Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 75

Last chapter!!!!! I can't believe we're finally here 🥺🤍

Enjoy!

*****

It was race day.

Last night, Charles and I spent the rest of our time by the pool talking about the foundation. I asked his opinion on when I should put the word out and he suggested it be after the season so that whatever the results of the championship would be, news of the foundation wouldn't be overpowered.

We were leaving the hotel to head to the paddock when he pressed the button in the elevator that lead to the parking lot instead of the lobby. I didn't ask him why because the car might just be there so I stayed silent during the entire elevator ride while Charles leaned against the wall behind us, whistling as he watched the numbers move. 

He held my hand as we walked in the parking lot. I was searching for the white Ferrari we used yesterday but was surprised when we stopped in front of one that was definitely not a car I've seen before. Charles crossed his arms over his chest after letting go of my hand and stood by the black Ferrari 488 Pista, different from his since it wasn't matte and it was free of any color except for the Ferrari logo, and smiled widely at me. 

"What are we doing here?" I asked, eyebrows scrunched up in confusion. 

"We're heading to the paddock." 

"Okay? Then why are we in front of this car? What if the owner comes and thinks we're about to steal from him?" 

"Her." He blurted out. 

"What?" 

"The owner is a her." He said, walking towards me and getting something from his back pocket. "And her name is Valentine Bellerose." 

My jaw dropped as he pulled out a key with the Ferrari symbol on it and waved it in front of my face. My eyes repeatedly moved from the Pista to the key, not fully registering what's happening. When I finally did, the first words that came out of my mouth were, "No fucking way." 

Charles laughed at me as I stared wide eyed at the car. "Should I return it then?" 

"No!" I said, immediately grabbing the key in fear that he might be serious. This only made Charles laugh harder as he placed his hands on my hips and pulled me closer, lips ghosting over my forehead. "You are insane." I breathed out as my eyes didn't leave the car. 

"I love you, too." 

It's a miracle that Charles let me drive to the paddock without even making a single move to hold on to the side of the car. I was all smiles as I drove, not giving a damn if I might've gone a bit over the speed limit on the way to the track. 

Despite the happiness I felt from driving my new car, I looked more nervous than Charles as we both walked into the paddock, hands intertwined. The championship buzz has definitely gotten to me. Photographers allowed inside kept on taking our photos as we headed to the Ferrari garage, some of them smiling since they've been there since the beginning of the season.

The boys were going to have a press conference and the top five drivers— Charles, Carlos, Ace, George, and Max— were scheduled to attend one together. I sat beside Charles' PR officer and was surprised to see Kelly take the seat beside me. It's been a while since we last talked and I watched as she sent a small wave towards Max who was seated beside George.

When the press conference began, you could hear the cameras snapping pictures behind us as journalists took their turns to ask questions to the boys.

"Ace, do you think this is finally your year to win the championship?"