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The party was at a small restaurant near the track. I had to head to my hotel room another time to change into an outfit for the party because a cocktail dress would definitely not have matched the occasion. I pick out a deep necked mini dress and pair it with some platform heels.

Me and Chloe arrive at the party together. The restaurant looked so calm on the outside but as soon as we stepped inside the vibe completely changed. Loud music blasted from the speakers as the men and women swayed their bodies to it. I could recognise a few Ferrari crew members and some other people as well. Everyone looked so relaxed as compared to on the paddock.

I spot Carlos talking to the bartender and we make our way up to him by pushing through the crowd. I place my hand on his back to get his attention and he spins around. "You actually came." Carlos beams at me with the widest smile. "Thought I'd see for myself what happens at these f1 afterparties." He laughs. "Then you're in for a ride Ms. Vincent. The real party is upstairs in the vip area." He points upstairs. He then leads us there. We arrive in a more closed of area with a more sensual rythm playing from the speakers.

"Ladies first." He smiles stepping aside and signalling with his hand. As soon as i walk in I'm greeted by drivers and some of their girlfriends. I greet the other girls and give kika a soft hug. The drivers introduce themselves one by one. A brooding presence sits in the corner next to pierre. There was no denying how good he looked. A fitted black shirt hugs his torso and arms perfectly. His hair is a styled mess. He looks like a man who could ruin his life with just words.

Of course, charles' words still hurt like a fresh wound and seeing him was a reminder of the fact that he thinks I'm easy. I shake the thought from my head and pay as little attention to him as i can. Lily, alex's girlfriend offers me a seat next to her and i gladly accept. I was sat between her and lando. We make small talk and then slowly start bonding over our lovefor taylor swift.

"Oh no. Another swiftie." Lando jokes. "Its not our fault you dont have taste." I retaliate crossing my arms and lily says something to agree. "Taste in music maybe, taste in women not so sure." Lando smirks. I could tell it was the alcohol making him say all of that cheesy stuff but i play along with it. He eyes me expecting me to say something. I just scoff and reach out for whatever drink is available.

A bottle of clear liquid sits on the table. I grab a glass and pour some into it. "I wouldn't recommend drinking that." Charles says smugly. One eyebrow raised slightly than the other and a smug look resting on his face. I glare at him and continue to pour. My eyes not leaving his for a second, i bring the glass up to my lips and take the liquid down in one sip. Tequila. Plus the glass wasn't a small one and i had to keep a straight face to maintain my honour. Stupid decision on my part but i was never going to show it.

Everyone around the table hoots and laughs in disbelief. Charles watches me carefully. I put the glass back down on the table once its contents are completely inside me and turn towards lily. "Wanna go dance?" She stares at me with wide eyes and nods. Kika joins us as we head towards the dance floor. Some of the guys follow us as well.

What happens on the dance floor is a blur. All of us order more shots, i was so going to regret it the next day. My body moves in a way that is not in my control, completely taken over by the rythm of the music. A few minutes later i excuse myself to go to washroom located in the back of the restaurant.

When i emerge from doing my private business i bump into something hard in my drunken state. I place my hands on whoever it is to stabilise myself. Familiar hands grip my waist to help me. When i look up to see who it is, I'm met with the annoyingly attractive face of Charles Leclerc. Upon realisation, i push off of him and he lets go. I tuck my hair behind my ear and try stumble past him in attempt to avoid any further drama. But before i can he blocks my path.

I glare up at him and try to get past him again only for him to block me. "Have you not had enough Charles? What is it this time? Im easy? A whore? Worthless? Living off of daddy's money? Which one is it?" I snap. He looks at me with an unreadable expression. "I didn't mean it that way. Will you just listen." He says in a low voice. "No Charles. I wont. The shit you said to me is not something i can get over with just a stupid explanation. There is no explanation for calling someone 'easy'" I push past him again but he grabs my wrist and traps me with his arm around my waist.

"I'm sorry. I was being a complete dick. There is no explanation for saying all of that except that i was being a complete ass. I couldn't stand seeing you with someone else. Especially Lando. Please just don't be with him." He pleads as he draws circles on my wrist with his thumb. I melt at his touch as my mind processes his words. I lose all of the fight in me. "You're so hot and cold. Its like i know you one minute and then the next you're a complete stranger. Now you're telling me who i should and shouldnt meet charles its not fair." I say softly sounding defeated as i let myself go in his arms.

"I know Belle i know. And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for treating you like that. You deserve better." A sigh leaves my lips and i rest my head on his shoulder. At that point, i had no energy left in my body, my entire body weight was completely on Charles. "Let me take you home." My mind was jello. I nod into his shoulder as i think of my bed.

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A/N

The next chapter is a Charles pov. Thank you for the votes. You guys are lovely 🫶 Plus I've decided to make this a sort of a social media situation as well just to give you guys an idea of the outfits in a more creative way and a bit more interaction between the characters. Hope you like it!!

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