ma chérie | cl16

chapter twenty-three

"I'm not going anywhere in this car," Charles shook his head as he watched Adeline trying to make her Mini function. It was an old, truly mini blue car. It seemed way past its best years, and Adeline wasn't successful in starting it.

"Mr. I-live-in-Monaco-and-drive-for-Ferrari is spoiled, right?" Adeline looked at Charles with a grin on her lips. "Also, I don't think you should be afraid of this car, but me. I'm the worst driver you could ever find," Adeline shrugged her shoulders, placing her key in the ignition again.

"Great, so there are two things that could get me killed. You, and this car," Charles laughed, watching Adeline with obvious amusement. She seemed very impatient, which was even funnier—however, not to Adeline.

"Don't you dare to talk like that to Minnie," Adeline pointed her finger at the Ferrari driver, letting out a sigh. The car simply refused to cooperate today.

Charles lifted an eyebrow. "Minnie? You named your Mini Minnie?"

"Yeah, I think it's the perfect name. Plus, my grandma was Minnie. She gave this car to me. It's the only thing I've got left from her," Adeline replied as she got out of the car, refusing to try again. Minnie was stubborn sometimes—which was also one of the traits of Adeline's late grandma. And one of the many similarities between her and Adeline.

"That's beautiful," Charles smiled, thinking that it was precious. He started to feel even more connected to Adeline as she began opening up to him slowly.

"Well, I guess we're not going to Greenwich by car," Adeline locked her car, giving it a little pat on the roof. "Nevermind. I'll show you the center, but we have to take the tube," Adeline shrugged her shoulders, taking her black faux leather backpack from Charles.

Adeline packed only essentials in her backpack, which she reserved for walks and trips: an umbrella, dark sunglasses to avoid curious eyes and some snacks. However, her clothing was very different from her usual style. She opted for a pair of jeans and a simple T-shirt with a jacket, along with white sneakers, in preparation for a long day of walking. Yes. The sneakers.

Charles was wearing jeans as well, and a baby-blue hoodie. He had his favorite white sneakers on, matching with Adeline unintentionally. He also didn't forget his camera as he wanted to take some pictures of London. It was something that Lando and mainly Daniel influenced him to do.

"Tube?" Charles' brows furrowed as he didn't understand what Adeline meant.

"It's a term for the subway. Sure, it smells, but it's fast. Or we can walk, but it's gonna take some time." Adeline shrugged her shoulders, indicating that she was content with either choice. In the past, when Minnie had broken down, Adeline had to find other ways to get to work in Kensington from her home in Islington, so she was used to being flexible.

"Yeah, I think I'd rather take the long walk," Charles said, trying to avoid the subway.

"You have never taken the tube, didn't you? You are a tube virgin!" Adeline covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hold back her laughter, but she simply couldn't.

"It's not like there's a subway in Monaco," Charles attempted to defend himself. He quickly wanted to change the subject, but Adeline didn't let him get away with that so easily.

Adeline put on her evil smile, the one that Pierre taught her—and honestly, she mastered it. "Charles Marc Hervè Perceval Leclerc, you're about to experience a cultural shock. You're taking the tube for the first time in your life!"

After taking the Victoria line to Soho, Adeline thought Charles would be disgusted by the public transport, but he seemed enthusiastic about it. He probably enjoyed the simplicity and a hint of ordinary life. There wasn't a fancy car waiting for him, and no rush to be anywhere.