Ophélie

Part 50

On Thursday night we catch a flight to Bologna for the prize giving on Friday night.

When we arrive at our hotel we both change and get into bed, it's a lot colder here than it was in Amalfi.

The next morning Charles heads to the ceremony venue early for a briefing, as he'll be presenting an award.

At about noon, a hairstylist and make-up artist arrive at the hotel to get me ready.

I close my eyes while they work on my face and hair.

I can hear Charles talking to Lorenzo who has flown out for the prize giving as well, in the living room.

By the time the girls are done making me look like a different person it's almost four.

I thank them for their work and let them out before going to get dressed, Charles is already dressed in his Ferrari suit.

I pull on the red dress and ask him to help me with the zip. Then I slip on my nude heels and stand in front of him.

"Holy shit." he whistles. "You look gorgeous."

I grin at him. "Thank you. You look very handsome."

He smiles. "The car is downstairs."

I take a breath and then follow him out of the room, my clutch in hand.

When we arrive at the venue I start taking deep breaths, we have to walk the red carpet, which I've seen Charles do so many times, but I've never had to do it myself.

"It'll be fine mon amour. Just hold onto my arm and smile, try not to look panicked." he says softly before he gets out of the car.

He goes around and opens my door for me, holding his hand out. I take it and step out of the car, immediately met with camera flashes.

I look at up him and he smiles, taking my arm and linking his with mine.

I cling onto him tightly, as we walk up to the red carpet, Mia is already waiting for us there.

"Hello, you two stunning people. Damn, Ophelia! This dress is gorgeous." she says quickly, pulling us both in for a hug. "I know this is your first time but it will be fine, just smile, and if you have to, keep your eyes on Charles. If anything it'll show how in love you are, especially after the wedding."

I smile at her. "Thanks, Mia."

Someone lets us know that it's our turn and I cling on to Charles tightly, smiling widely towards all the flashes, people are yelling out our names.

We finally get inside and find our table. Carlos and Isa are already seated.

Isa jumps up and hugs us both tightly, and Carlos follows.

"Hello love birds, how was the honeymoon?" Carlos winks.

I roll my eyes. "It was perfect."

Isa asks us a bunch of questions and then the ceremony starts.

After some time Charles gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before going backstage to get ready to present.

They call him onto the stage and Isa, Carlos, Lorenzo, and I clap loudly, cheering a little.

He's presenting the award for Rookie of the Year.

"Welcome the FIA 2022 rookie of the year, Zane Maloney!" one of the presenters announces.

We all clap as Zane makes his way up on stage. A lady hands Charles a trophy.

Zane shakes Charles' hand.