Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 31

I just realized that because I'm just going with the flow for this book, I have no idea how many chapters it'll have lol

Enjoy!

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May 21, 2025 - Monaco

"What the hell happened to you?" Gabby asked when I picked her up at the lobby of my apartment. I rolled my eyes at her and grabbed the handle of her suitcase, wheeling it towards the elevator.

"It's been a rough few weeks." I grunted, feeling the fatigue catch up to me.

I've been avoiding Charles. It's fortunate that he had to fly out for Baku and Spain because it meant there were less chances of seeing him around Monaco. From the schedule he gave me, there were also a few times where he'd drive to the Ferrari factory in Maranello.

He's sent me messages asking to meet up but every time, I'd decline and make up an excuse that I was busy with work. I was, but not as much as he probably thought. He dropped by before leaving for Baku and it was the most awkward conversation we've ever had. I was obviously not comfortable around him and he noticed that. What shocked me was that he asked me upright about why I was acting like that.

"Work has just been keeping me busy." I lied, leaning against my kitchen counter. I let him in this time, knowing that if I didn't, he would ask more questions.

"This is the first time we've talked in two weeks." He stated, raising an eyebrow and I straightened my back upon feeling his eyes on me.

"Like I said, I've been busy with work."

Charles took a few steps forward and placed his hands on the counter behind me, caging me in. A sense of déjà vu came over me, making me remember how I was in this exact position when he suggested we start a fake relationship for the media. "You know you could trust me, right?" He asked, voice low and hesitant as he searched my eyes. He was looking for something and when I looked up from my gaze on the floor, he found something. "What are you not telling me?"

"Can I really trust you?" I asked back, catching him by surprise. Ever since I saw him that day with Rose, a thought has been floating in my mind. Our agreement was based on the fact that he didn't want a relationship at all and was only acting in one with me to silence the rumors. If he didn't want a relationship, then why is he contacting his ex who he swore from the beginning wanted nothing to do with him? Is this all just a game? Was our agreement actually a way for him to get his ex back?

If it was, then fine. He could've saved me the hassle of being exposed to the public and just chose a girl who was more well-known. Why me? Why agree to carry the baggage I had and protect me when it could've been easier if he chose someone else?

Charles was clearly caught off guard by my question and he was about to answer when his phone rang. As he pulled out his phone from his pocket, I took the opportunity to put some distance between us.

"Je fais juste une course." [I'm just doing an errand.] I heard him say in French. I bit my lip to keep a scoff from escaping my lips as he spoke once again. "Oui, je te verrai dans un instant. Je viens de croiser un ami." [Yes, I'll see you in a bit. I just ran into a friend.]

I've been trying to learn French which was why catching bits of pieces of his conversation was easier this time. I bought an audio book last February and have even been exchanging French words with Sir Henri downstairs whenever he'd catch me walking in.

When he put his phone down, it was obvious that the words he was going to say were not going to be heard any time soon. "You have Spain after this?" I asked and he nodded his head.