❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 75

Valerie

The sound of laughter slowly died behind me as I entered my room. I was just taking a quick refresh before joining them in the living room again. We were residing in our house in Canada during the Grand Prix and invited some friends. Raphael also came.

I've been enjoying the carefree time with him. There was no pressure. No real commitment. No strings attached.

Just tow people spending time together.
It was like the weight falling off my back.
I could finally laugh freely again without feeling bad about it.

Blanca said I should be careful with already getting into a new relationship.
That sounded like I wouldn't be doing anything rather than flirting through half of the world.
But I got her point, and she wasn't that wrong.

Charles still haunted my thoughts, even after all that time. Especially after my visit in the hospital the last week.

He gave up a race for me.
He said he loved me.

But he wasn't honest with me.
And I couldn't trust him.
Could I?

With Raphael, it was something different.
We don't have a history.
We'd have a fresh start.

So, why don't try?

I put on some new lipgloss and added a few sprays of perfume before heading to the door again.

I hesitated, turning to my bedside table.

I intended to leave my phone for the evening.
It was on do not disturb and I didn't want to change that.

But a small peak couldn't hurt?

I wandered over and picked it up, unlocking with my face and waiting for the messages to appear.

A red "1" circled the telephone icon.

Who tried to call me?

I opened the app and clicked on missed calls.

Just so see Charles' name listed in first place.

I didn't want to call him back. But he left a message.

I looked back to the leaned door to make sure no one was coming into my room.

With apprehension, my finger landed on the play button.

»Hi Valerie, it's me, Charles.«

He spoke quietly, near a whisper. It sounded like his mouth was mere inches away from the speaker.

A heavy feeling spread in my throat and I laid a hand on my chest to make sure I was still breathing. How I missed his calls.

»I... I know you said that we're not talking. But... I miss you. I'm sorry...«

His voice broke down and sobs followed.
My heart sank.

»I—«

Beep.

The message ended.  I withdrew the phone from my ear, slowly.

A deep sigh exited my throat.

My eyes wandered over Charles' number on the screen. His profile picture. The urge to press that damn call button. Just to hear his voice. Only to tell him I missed him, too.