The morning after the charity gala, Alex Rivera woke up in his family home in Inglewood with a clear mind but a racing heart. The conversation with the famous agent David Kessler the previous day still echoed in his head. Premier League 2 offers, endorsement deals, the promise of becoming very rich — it was all real. Yet Alex had made his position clear: he would stay at MLS and finish the season with Galaxy. He owed the club that much after they had promoted him and given him the number 33 jersey.
He was still in 6th place in the Western Conference — just one single point above the playoff cut-off line. The team below them still had a game in hand. Every result mattered. The season was a fight for survival, and Alex felt a deep sense of loyalty to the team that had believed in him when no one else did.
He spent the morning in light recovery at the first-team facility, then returned home for a quiet afternoon. His phone buzzed constantly with messages from teammates, fans, and media requests, but he kept it on silent. He needed space to think.
In the evening, David Kessler called again.
"Alex, good news. I've already started the conversation with Galaxy's sporting director. They're very eager to keep you after your recent performances. I'm pushing for a substantial permanent first-team contract with a significant salary increase, performance bonuses, and a longer term. They know they have a bright star on their hands and don't want to lose you. I'll keep you updated on every step."
Alex listened carefully. "Thank you. I want to stay and help the team reach the playoffs. We're in sixth place — one point above the line. I believe I can help them get there and maybe even win something this season."
Kessler sounded pleased. "Smart thinking. Loyalty looks good. I'll make sure the contract reflects your value. In the meantime, I've already begun reaching out to European clubs quietly. The interest is real. Premier League 2 sides are watching closely. You're going to have options soon."
The call ended, and Alex sat in his room staring at the wall. The agent was moving fast. A better contract from Galaxy was coming. Europe was interested. He was going to get rich — on his own terms.
The next morning, the news broke on TV.
Alex was having breakfast with his family when the sports channel flashed a breaking news graphic.
"Bright young star Alex Rivera, the 15-year-old Galaxy sensation known as 'Ace', is reportedly attracting serious interest from Europe. Sources close to the player confirm that Premier League 2 clubs have made contact, offering a move to England's second division with a clear path to the first team. The young No. 33 has just delivered a stunning free-kick and two assists in his second senior appearance, turning a 0-2 deficit into a 3-2 victory. Galaxy are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference — just one point above the playoff line — and are fighting for survival. Will the rising star stay or take the European leap? Stay tuned for more."
The family froze. Ben put down his coffee. Lisa stared at the screen. Emma, who had come over early, squeezed Alex's hand under the table.
"That's you they're talking about," Emma whispered, eyes wide.
Alex watched the TV in silence. The leak had happened fast — probably from someone close to the agent or the clubs involved. The commentator continued:
"Rivera has only just broken into the Galaxy first team, but his impact has been immediate. With Europe calling, the question is whether Galaxy can keep their brightest young talent or if he will chase bigger dreams overseas."
Ben looked at Alex. "They're already talking about you moving to Europe. You're barely 15 and the whole world is watching."
Alex nodded slowly. "The agent said interest would grow. I told him I want to stay till the end of the season. I want to help the team reach the playoffs. We're in sixth place — one point above the line. I can make a difference here."
The TV continued showing highlights of his free-kick and the two assists from the 3-2 win. The league table graphic appeared on screen: Galaxy in 6th place, just one point above the playoff cut-off line. The commentator emphasized how important every result was for their survival.
Alex felt the pressure and the excitement at the same time. The leak was out. The world knew Europe was interested. But he had made his decision — he would finish the season at Galaxy.
Later that day, David Kessler called again.
"Alex, the leak is already out — as expected. It's good for your profile. Galaxy are now very motivated to keep you. I'm in negotiations with them right now for a new permanent first-team contract. They're offering a significant raise, performance bonuses, and a longer term. I'm pushing for the best possible deal. I'll have details for you very soon."
Alex felt a surge of confidence. The agent was working hard. The club wanted to keep him. Europe was interested, but he was choosing to stay and fight for the playoffs.
He spent the rest of the day in light training at the facility. The senior players gave him knowing looks — they had seen the news too. Captain Delgado patted him on the back.
"You're the talk of the league, 33. Europe already calling? Stay with us and help us make the playoffs first. We need you."
Alex smiled. "That's the plan, Captain."
The negotiations continued behind the scenes over the next few days. Kessler updated Alex regularly with progress. Galaxy were serious about keeping their bright young star. The leak on TV had made the situation urgent — they didn't want to lose him.
By the end of the week, Kessler called with the final details.
"Galaxy have agreed to a new permanent first-team contract. Substantial raise, bonuses, and a longer term. They see you as a key part of their future. You're going to sign it soon. This locks you in for the rest of the season and beyond. You made the right call staying."
Alex felt a wave of satisfaction. He had turned down immediate European moves to stay and fight for his current team. He was going to get richer on his own terms.
The news of the contract negotiations had leaked even more on TV. Sports channels were full of it:
"Bright star Alex Rivera is reportedly close to signing a new permanent first-team contract with Galaxy after attracting major interest from Europe. The 15-year-old sensation is currently helping the team stay in sixth place — one point above the playoff line. Will he commit long-term or take the European leap next season?"
Alex watched the coverage with his family. The leak had made everything public. The world knew he was in demand.
But he had chosen to stay.
The permanent first-team contract was coming.
And his plans for Sophia — and the harem with Emma — were moving forward in the background.