Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 43

I couldn't leave you guys hanging for this part of the story sooooo here you go 😉

Warning: this chapter contains mature content (not as mature as you'd think but I feel the need to mention this beforehand)

Watch out for some typos and enjoy!

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July 26, 2025 - Hungary

I went back to the hotel room earlier than Charles.

Today was not great for Ferrari with them starting at P5 and P8 tomorrow. Charles ended up with a five-place grid penalty due to the problem that occurred yesterday. He was just as confused as I was since the mechanics assured him it'd be fixed without any consequences, so he entered qualifying with a sour mood. The best possible outcome was P5 which he managed to get after being the fastest one to set a record lap today. His top contenders, Lewis and Max, were starting on the front row, so they were using the remainder of the day discussing strategies for tomorrow.

I was currently on a call with Gabby, going over our plans for summer break. Turns out this was a big deal in Europe, especially in Monaco. I was surprised to hear from Remi that the office was on complete shutdown for two weeks and most of them would take another week off. When I told Gabby this, she didn't hesitate to plan a trip, not giving a damn that she was going to close the studio as well. With the amount of money she earns from selling her photos, I wouldn't be surprised if she could close for at least two months.

"So, we have three weeks. Where do you want to go?" She asked me, a list of places she made staring back at me from my computer.

"I've never been to Greece." I said, always wanting to visit the beautiful country. It was very close to Turkey but travelling was not something my family regularly did. "From there, maybe we could head to Italy?"

"Would you mind if I extended for a week to stay in Monaco?" She asked, typing on her laptop and my email receive a notification from her about possible flight plans.

"Sure." I absentmindedly answered, glancing at the flight details. "Wait." My eyes squinted at Gabby who was trying too hard not to look at her webcam. "Are you coming to Monaco for me or for Max?"

"For you, of course." She quickly answered and I couldn't help but laughing at how awful that lie was.

"Gabrielle Young, you are doomed."

"You're one to talk." She smirked and I immediatelt glared at her. "I don't see the point of this until Sunday thing. You're going to go home heartbroken either way."

"Already am, if I'm being honest." I said, shrugging my shoulders as Gabby frowned at me.

"Seriously, though. How are you feeling about all of this?"

I took a deep breath and leaned back on the bed, with my laptop beside me so that Gabby could still see my face. "Not good, actually. I keep trying to restrain myself from telling him I love him because I know he's just going to give me that look. It's the look that tells me I'm never going to hear it from him."

"Nads, you should've just left." Gabby whispered and I glanced at my laptop to see her looking at me worriedly.

"I should've, but then I wouldn't be able to say goodbye. I didn't get the chance to last December. I know the circumstances are different but I'm not letting this one go."

"Well, you know I'll be waiting for you in Monaco, right?" She said and I bit my lip to keep myself from smiling. "We're going to get so drunk and eat all of the food in your apartment."