【 Chasing the stars ➺ Charles LeClerc】

༺FIVE༻

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The queue for the club snaked around the sidewalk and disappeared around the corner. As we neared the entrance, Eliana took mine and Kikas hand and confidently announced our names to the bouncer. After a quick glance at his list, he ushered us inside. Our first stop was the bar, where we promptly ordered shots and downed them in a heartbeat. Then, we made our way to the VIP area to join the others.

Upon entering the VIP section, Kika sauntered off to join Pierre. Meanwhile, Eliana and I mingled with a few others before nestling into a plush couch next to Carlos and Lando. With a cocktail in hand, we dove into a  conversation with them.

We engaged in a lively chat for some time. I made sure to congratulate Carlos, but tactfully steered clear of the day's race, considering Lando's fifteenth-place finish probably wasn't his favorite subject.

The absence of Charles, the race's champion, was a bit odd. However, I decided not to let my thoughts linger on him and brushed it aside.

I excused myself to the others, indicating I was off to the bar for another round. As I strolled over, Charles made his entrance, a broad smile lighting up his face. He was swarmed with congratulations, while I stood by the bar, awaiting my next cocktail.

"Whiskey, please," a familiar voice rang out beside me, causing me to pivot towards him. Our eyes locked, his gaze as piercing as ever.

"Congrats on today's victory," I managed, my voice steady. As I collected my drink from the counter, I took a moment to gather my thoughts - he was my ex, he'd hurt me, yet his apologies were relentless. I found myself softening, even though I knew I shouldn't. I lifted my glass, letting the liquid courage touch my lips.

"Thank you," he replied, his gaze unwavering. He took a slow sip from his whiskey, the ice clinking gently against the glass. "Didn't expect to see you here," he admitted, a hint of surprise in his tone. I could tell he was being genuine. It was these moments of honesty that made it hard for me to harbor resentment.

"Well, here I am," I replied, attempting to sound more nonchalant than I felt.

"Indeed you are," he responded, a soft smile playing on his lips. His gaze was steady, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of the man I used to know.

"Life has a funny way of bringing people together, doesn't it?" I mused, taking another sip of my drink. He simply nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Why is it so difficult to sever these lingering ties? To simply move forward, leaving him in the past where he belongs? He wounded me, left scars on my heart that are still tender to the touch. Logic dictates that I should despise him, that I should harbor resentment for the pain he's caused. Yet, despite the hurt, I find myself unable to summon the bitterness I believe I should feel.

It's as if an invisible thread still connects us, pulling me back whenever I try to distance myself. His presence, his voice, his laughter — they're like echoes in my mind, fading but never truly silent. It's maddening, this inability to fully detach, to replace the fondness with fury. But every time I try to stoke the flames of anger, they sputter and die, leaving only a hollow ache and a yearning for something that once was.

Rising from my seat, I placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, a silent farewell. I let my fingers linger for a moment before releasing my hold and making my way back to Eliana. Wrapping my arms around her from behind, I pulled her away from the VIP area and towards the pulsating energy of the dance floor. The alcohol coursing through my veins fueled my bravery.