Chance

Eighteen

Jules

Jules captures some incredible moments on track of both Oscar and Lando and focuses on the mechanics during the pit stops. But she also takes time to watch the race with Lando's grandparents.

They really are lovely, his grandma insisted that Jules try and watch the race with them.

"We need to get to know the girl that has finally made our Lando settle down. When he called me that day from the yacht in Monaco, I thought he was joking with me. I'd never heard him so happy." She smiles.

Jules swallows down a gulp, trying to hide her grimace as she changes the subject and brings their attention back to the race, "He's so close to catching Charles!"

The adrenaline and excitement of the race help distract her from her current situation of pretending to be Lando's girlfriend, at least temporarily.

The two Redbull's are over 10 seconds clear of Charles in P3. Lando has made it up the pack to P4 but can't seem to get close enough on this bumpy street circuit.

When the checkered flag waves, Max emerges as the race winner. Lando remained in P4.

Max secured a well-deserved victory, but Lando's fourth-place finish was a bitter pill to swallow. She knew how competitive and determined he was, and seeing him struggle with the car's performance was tough.

Jules made her way down to parc ferme, hoping to snap some shots of the Mclaren boys post-race, the circuit lights contrasting with the night sky of Singapore should make for some exciting images.

She arrived as Max got out of his car and celebrated his victory with exuberance, and as he stood on top of his seat, he looked over at Jules with a playful smirk, reminding her of the deal she made earlier.

She never could have expected what happened next.

Before heading to the barriers to celebrate with his engineers, Max took off his helmet, found Jules in the crowd and teased, "Well, looks like I won the race, and now I get to claim my prize."

He leans in close to her and smashes his lips on hers, kissing her with momentum. It happens so fast she is taken aback by the sudden gesture.

She hears and feels camera's flashing all around her as the crowd erupts, chanting and celebrating Max.

Her mind is still reeling from the events of the day and the complicated dynamic with Lando. When she regains sense, she gently pushes Max away, trying to maintain her composure.

"Max, what are you doing?" Jules says softly, stepping back from him.

Max looks surprised but not deterred. "Come on, Jules. I know you feel something too," he smirks, shrugging as he walks backwards towards the Redbull team who are roaring and cheering at the barrier.

She takes a deep breath, trying to process what just happened without causing any commotion, aware that she is surrounded by cameras and fans.

Dread fills her, that kiss with Max caught her off guard, she really hopes that neither Lando or his grandparents witnessed it. She can't bear the thought of adding more tension to her already fragile promise with Lando.

She leaves the track in a rush, Penelope is awol again and hasn't been answering her phone, so she resigns herself to travelling back to the hotel alone.

On her way back she gets a text from Max.

Max – 8.30, room 309. See you there.

Jules groans, the pressure of the day and her emotions ready to burst. She makes a decision about Max, she knows that she needs to break whatever this is, off with him. Her heart isn't in it and the guilt she has about her true feelings for Lando are overwhelming her.