parents by accident ★ charles leclerc

⸻ part 4 , a seaside celebration

the horizon stretched out before them, a canvas of blues and golds as isabel stood with charles on the deck of a luxurious yacht. the salty breeze played with her hair as she looked at him, the sun setting behind him casting a warm glow.

"you look stunning, isabel." charles smiled.

"thank you." she blushed. "by the way, this yacht is incredible."

"well, it's my cousin's birthday, and she has a thing for grand celebrations."

they laughed, the atmosphere light and easy. as they mingled with the guests, isabel exchanged a few words with charles' mother, pascale. her warmth was evident, a testament to the strong bond she shared with her family.

"charles speaks so highly of you, isabel. it's wonderful to finally meet you."

"it's an honor, pascale."

as the evening continued, the yacht sailed further into the sea, the partygoers mingling and enjoying the festivities. but as isabel and charles ventured deeper into the crowd, their carefree moment was about to be tested.

among the crowd, a familiar face emerged – charlotte. her striking presence was impossible to miss, and her gaze locked onto charles and isabel, a confident smile playing on her lips.

"well, well, if it isn't the two lovebirds."

charles' expression tensed, but isabel managed to keep her composure, her curiosity piqued.

"charlotte." charles spoke.

"oh, don't look so surprised. charles and i have been getting to know each other lately." she grinned.

isabel felt a wave of discomfort, but she refused to let it show. instead, she decided to play her cards wisely.

"oh, charles, I forgot to tell you – arthur invited me to his art exhibit next week."

charles looked genuinely surprised, his eyes locking onto isabel's.

"arthur?" he raised his eyebrows.

"yes, your brother. he mentioned he'd love for me to be there."

charlotte's smile faltered for a split second, and isabel's heart raced as she realized her move had worked.

"well, if you're into that type of art." charlotte scoffed.

charles' grip on isabel's hand tightened, a clear indication of his mixed emotions. as charlotte sauntered away, their gazes remained locked for a moment longer.

the evening continued, and as the party buzzed around them, isabel found herself in the company of charles' brother, arthur. they explored the yacht together, engaging in thoughtful conversation about his art and shared interests. laughter flowed freely, and isabel was pleasantly surprised by the genuine connection they were forming.

"your artwork is truly captivating, arthur." isabel smiled.

"thank you, isabel. it's a passion of mine."

meanwhile, charles found himself amidst the lively atmosphere, engaging in animated conversation with charlotte. the night air was filled with laughter and music, but his mind kept drifting to isabel, wondering how her evening was unfolding.

charlotte, however, seemed particularly interested in charles' attention. she hung onto his arm, her touch lingering far longer than necessary. charles' discomfort was evident, his attempts to create space between them subtle but unsuccessful.

"charles, you're so much fun. let's dance!" charlotte giggled.

charles managed a strained smile, glancing around as if searching for a way out. as they danced, charlotte's affectionate gestures bordered on clinginess, and charles felt increasingly trapped.

isabel noticed the dynamic from a distance, a pang of unease settling in her chest. when charles and charlotte finally joined the main group, their forced smiles spoke volumes.

"isabel, i didn't expect to see you and arthur together all evening." he said, his anger slightly noticeable.

"well, i didn't expect to see you and charlotte joined at the hip." isabel raised an eyebrow.

the tension between them was palpable, an unspoken frustration lurking beneath the surface.

"charlotte is an old friend. i didn't want to be rude." charles said, defensive

"well, i didn't want to be left out either."

their conversation was cut short as the yacht sailed back to the shore. the moonlit sea stretched out before them, its tranquility a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions they had just experienced.