That night in Monaco

Chapter 14

"She has to let him go, but can she?"

I woke up early this morning wanting to get ready before George would wake up. So today was the day, the day I would tell Charles the truth. I hoped he could forgive me and be there for me even though I wasn't completely sure if I wanted him to be. I was afraid that he would look at me differently and that he wouldn't like to see me again. I tried not to get anxious and went to the bathroom.

I took a shower, washed my face and brushed my teeth. When I got out of the bathroom I saw George already awake, however not in the best mood. I ignored him and went to my suitcase in order to choose my outfit for today. The truth is that I wanted to wear the same outfit I had worn that Saturday in Monaco, the first time I ever saw Charles. I thought that if we were going to break up after today at least I would look nice.

I put on a pair of black trousers and a white shirt. Then, regarding shoes I chose my black high heels just like I did that last time. I applied a small amount of makeup, avoiding mascara. I knew that I would cry so I didn't find a point in wearing mascara. I left my hair down and wore my necklace. George was now ready and we went to the bouffe to have breakfast.

The exact same thing happened last week but with a different person. Charles was kind, sweet and caring. On the other hand, George was cluel, aggressive and he behaved like a monster. We ate in silence. I wasn't particularly hungry so I ended up eating only a sandwich. I didn't drink orange juice as it was something I did with Charles and even though it was a small thing, it was quite meaningful to me. After we finished our breakfast, we got in the car heading for the circuit.

In about 15' we were there. It was huge but that gave me an advantage. I couldn't be found easily and I was glad about that. We passed security and went to find our seats. We had a great view from which I could see Charles amazing. However, now was the time to go talk to him. I didn't want to do it before the race because I was sure that he would be thinking about that while driving and it would be dangerous but I had no other option. "I am going for a walk."  I said to George. "Ok but don't be late."  he said and I left. 

I was walking behind the pits searching for him. He should be there. Suddenly I heard a voice from behind me. "Anna!" . It was Charles. "Oh my God, Charles."  "Anna what's going on, why were you ignoring me? Did I do something wrong?" " Oh no Charles, you did nothing wrong but a lot has happened." "Talk to me Anna" " Ok so when I returned home, I found out that my father had arranged my marriage with my ex boyfriend" I said, trying not to burst into tears but I couldn't hold some tears. I was so relieved when I told him but the most stressful part began now. How would Charles react?

"Anna why didn't you tell me sooner. I can help you" " No Charles there is nothing we can do about that. It is already set up. I am getting married in three weeks." " What? No Anna I won't let you." " I know but have to, Charles. I have to let you go. I haven't told them about you because I am scared for you" " Do you love him? Do you love that man?" " No i hate him. He is just like my father, cruel and cold. I don't want him, I want you." " And I want you Anna, so let me get you out of this situation, please." " I can't let you Charles. Just drop it. It won't change a thing. We can still talk and meet each other and we can even remain together, but legally I am going to be his."

" Ok I trust you but I am going to be there whenever you need me. I am not going to leave. You know that I will always protect you" " Thank you Charles." I said starting crying. He gave me a hug and held me for a while. I didn't want this moment to end. I wanted to be in this warm arms for the rest of my life. However things didn't go according to plan. When I finally pulled back I saw George coming to us. My blood turned cold. He is going to kill me and Charles, I thought. I turned to Charles and said " Charles, George is coming can you please tell him that I found you here by chance and I was ready to ask for an autograph?" " Leave it to me". 

"Why the hell are you taking so long. And who is this?" George said pointing at Charles. "George I was ready to return but.." I tried to say when Charles interrupted me. "I am sorry Sir, who are you?" Charles said angrily. "I am George Papadimitriou and who are you?" "I am Charles Leclerc, and I drive for Scuderia Ferrari" "Anna why are you talking to this guy?" "She was about to ask me for an autograph when you came" Charles replied. "I didn't ask you, I asked that bitch here" George shouted. "George just go to our seats and I will be back in one minute"  "I expect you to keep your word this time or you will see" he said and left.

"I am going to kill him" "Hey Charles no, it's ok" "No it's not ok. I will not let him talk to you like that. He is a monster" "I know but as I said we can't do anything so please forget about it. I need to go now before he comes back. Good luck with the race Charles" I said and turned around to leave. However Charles spoke, "Did he touch you Anna?" " No he hasn't but I am afraid he will some time" "If he does anything to you can you please tell me? I need to know." "OK but for now you shouldn't worry. And Charles please drive safely today. Don't think about me ok?" "Ok be careful, love, please" "I will. Goodbye Charles" "Bye Anna" I said and left.

I returned to our seats and found George waiting for me. "Oh you are back, I see."  he said. "Yes I am. You shouldn't have said those things in front of him. It wasn't polite." I said. "We will talk back to the hotel but for now enjoy the race" and just like that I sat there waiting for the qualifications to start. How would I be able to marry this guy? My thoughts left me the moment Charles' Ferrari started moving. After a moment the qualifications began and I was there watching him thinking about my life at the same time. I was sure he did that exact same thing.

"She couldn't do it without him."