnish a place this big. Sure, the house was stunning, but right now, it was just an empty space with expensive floors.

That's where Lukas and Chidi came in.

"You need a home designer," Lukas said, shaking his head as he looked around. "Unless you want to live like a man who just moved out of his parents' basement."

Chidi chuckled. "Yeah, you can't be sleeping on a mattress on the floor, bro."

Richard rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright. Any recommendations?"

Lukas pulled out his phone. "I know a guy. He's worked with some Dortmund players before. Trust me."

---

The next day, they met up with the designer, a sleek-looking man named Klaus Vetter. He was dressed in an all-black outfit that screamed I'm expensive, and he immediately got to work.

"I see you want a modern but comfortable aesthetic," Klaus said, pacing around the house. "Something stylish but livable."

Richard nodded. "Exactly. I don't want it to feel like a showroom. It needs to feel like home."

Klaus smiled. "Leave it to me. I'll send you some mood boards later today."

Lukas and Chidi exchanged looks.

"You're about to be broke," Chidi muttered.

Richard sighed. "Tell me about it."

--

After wrapping up the meeting, the three of them decided to grab a quick meal at a local restaurant. They found a cozy spot in the city center, away from the usual media attention.

That's when Richard saw her.

She was seated a few tables away, laughing with a friend. Dark hair, striking eyes, and a presence that seemed to pull the air toward her. He didn't even realize he was staring until Chidi nudged him.

"Yo, you good?"

Richard snapped out of it. "What?"

Lukas smirked. "You were looking like you just saw the love of your life."

Richard shook his head immediately. "Nah. Not happening."

Chidi raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You were locked in."

Richard leaned back in his seat. "Football first. I don't need distractions."

Lukas and Chidi exchanged amused glances but didn't push further. Richard might have felt something for a brief moment, but he shoved it aside.

He had bigger things to focus on.

Richard sat on the cold, empty floor of his new house—a spacious yet unadorned shell—waiting for the home designer to arrive. The house was quiet, its high ceilings and sleek, modern lines echoing with the promise of a future filled with comfort and style. He'd been excited about the possibilities ever since he'd picked out the place, but as the hours ticked by with no sign of the designer, his anticipation began to mingle with impatience.

Just as he was about to check his phone for updates, his agent, Evan Cadwell, called. Evan's voice was calm but carried a note of urgency. "Richard, listen—I've been reviewing your expenses, and we need to talk. I know you're excited about the new house, but you're spending wantonly. It's time to get some serious financial guidance."

Richard sighed, leaning back against the pristine wall. "I get it, Evan. I've been living it up since the transfer. But I just haven't even had time to settle in yet."

"Exactly," Evan replied. "Before you get too comfortable, I want you to meet with a financial planner. I've already set up a meeting for you. Trust me, this will help you build long-term wealth, not just burn cash on instant gratification."

Reluctantly, Richard agreed, and Evan arranged for a meeting at a nearby café. When Richard arrived, he expected another suited professional, someone older and perhaps a bit stiff. Instead, he was met with a warm smile and the striking presence of a woman he'd only glimpsed once before. Standing at the counter was Amara Weiss—tall, confident, with dark, neatly pulled-back hair and eyes that held both intelligence and a hint of mischief.

"Richard," she greeted in fluent German, which immediately shifted into English as she continued, "I'm Amara Weiss. I specialize in financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, particularly athletes."

For a split second, Richard's heart skipped. He remembered the girl from that restaurant—the one whose laughter and confident demeanor had captivated him before he'd quickly dismissed any personal interest. Now, here she was, not as a fleeting face in a busy night out, but as the professional who was about to change how he managed his fortune.

"Amara?" he managed, caught off guard. "You're... the same Amara?"

She nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, Richard. Life works in mysterious ways. I'm here to help you get on track financially. Evan spoke highly of you."

Evan's voice crackled through the phone, confirming, "I told you she's the best. Now, let's get started."

Sitting across from her at a small table in the cozy café, Richard listened as Amara carefully outlined his spending habits and offered a plan to secure his future. She explained the importance of budgeting, investing, and setting aside funds for both short-term needs and long-term dreams. Every suggestion was measured, practical, and surprisingly personal—almost as if she knew exactly what he needed.

Richard couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and a twinge of embarrassment. Here he was, a rising star on the pitch, struggling with everyday finances, and now his financial savior was none other than the intriguing Amara. It was a twist he hadn't expected, but as she spoke, her calm assurance and clear expertise began to sink in.

"Richard, you have enormous potential, both on and off the field," she said in a reassuring tone. "With the right financial strategy, you can secure your future and continue to grow your wealth, rather than just spending it all."

As the meeting drew to a close, Richard felt both relieved and surprisingly motivated. Though he was still waiting for the home designer to transform his new house into a true home, he realized that taking control of his finances was just as important as mastering the game on the pitch. He thanked Amara sincerely, still processing the irony that the girl he had once casually dismissed was now the key to his financial future.

Evan's earlier words echoed in his mind as he stepped out of the café. He wasn't just a footballer—he was building a legacy. And with guidance from someone like Amara, maybe he could finally learn to balance the flash of success with the wisdom to preserve it.

With a wry smile, Richard pulled out his phone and texted Evan, "Meeting done. And man, life is full of surprises."

He then took one last look at the bustling street, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Even though he was still waiting for his designer to arrive at his new house, he knew that every step—both on and off the pitch—was leading him toward a brighter, more secure future.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the empty halls of Richard's house as the designer, an older man named Klaus Vetter, arrived with his team. He was a seasoned professional, well-respected in Germany for his ability to transform bare spaces into masterpieces that balanced luxury with comfort.

Richard had spent the last few nights at the Dortmund dorms, but with his first Bundesliga match approaching, he wanted to move in before then. The timing was tight, but Klaus assured him it would be done.

"I work well under pressure," Klaus said with a smirk, rolling out blueprints across the empty dining table. "We'll make this place feel like home in no time."

Richard and Lukas walked through the house with him, discussing themes, colors, and furniture. Richard wanted something modern yet warm—sleek designs with personal touches. Comfort was key, but he also wanted a gaming room, a home gym, and a space where he could unwind after intense matches.

"Your place should reflect who you are," Klaus said as he scribbled notes. "From what I've heard, you're not just any young footballer—you're a rising star. We'll make sure this house looks the part."

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Trucks pulled up with furniture, designers installed lighting fixtures, and walls were painted to perfection. The gaming room took shape, fitted with top-tier equipment, a massive screen, and a custom gaming chair embroidered with his initials. The home gym had everything he needed—weights, treadmills, and recovery equipment. The living room, with its panoramic windows and sleek furniture, became a centerpiece of the house, blending elegance with comfort.

By the time the final touches were made, it was just hours before the match against Union Berlin. Richard stood in the doorway, taking in the transformation. The once-empty house was now a home—a place where he could relax, recharge, and enjoy the life he had worked so hard to build.

Klaus shook his hand firmly. "It's done. I hope you like it."

Richard smiled. "I love it. You did an amazing job."

As the team packed up, Richard sat on the couch for the first time, sinking into its comfort. He had a home now. His journey in Dortmund had truly begun. But there was no time to dwell on that—his focus now shifted to Union Berlin. The intensity of the Bundesliga was about to hit him head-on.