Racing Against Fate ~ Lance Stroll

Chapter 12

I wake up to my phone buzzing non-stop. As I groggily check my notifications and start scrolling through social media. My heart sinks as I see the headlines: "Poppy's Reputation as a Driver Ruined After Kiss with Lance", "Poppy's on-track performance overshadowed by off-track drama", "Has Poppy Lost Focus on Racing?" and "Poppy's Behavior Causes Controversy in the Paddock."
I feel a mix of anger and frustration building inside me. How could a simple kiss on the podium ruin my reputation as a driver? I know I am talented and I have worked hard to get to where I am now. It's not fair that the media can twist a harmless moment into something negative.
But then I start to worry. What if this affects my career? What if teams don't want to sign me because of this? I try to push those thoughts out of my head and remind myself that I am strong and capable. I won't let the media bring me down. I take a deep breath and decide to stay off social media for the day, knowing that the comments and messages will only add to my anxiety.

However, to make matters worse, I received a message from Zak Brown telling me to meet him in the lobby at 10 for a meeting. I knew it was going to be serious. When I got to the lobby, Zak was already waiting for me. He looked serious and stern, and my heart sank even further. He wasted no time and got straight to the point. "Poppy, I'm sorry to say this, but your reputation as a driver has been tarnished. The team has been getting a lot of negative attention because of the recent event's, and it's affecting our image and our sponsors. And because of this, I'm afraid I have to terminate your contract at the end of this season."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This was my dream job, and now it was being taken away from me. "Zak, please, there has to be something we can do. I know I made a mistake, but I can work to make it right I promise. I don't want to lose this opportunity."
But Zak was unwavering. "I'm sorry, Poppy. But the decision has been made. We can't afford to lose sponsors or jeopardize our reputation."
I nodded, feeling defeated and not knowing what to say. This was not how I imagined my season would end. I couldn't help feeling angry and betrayed. I knew the situation wasn't entirely my fault, but I was the one paying the price for it. My dream of racing in Formula one was over, just like that. All because of a silly kiss on the podium.

I storm away from the meeting with Zak, feeling a mix of anger and despair. As I step into the elevator, I hit the button for Lance's floor multiple times out of frustration. The elevator starts moving and I stare blankly at the metal doors, my mind racing with thoughts of the recent events.
When the elevator reaches Lance's floor, I step out and start walking down the hallway towards his room. The carpet beneath my feet is plush and the walls are adorned with abstract art. But I don't notice any of it. I'm too focused on my anger towards Lance.
As I reach his door I start to bang on it with my closed fist. "Lance! Open up!" I yell. However there's no response, but I can hear movement inside. I start to bang on the door once more, harder this time. "Lance, I know you're in there! Open up!"

After what feels like an eternity, the door finally opens. Lance stands in front of me, looking surprised and a little confused. "Poppy, what's going on?" he asks.

"I've lost my seat for next year all because of that stupid kiss on the podium, and now my career is over!" I screamed, as I pushed him back and started hitting Lance's chest with my fists, letting out all of my frustration and anger. He looked surprised and a bit taken aback, but he didn't push me away. I start to feel tears of anger and sadness stream down my face.
"You don't understand what this means to me, Lance. I have worked so hard to get where I am, unlike you and now it's all gone. And for what? A stupid kiss that meant nothing" I said, tears streaming down my face.

"Poppy, I never meant for this to happen. I care about you a lot, and I never wanted to hurt you or your career." Lance says pulling me me into a tight hug, I try to push him away at first, still angry about what has happened. But his embrace is warm and comforting, and I eventually give in, letting myself sink into him. He holds me tightly, rubbing my back in slow circles and murmuring words of comfort. I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, steady and calming. The anger and frustration start to melt away, replaced by a sense of sadness and vulnerability. I realize that I'm not just mad at Lance, but also at the unfairness of the situation. As I stand there in Lance's arms, My cries start to soften as I can't help feeling overwhelmed and helpless.

Finally, I pulled away from Lance, feeling a sense of embarrassment wash over me. "I'm sorry," I muttered, avoiding the gaze of his soft brown eyes. "I shouldn't have come here like this."
Lance reached out and gently tilted my chin up so I was looking at him. "It's okay," he said softly. "I'm here for you, no matter what. And I'm sorry that this whole mess has affected your career."
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I just don't know what to do now" I admitted. "I feel like everything I worked so hard for is slipping away from me and they is nothing I can do about it."
Lance squeezed my hand reassuringly. "You're not alone, Poppy. We'll figure this out. Together."