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MARCH 20TH 2022 📍SAKHIR, BAHRAIN ────────────────────────────────
Three seasons in Formula One taught her a lot. The unpredictability that plagued the sport was nothing new; she knew exactly how to handle it, and it had become second nature by now. As a result, it made it much easier for her to find ways to beat the odds and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. She'd grown accustomed to taking the lead in certain situations and being in charge whenever needed. It wasn't her style to be subservient to anyone, and neither was it hers to take the blame for anything, and to let her opponents see her as the weak link in the chain.
Her win in Monaco last season, had been the highlight of her career thus far. It hadn't been her first win in Formula One, but it had been her best one yet. Hard racing, a flawless performance throughout the weekend with an even greater outcome. She hadn't forgotten the look on Pierre's face either, the night of the celebration after her victory. It had been one of surprise, disappointment and maybe a glimpse of fear, and Camille had felt good knowing she had given him something to worry about in the future. Once more she had proved herself, and once again he had failed to live up to his full potential.
Pierre made it impossible to ever forget his look after that race, confronting her with the very same look in the present moment. It had made her want to rip his heart out. She had taken the checkered flag mere moments ago, the first race of the season, her first victory of 2022. She got out of the car, her head held high and the pride shining in her eyes as she lifted her visor to allow her eyes to roam around. Her teammates were cheering, yelling out praises and calling for her name as she walked towards them, the smile still etched on her face. She gave her teammates a nod as she reached them, shaking their hands, hugging them and thanking them for giving her the best car she'd experienced so far. After all, their guidance, perseverance and support that brought her where she was today.
She went to the black box in front of her car, removing her helmet. She took off her gloves and placed them beside her helmet before chugging a bottle of water. She wiped away the moisture from her lips, stretching her fingers slightly before turning to her right, her grin faltering when she spotted Pierre in second place. He was standing there, watching her carefully, as though waiting for her to react, which she knew would happen immediately as soon as he got close enough to her. She didn't bother replying to his stare and turned away, trying to ignore the feeling in her stomach. Her shoulders tensed as he walked closer to her, and finally, when he stopped, just inches away from her. She swallowed thickly, looking straight ahead and trying to ignore him.
"We're leading the championship," Pierre stated with no room for argument as he stepped close enough for her to see the drops of either sweat or tears on his face. "You were brilliant, Cam," He added after he noticed her expression. His voice was dripping with condescension, and she couldn't help but feel disgusted by it. What little dignity she had left vanished when he pulled her into a hug, and she wrapped her arms around him with no hesitation. She hugged him back with everything she had, trying to hold on to any semblance of self-respect she had left. It only lasted a few seconds, but she couldn't stop herself from smiling. It was probably pathetic how much she liked being treated like the centre of attention.
His reaction to her successful performance was so out of character for him that Camille couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards. That look in his eyes had been replaced by something else, but she could tell it hadn't been genuine. Damage control seemed to be his thing, and she was certain, after her spectacular display of skill against him in the final lap and during the first half of the race, that he wouldn't hesitate to humiliate her further by calling her a useless piece of trash in front of the media later. After all, this was the same man who had ridiculed her just yesterday, claiming he found her lack of technique and skill offensive.
She pulled away from him, hoping to find the calmness and rationality in his gaze again, but all he offered her was a blank stare. Not anger, annoyance, or contempt. Instead, he seemed genuinely intrigued, the interest evident in his eyes, his gaze flitting from one of her eyes to the other. But Camille simply couldn't decipher his emotions.
"So, I take it you're proud of me?" She asked, trying to sound unaffected even though his actions earlier really upset her. Of course, he'd have fun torturing her, but she was determined to remain composed. For the love of god, this was ridiculous.
"Only in public." The words were barely audible, and the faintest hint of a smile touched his lips as he continued to watch her intently, his eyes locked onto hers. "I have to say, however, you did exceptionally well today. If I didn't know better, I'd say you had already surpassed my expectations. Don't get me wrong, you're still nowhere near my calibre. You might've managed to pull a miracle out of your ass this race, but I know you'll still fall behind me eventually."
Camille clenched her teeth together and tried to hide her anger behind a fake smile, forcing out another laugh, trying to keep her composure. "Is that so?" she said in her most convincing tone. "Well, if I were you I wouldn't make such arrogant statements. Your confidence is misplaced because as far as I am concerned, your car is parked behind that lovely P2 sign over there, while mine is in first," she said smugly, pointing towards parc ferme where both of the cars stood side by side.
Pierre narrowed his eyes and looked around, noticing that she was right, before letting out a chuckle. "Very observant," he complimented with a smirk. She smirked back at him, enjoying her victory, but before things got too heated between them, Charles finished his post-race interview, meaning it was Pierre's turn now. When Camille looked at him again, his lips curled in disgust, his eyes narrowed in hatred, as though he was ready to devour her whole, before walking towards the interviewer. Camille smiled triumphantly at his reaction, glad that his usual self had returned to the surface of his mind.
Once again, she reserved that glorious top step for herself. With a proud smile, she stood on the podium, waving to the cheering crowd, ignoring the way Pierre looked at her from the lower step. She ignored him when he sprayed champagne directly in her face, wiping it off with the back of his hand, and she ignored him when he insulted her in every possible way during the press conference. They kept repeating themselves, but Camille couldn't care less about what they said anymore. They meant absolutely nothing compared to the satisfaction of having beaten everyone. It were those moments that defined Camille's entire life – the moment in which she had felt like she was invincible, like she was untouchable. Those were the moments that she cherished above all others. Those were the ones she never wanted to forget.
ೃ⁀➷ AUTHOR'S NOTE ⋆·˚ ༘ * i've been more busy making promotional tiktok content than with writing... it's so much fun, but everything is still safely stored in my drafts. i hope you enjoy reading all of my stuff. i have no idea how it looks like on your side, but if any mistakes are made or anything is too weird to understand, please let me know and i'll fix it.
the next chapter will be slightly longer than this one. i don't want to spoil anything, but just bear with me.
