Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 69

Here's the double update :)

Enjoy!

*****

The news of what happened at the parking lot was all everyone could talk about last night. One of the paparazzi had caught everything on video and for the first time in weeks, the hate was not on me. People were talking about it and even a few of my celebrity friends had spoken up on the harassment we face from the paparazzi. There was also talk about security on the circuit and I'm sure Milo would've had a word with them as soon as we left yesterday. A video of him writing down the photographer's name and contact details was also seen but I don't know where those are because he hasn't given them to me.

The on-call doctors at the medical center cleaned up the scratches on my foot and gave me some medicine for the pain on my leg. It was swollen and a few more bruises had reached the surface but they were a lighter shade compared to the two lines on either side of my leg that had grown darker overnight. I had to wear a bandage over it to compress the swollen area but you could still see some of the small bruises. Because of this, I had to wear a pair of black shorts and sandals since wearing covered shoes and pants would make it more difficult. I wore a simple white shirt and a red leather jacket that I had Olivia buy from Ferrari Style.

"Are you sure you still want to watch the race? I wouldn't get mad if you chose to stay in." Charles said as he walked out of the bathroom, running a towel over his hair.

"I'm not missing the race just because of a stupid paparazzi, Leclerc." I said and I saw him smile at my tone. I was silent most of the time yesterday because I couldn't believe that I would be on the receiving end of the harassment I've been hearing so much of for the past few years. I had a very long phone call with my parents last night and Charles had to reassure them I was fine and that they didn't need to fly here just to check on me.

"Okay but before we leave, there's something I need to run by you." He returned the towel to the bathroom before sitting down beside me on the bed, phone in his hand. He opened his Instagram as I leaned on him, my chin placed over his shoulder as his other hand found mine. Charles opened a draft that he had made, showing a track photo of him yesterday during qualifying before showing me the caption.

Posting this late because the past 24 hours have been something.

I am not someone who actively posts about my personal life but when it comes to the important people in it, I will not be quiet. I'm sure everyone has seen what happened yesterday and I thank the fans who have been nothing but thoughtful in sharing their concerns for Valentine. The harassment she has experienced yesterday on top of all the stories and rumors that have been said for the past few weeks are things that I cannot ignore anymore.

I never cheated on Chiara Bonnet. She cheated on me. My relationship with Chiara ended after Abu Dhabi last year, but she entered into an agreement without my consent to continue acting as my girlfriend in the eyes of the public. For privacy purposes, I will not be mentioning anything about the agreement but do know that I was never unfaithful in our entire relationship, unlike her. Next time, consider the fact that there are two sides in every story and you may be believing the wrong one.

Valentine is not a home wrecker. She and I met during a time in my life where I was falling apart and she stood by me through everything. I cannot and will not tolerate the kind of hate she receives. So if you are a supporter of mine who still chooses to believe the lies that have been put out, go ahead. Kindly support another driver.

We've got P1 today. Time to finish the job.

"What does Ferrari have to say about this?" I asked after reading the caption, mouth parted in shock.