Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 65

Sorry in advance for any typos ✌🏻

Enjoy!

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If there's one thing I've learned about the media, it's either you act quick or don't act at all.

People knew that I rarely speak about my personally life and the same goes for Charles. Both of our social media presences are mostly composed of work stuff, rarely filled with photos and videos showing glimpses of our personal lives. Even when rumors were going around about me and Pierre or me and Charles, it took me months and a respectful interviewer to tell people that nothing was going on between me and Pierre.

Charles wanted to release a statement, worried what this would do to my reputation. It warmed my heart to know that he was more worried about me but I understood. In Hollywood, people lose jobs because of a scandal.

The first thing I did was to call Olivia and talk to her about my upcoming film that had just been announced that same day. We had an emergency meeting with the film's main producer who reassured me nothing would change. I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief at that moment, knowing that my job was still secure but it was going to be a challenge for the next few weeks.

I don't know what kind of stupidity wormed its way into Chiara's head for her to do something like this. She breached the NDA she signed, giving her the obligation to pay one and a half million euros to Charles. The first thought I had was that she wouldn't be able to pay it but ever since we found out the photos were leaked from several news outlets, it wouldn't be surprising if she managed to round up some money from being paid for the exclusive. She not only posted the photos, but articles have been going around about an interview she gave. Plus, I don't know how she even got the photos because the only two people who had them were Charles and Giovanni.

I just hope Giovanni was smart enough to stick to his agreement.

Olivia suggested we expose Chiara by coming clean about everything but I don't think I'm ready for that. Tell the world the most intimate and deepest experiences I've had the past few months? Nope.

It was currently Thursday evening in Japan and I arrived this morning. I haven't been able to see Charles since he's been busy with media day which I'm sure would be one hell of an experience for him at the moment. People have already been talking about my appearance on the paddock and I can't say I'm excited to go there tomorrow for free practice.

Around ten o'clock, a knock sounded from my door and I immediately opened it after seeing Charles through the peephole. "Hey." I whispered, wrapping him up in a tight hug with my arms over his shoulders while his went around my waist.

"Hey, Bellerose." He said, kissing my hair and tightening his hold on me. We both stayed silent there for a few seconds, just holding one another since we both obviously felt drained from everything that's happened the past week. I could feel the tension in his shoulders and I wanted nothing more than to get rid of it. "You good?" Charles asked, slightly pulling away to take a look at my face.

"I fucking hate Chiara." I blurted out and Charles laughed. I smiled at how he squeezed my waist in response before pulling him inside the room and closing the door behind him. "When I see her, don't expect to see my prim and proper side. She better be thankful I'm not one for wearing acrylic nails."

"In the nine months I've known you, it's always safe to not underestimate your capabilities." Charles said as he took a seat on the edge of the bed, lying down. I followed suit and he wrapped an arm around me on instinct as I looked up at him, placing my hand on his chest and my chin settling on top of it. "I'm so drained. I don't even know how many times I said the words 'no comment' today."