❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 27

Valerie POV
Earlier at the ceremony

I was gazing at Charles who was standing on the podium, his face shining brighter than the sun.
I haven't seen him that happy in a long time.
And he deserved it so much.
After all the bad luck Ferrari had caused him, it was his righteous place.

The ceremony was almost over, when I saw a familiar face making its way through the crowd.
I had actually hoped I wouldn't have this confrontation.
And to be honest, I almost forgot him.

»Valerie!«, Raphael shouted as he finally reached me.
»Raphael.« I tried to sound as happy as I could but it didn't seem to work that well.

»Did you get my message yesterday?«, I continued to overplay the situation.
»Oh, yes. Are you feeling better today?«
»Much better, thank you.« I tried to focus on the podium again but Raphael kept seeking my attention.
»I hope this means we can make it up in the future.«, he said with a hoping tone in his voice.

»Valerie?«
»What?« I didn't realized he was talking to me, my gaze was frozen on the sight of Charles walking off the railing, looking disappointed.

Was he looking for me?
Did he see me with Raphael?

A bunch of worry went through my body and I just wanted to get out of here and try to find Charles. But Raphael kept talking to me, making me turn into the conversation.
»Do you think we could go out for dinner tonight?«, he asked politely.

I actually did find him nice. And attractive.
And at some point, I really wanted this to work with Raphael. I wanted to forget Charles.
But last night has changed my point of view.

I chose him.

»I would love to,«, I began, trying not to hurt his feelings, »but the Ferrari crew will have a celebration tonight and I really want to go.«
»Then I might be your +1?«
I hesitated.
»My family will also be there and I haven't really talked about you that much...«
actually, I didn't at all.
»And I think it would be a bit weird showing up together, do you understand?«

»Of course.«, he answered, seeming a little bit annoyed.
»Would you like to go for a coffee before, then?«

»Yeah, a coffee will do.«
I didn't know why I accepted his offer. I mean, he is a nice guy but my heart screams for someone else.

About an hour later, I found myself sitting in a local café, sipping some coffee with Raphael across me.
»Would you like something to eat?«, he asked me and pointed to the selection of pastries at the counter.
I nodded.
»Then, what would you like?«
I needed a moment to process his question.
I expected him to know what I desired.

Like Charles does.

He would've ordered some pistachio macarons instantly without asking any further questions.

But Raphael wasn't Charles. And I should stop looking for him in another man.

»Ehm.... I'll just take some cake.«, I said quickly and put on a smile.
I expected this afternoon to be horrible for me since I actually just wanted to go home and call Charles.

But while talking to Raphael, I seemed to forget about that. He was actually an amazing person to be around.
We chatted a while and I really had fun.

»By the way, shouldn't you actually be protecting your driver at the moment?«, I said chuckling.

»Nah, Charles Leclerc went off the paddock and asked for no further staff around him, he wanted to go home I think.«
I almost choked on my coffee.
»You're the personal security guard for Charles Leclerc?«, I asked carefully, not sure if I wanted to hear the answer.

»Yes... didn't I tell you that?«
I shook my head, overplaying my reaction with a smile.
»Well, not much of a matter, is it?«, Raphael chuckled.

The thought of Raphael being Charles' security guard didn't make my day any better.

But after all, the afternoon was quite lovely.

Later that day
Narrator POV

Charles arrived at the Ferrari Crew party alone. They all cheered on him as he entered.
Carlos was already there, holding a drink in his hands.
They chatted for a while before Carlos' parents joined the party.
»Carlos Sainz sr.!«, Charles greeted him happily like an old friend. »And I see you brought your lovely wife, Reyes.«
They reconnected after not seeing each other since the dinner.

»Where is Valerie?«, her father suddenly asked as some time passed.
»Yes, where did you leave your girlfriend?«, Carlos said and gave Charles a little push into his side to remind him of his and Valerie's arrangement.
And in fact, Charles had already forgotten it until the topic came up again.
»I don't know, actually. I haven't seen her since the ceremony.«, he replied, telling the truth.

»Are you guys looking for me?«, a happy voice behind them said.
»Valerie!«, Carlos pulled his sister closer give her a hug.
»Congrats to your P3 today, Carlos.«, she said excited while breaking off the embrace.
Her gaze went to Charles.
He gave her an expecting look.
But he was not sure himself how to behave. Should they play along? It was risky not to in front of her parents.

»But my todays toast goes to my charming novio, Charles.«, Valerie announced and let herself slip onto Charles' lap as they were sitting at the bar.
He gave her a passionate kiss.
Neither of them were sure if this kiss was meant to be a real, meaning one.

But they just played along in front of Carlos and his and Valerie's parents.

»Should we go outside? It is a lovely evening.«, Charles suggested and pointed outside in the garden.
»Yeah, sure.« Carlos went ahead and the others followed him.

Outside in the garden were already some people, but not that much. As they saw the Ferrai boys coming their way, they came up and congratulated them.

The five of them found place at some loungers placed on the grass.
Charles laid down with Valerie close to his chest since there were only four sunbeds.

»Aw, what a lovely couple. Let me take a picture.«, Reyes said and stood up in front of them.
Valerie and Charles exchanged looks.
»Yeah, sure.«, they both chuckled and got even closer to one another to pose for the picture.

The rest of the evening went great, Valerie was glad to have her brother and her parents this near to talk to.

And she couldn't complain really much either that she was this close to Charles.

»Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I think it's time for the old people to go home.«, Carlos Senior suddenly said and got up.
»Papà!«, Valerie laughed and looked at her brother who also couldn't hold his chuckle back.

»It was a lovely evening. We will see each other tomorrow before we fly back to Barcelona, yes?«, Reyes assured herself.
»Of course, Mamà.«, Valerie replied, not moving from Charles' side.

Her and Carlos' parents left the private party.
Charles made himself comfortable in the lounger, making sure Valerie wouldn't be bothered by his movements.

»You know we don't have to pretend anymore. My parents are gone.«, Valerie almost whispered while stretching her head to find Charles' eyes.
He looked down on her.

»Yeahh. But I don't see the point in moving now. It's rather comfortable like this.«, he replied while resting his gaze in hers.
She smiled and moved closer to his chest, enjoying the evening.