[3] MARANELLO || C. LECLERC

THIRTY SEVEN

* first chapter of 2021 and it's a long one! something you've all been waiting for is finally revealed in this chapter and you don't want to miss it. your support throughout 2020 has been amazing, and i really hope it continues this year - please vote and comment as you read, i'll be sure to reply to them all! *

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CAMILLE

A knock on the door startled me. I was home alone, while Charles was out for a run, and I'd sat myself up in bed, with blankets wrapped tightly around me. We arrived home yesterday afternoon and ever since, I couldn't bring myself to do anything. I announced a small break from social media, I kept my time on my phone to a small minimum. I spoke to Arthur and he broke down on the other end of the line, sounding so fragile and upset. Charles was absolutely devastated because he believed his brother actually had feelings for me. He was so disappointed in himself for ever believing that it would be true. Since arriving home, time moved slowly and my heart only ached a little more.

The knocking continued and I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. Initially, I was scared because I thought it would be Stefan, but the door and all windows were locked. The peep hole would allow me to check and see who my visitor was. Andrea had actually allowed Charles some time away from training, but he agreed on one more run before missing the gym until we were in Austria. We were supposed to fly there after the race, but Mattia told us to take some time away, and to be in Monaco. As long as we arrived in Austria by Wednesday evening, we were free to spend some time at home. We needed the time together to comprehend all of this. Despite being occupied right now, Charles told me to call him if I needed him. My phone was tightly in my grip. I wasn't expecting any visitors. I was confused.

I made my way to the door with caution anyway and used the peep hole to ease my nerves. I was quite surprised to see him on the other side of the door, but it brought a sense of relief I'd not felt for a long time. Now, more than ever, I just needed someone to hold me while I cried and let everything out. It was all still a little too raw for me to completely swallow. I couldn't comprehend why Stefan would make up such a silly lie. Obviously, he'd be found out.

I twisted my keys in the lock to unlock the door. I moved slowly. I was tired. Although I slept for eight hours, I didn't feel refreshed. In all honesty, I think my rest was disturbed by the constant tossing and turning. I couldn't clear my mind; I found it hard to settle. Charles was just as exhausted as I was and I knew he needed some good sleep, probably even more than I did. Having someone here who I knew would look after me and keep me close until I was settled made my heart swell.

"Lando," I exhaled, opening the door and having to grip onto the handle to keep myself upright. I wondered if he planned this visit with Max and Charles. I still worried about how my fiancé felt about Lando, considering we had a fling last summer. "What are you doing here?"

"Charles told me everything," he looked at me with sad eyes, as if he was about to break down at any moment for me. I was quite surprised to hear that Charles reached out to Lando, but maybe it proved that I was just overthinking and worrying too much. Lando and his family were coming to the wedding. They accepted their invitation a long time ago now. "I had to come and see you. He sorted it with Max, I'm staying there for two nights then flying to Austria with you."

"That's so sweet of you." I smiled weakly as I let him in. I think even he was over what happened between us. He wasn't the type to settle down with someone right now; Lando was only young and he was very focused on his career. He was doing well this season. I was pleased for him.