ma chérie | cl16

chapter thirty

"You really are good at keeping secrets! I didn't expect this at all," Adeline took a sip of her perfectly made cappuccino and casually adjusted her sunglasses. Her rose-painted lips curved into a broad smile as she gazed at Charles sitting across from her.

She thought to herself she had the best view anyone could have—Charles, accompanied by the iconic Eiffel Tower. He was wearing a navy-blue hoodie, and his sunglasses were protecting him from curious eyes. Luck was on their side as Charles had discovered the perfect café, offering a calm atmosphere and a breathtaking view.

"What can I say? I'm the best," Charles said with a playful grin on his face. Hidden behind his sunglasses, Adeline was unaware of his subtle glances at her, his eyes revealing a hint of admiration.

"There's no doubt about that, mon chou."

The visit of Pierre's parents had even made his feelings toward Adeline more intense. They were getting stronger with every single second in her presence, with each kiss, each touch. He had never felt like this before, but he was enjoying every moment of it. Even though they weren't labeling whatever it was between them.

"So, only France and Hungary, right? Are you excited to get a summer break?" Adeline asked Charles, taking a bite of a freshly baked pain au chocolate.

With only two races remaining before the Formula One summer break, Adeline was realizing that she had been away from London for such a long time. Unfortunately, Janice still had zero information about Hunter. It was likely that he had returned to the United Kingdom, and Adeline couldn't help but worry a little. After all, Hunter's respect for the restraining order was practically non-existent. She didn't want to risk another uncomfortable encounter with him. Alone.

A sigh escaped Charles' lips, and although his eyes were shielded behind sunglasses, Adeline could envision the tiredness in his eyes. "I'm actually looking forward to it," he confessed, revealing his exhaustion.

Adeline reached out and gently clasped Charles' hand, her thumb tracing soothing circles across his skin. "Hey," she whispered reassuringly. "You're doing your best, alright? Just remember that."

Charles exhaled deeply, removing his sunglasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. "It's just... sometimes it feels like what I do isn't enough," he confessed, his voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and exhaustion. He shook his head, his eyes drifting down to their intertwined hands. "I don't know, I just feel like I love it and hate it at the same time," he admitted. Holding onto Adeline's hand, he was realizing how much she was keeping him sane.

"If you feel about it like that, at least you know it matters to you. Deeply," Adeline tried to comfort Charles, giving him a warm smile. "Your fans know that you're doing everything you can. They're proud of you. I am proud of you," she emphasized, her words resonating with heartfelt support.

Charles had been through a lot, and his life certainly hadn't been easy. Right now, he found himself under immense pressure, both externally and from his own aspirations. However, the car's recent lack of cooperation added another layer of frustration to the mix. And deep down, he knew that even if the car wouldn't fail him, the team's strategy would. And in the worst-case scenario, his own mounting frustration would potentially lead to a mistake.

Under the weight of pressure, Charles felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. But Adeline understood him. She listened to him attentively. And she was as driven and ambitious as he was, so she knew what it was like to put too much pressure and expectations on oneself to succeed. Even if it was draining sometimes.

To Charles, opening up to Adeline was naturally easy. It was easy to talk about his work, it was easy to talk about everything and anything. Even his dad.