Fragile Heart

14

As we're about to land, I notice Lando writing in his little notebook, a memory from when I first met him resurfacing.

I've been occupied by my writing, and Lando noticed that I was writing in my notes app and finally given my book back, allowing me to continue the story I was writing.

I put my book down and went to peek at whatever Lando was doing, but he closed the notebook before I could get a chance.

"Not happening," he shakes his head, and I furrow my brows. "Why not, Lando? Remember, we're a couple we don't hide things from each other." I cross my arms over my chest and attempt to steal the book, but he quickly puts it in the waistband of his pants.

"Yeah, and I'm not allowed to see what's in your little book, so you don't get to see mine," he shrugs. I realize he's right, but there's no way he's reading my romance books or delving into the pages about Liam.

"But that's different. I'm sure whatever you're writing isn't important," I roll my eyes. "I'm not writing, love, I'm drawing," Lando reveals. My eyes widen. "Wow, Lando Norris drawing, see, nothing important. Now let me—" My words get interrupted as Oscar comes over. Great, I could've had the chance to see his drawings.

"Ah! Oscar, thank you," Lando says happily. "For what?" Oscar raises a brow and sits down in front of us.

"Yeah, thanks, Oscar. I could've finally seen what Lando draws in his book," I roll my eyes, shaking my head. "Baby, that's not happening," Lando says, grabbing my hand. I almost tell him to never call me that again, but I remember it's part of the act, and Oscar has no idea.

"This is so adorable! I never thought I'd see the day Lando actually gets a girlfriend! So, Leclerc, were you one of his one-night stands, or were you just lucky to meet him through Charles?" Oscar turns to me, and I raise my eyebrows in shock. It's the second time Oscar has exposed Lando for his past.

"Oscar! Stop it, gosh!" Lando slaps him, and I chuckle. I might just have some fun with this situation.

"Yeah, me and Lando had sex a couple of times, then he confessed his love for me. Turns out he literally had a photo wall above his bed just of me," I say, and Oscar's face turns into a horrified expression. I glance at Lando, who doesn't seem too pleased. Come on, this is all to good.

"Yeah, I know, right? Weird! But I chose to give him a chance," I smile, leaning into Lando's shoulder a bit. Oscar gets up. "Gosh, Lando! I never knew you would do that!" He turns around in horror, and Lando nudges me off him.

"Not funny, Stella," he rolls his eyes. "Yeah, and that's how I feel when you're a total asshole to me," I retort.

|~~~~~|

"Stop being a party pooper, you're so dramatic!" I whisper to Lando as we get off the plane. After my little joke about Lando being obsessed with me, he turned into a grumpy woman on her period, seriously!

"You made me seem like I have a fucking obsession with you," he grumbles, and I roll my eyes. "Seriously, stop acting like a child. I practically got forced into this relationship, so I'm going to have fun, and I don't care if you don't like it," I say, then walk off in front to join Oscar, hoping for some lighthearted banter.

"Ah! Stella, how are you going?" Oscar chuckles when he sees me, and I immediately smile. "Oh, I'm doing great! Other than grumpy pants back there," I point to Lando, who's now distracted by his notebook again. How on earth does he draw and walk at the same time?

"Oh, that weirdo. Right," Oscar rolls his eyes, chuckling. At least he understands that what I said was a joke.

"Right, me, Oscar, Lando, and Stella will take that car. You guys take the others," I hear Zak instruct the team as we approach the cars waiting to take us to the hotel.

I smile and nod at Oscar before hopping into the car. I sit down with Lando next to me and Oscar opposite me.

"Look at the lovebirds!" Zak says, playing the role of a proud father. I chuckle, but Lando doesn't say anything, too occupied with his drawing.

"Lando, stop, you're being impolite," I whisper in his ear. He closes the book and puts it in his waistband again.

"So, how did you two actually get together? I've seen the articles, and I'm sure everyone else has," Oscar asks as I look away from Lando.

Time to put on my acting skills I've perfected them quite well, thanks to Arthur. I'm convinced that in his past life, he was an actor because his skills are too good.

"Well, I think the articles just brought us together," I say, grabbing onto Lando's hand. Why the fuck am I doing all the work? "And we basically bonded throughout the paddock, and tonight we hope to make it official to the public!" I refer to the date Lando promised once we land in Saudi Arabia.

Once I told Oscar the fabricated story of how we 'fell in love,' I felt Lando's body ease. Was he tense this whole time?