Style: M.Verstappen

Chapter 17

3 MONTHS LATER

The season was now over and Max won his first world title. Of course, the other drivers were happy for him minus Lewis who just missed. George had called Lilianna the morning following the celebrations and it was a lie to say she wasn't hungover because she was but not as bad as some of the others.

"Hey Lily. Thanks for coming." George sheepishly smiles, a look Lilianna has come to know all too well now. "Of course." Lilianna smiles walking inside. George sat across from Lily, his hands in his lap, his eyes downcast. He took a deep breath before finally speaking.

"Lilianna, we need to talk," he said, his voice low and hesitant. Lilianna looked up at him, her heart starting to race. She knew that tone of voice - it couldn't be good news. She braced herself for what was to come. "What is it, George?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly. George cleared his throat before continuing. "I don't think we should be together anymore," he said, his words slow and deliberate.

Lilianna felt as if her heart had shattered into a million pieces. She knew that things had been tough between them lately, what with the unexpected pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage, but she never thought that George would end things. "What? Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. George's eyes met hers briefly before darting away. "I just don't think we're right for each other, Lilianna. We've been through a lot, and I don't think we can overcome it all." Lilianna felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "But we've been through so much together, George," she said, her voice full of emotion. "I thought we could get through anything."

"I know. And I'm sorry," George said, reaching for her hand. "I don't want to hurt you. But I think it's for the best." Lilianna felt a wave of sadness wash over her, but she knew that George was right. They had been through so much in such a short amount of time, and it was hard to see a way forward. "Okay," she said, her voice soft. "I understand." George squeezed her hand before standing up. "We can still be friends, though. I still care about you, Lilianna." Lily nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, George. I care about you too."

With that, Lilianna left the apartment, alone with her thoughts. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was grateful that they were able to end things amicably. And who knows? Maybe they would find their way back to each other someday. But for now, the most important thing was to heal and move forward.

Stepping outside, she immediately begins crying. She knew she needed someone, especially with Paddy in town visiting her and Isla meaning he was staying with Isla. Lily knew there was 1 person who she could turn to right now and that was Max.

Lilianna drove to Max's apartment, tears streaming down her face. Her mind was in a haze as she pulled up outside the building, her heart aching with pain. Her relationship with George had just ended, and she immediately needed Max's company. She knew he would be there for her, like he always was.

Max opened the door and saw Lilianna standing there, her eyes puffy and red from crying. "Lilianna," Max said, surprised to see her. "What happened? Come in." Lilianna followed Max inside, her hands shaking as she tried to hold back her tears. Once they were inside, Lilianna broke down, the sobs wracking her body.

"What's happened?" Max asked, his voice soft as he took her hand, guiding her to the couch. "G-George broke up with me. H-he just didn't understand me, Max," Lilianna said, the words coming out in between her sobs. Max listened, his heart breaking for Lilianna. He knew how hard she had worked to make the relationship with George work - sacrificing her own happiness in the process.

"It's okay," Max said, wrapping his arms around her, holding her close. "You don't have to hold it in. Cry if you need to." Lilianna took a deep breath, her tears subsiding slightly. She leaned into Max, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "I just don't know what to do, Max," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I've lost everything."

"You haven't lost me," Max said, his voice firm, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm here for you, Lilianna. Always." Lilianna closed her eyes, letting the words sink in. She was so grateful for Max, for his unwavering support and love. She knew she could always count on him.

"Thank you, Max," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "You always know how to make me feel better." the girl mutters. "That's what friends are for," Max said, pulling her closer. "I'm always here for you, Lilianna. No matter what."

Max and Lilianna were sitting on the couch in her living room, enjoying each other's embrace while Lilianna came to terms with her breakup. Suddenly, Lilianna felt choked up again, and her heart started racing. It was time for her to tell Max about her daughter.

"Max," she said, her voice trembling with emotion, "I have something to tell you, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." Max's eyes widened as he gazed at her. "What is it?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice. "I have a daughter," Lilianna said, tears streaming down her face. "Her name is Isla, and she's five years old."

Max didn't know what to say for a moment. "I had no idea," he said, his voice full of surprise. "Why didn't you tell me before?" the dutchman asks. "I was afraid," Lilianna said, her voice breaking. "I didn't want to ruin our friendship. I was scared you might leave me." Max reached out and took Lilianna's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I would never leave you," he said. "I understand that you were scared, but you don't have to be. You can tell me anything, always."

Lilianna smiled, feeling the weight lifted off her chest. Her tears had dried, and she felt a newfound sense of relief. "Thank you, Max," she said, grateful for his understanding. "I'm glad you told me," Max said, his eyes meeting hers. "I can't wait to meet Isla properly. She seems like a bright, happy kid." Lilianna beamed at him. "She really is," she said, feeling incredibly grateful for having someone like Max in her life. "Thank you for being so understanding." Max pulled her into another hug, holding her close. "Always," he said, his voice muffled by her hair. "I'll always be here for you, Lilianna, and for Isla."

The pair sat on the couch, cuddled up in one another's embrace. "Thank you for this." Lilianna mutters. "Of course. Like I said, I'm always here." Max says. "Would you like to stay here tonight and maybe bring Isla so I can meet her?" Max suggests. "I'll stay. I'll bring Isla another night as she's with her uncle." Lilianna says, her head laying on Max's chest. "Okay." Max says, wrapping Lilianna in his arms.

After messaging her brother who agreed to look after Isla, Lilianna quickly returned to collect some pajamas and fresh clothes before going back to Max's apartment. "I'm grateful for this, Max. Thank you." Lily smiles. "Of course. To cheer you up again." Max smiles. Lilianna softly chuckles as she places her bag on the floor and slides her shoes off.

The pair enjoy their peaceful evening, Max constantly making Lilianna laugh and forget the events of today.