Fragile Heart

21

I stroll through the paddock with my arm intertwined with Alex. She decided to fly down to Japan to support Charles.

And, of course, there's me. I was thrilled when she told me she was coming, I was honestly getting bored of being in the paddock alone. Lily, Oscar's girlfriend, hasn't made it to a race this year, so that leaves me quite alone.

"Where to first?" Alex nudged me as we stopped in the middle of the paddock.

"My boyfriend first," I giggled and pulled her to the McLaren hospitality. She's never been in any other hospitality other than Ferrari, so I'm excited to show her around.

As we approach I catch sight of Lando sitting by himself drawing in his book. I'm always going to wonder what he draws.

I continue walking with Alex and approach Lando. As we get closer, he remains immersed in his drawing, seemingly unaware of our presence, and I notice a single AirPod in his ear.

This is the perfect opportunity to have a glance down at the page.

I tilt a little to the side and that's when I see it. A drawing of a woman. I didn't get a good chance to have a proper look at it before he shut it closed and cocks his head as me and Alex.

"Not so fast, angel," he shakes his head, and I furrow my brows. "How did you even know I was there?" I complain, and I can hear Alex giggle from the sidelines.

"I sense when rodents are near. So it's pretty easy to tell when you're around," Lando jokes, and now both Alex and Lando burst into laughter.

It wasn't even funny? Why are they laughing. I'm not a rodent!

"Not funny, Lan," I say softly, shaking my head.

"Lighten up, baby. You'll be okay," he giggles, caressing my arm softly. For some reason, I feel warmth, and my heart starts to beat faster than usual.

"This is honestly to die for!" Alex squeals happily.

"Good luck out there today," I smile down at him, though it's an act. Deep down, I honestly hope he does well on the track. I don't even know why I care.

"Will do. I'll win it for you," he leans over and kisses my cheek.

After a little talking, we decided the most we would do is kiss cheeks, nothing more.

"Okay, let's go," I pull Alex's arm away and wave to Lando.

She still has no idea this is all an act, and as far as I know, no one has a clue. Unless Lando chose to tell someone, but I doubt that.

"When am I invited to the wedding?" She jokes as we walk to the Ferrari hospitality. "There won't be a wedding," I giggle.

There definitely won't be. This act won't last much longer, and he promised he would leave me alone. So once this is over, there won't be any more Lando.

|~~~~~|

Landos POV

|~~~~~|

I was pushing, trying so hard to secure P1. I wanted to win, not just for my team, but for Stella.

I made a promise I would win for her, and Max is about to snatch it away.

I push a little harder, and there it was.

I passed the checkered flag and secured another P1.

I was currently in the lead for the championship, my first championship ever.

Normally, Max always dominates the championship, holding the top spot at P1, but this year is different. I'm determined to claim that championship for myself.

I pull into the P1 spot and step out onto the halo, throwing my hands in the air. I look at my team, and in the middle of the papaya crowd, Stella is there, looking up at me.

I smiled, even though she can't see it because of the helmet.

I jumped off the halo and rushed towards my team and jumped onto them.

"Good job, mate. Another win," Zak says as I embrace him in a hug.

"Thank you," I mumble and pull out, looking for her. Searching for Stella in the midst of the papaya crowd.

Once I see her, I put my acting skills on, rush to her, grab her by her waist, and lift her up a little.

"Congratulations, Lan," she mumbles and pulls my head into hers, placing a kiss on top of my helmet.

"Thank you, Angel," I say as I take off my helmet after we break our hug, smiling at her brightly.

She deserves something for being such a good fake girlfriend.

She deserves to be loved, and I'm taking that away from her by doing this act. She can't find love because I'm ruining it for her by being fake.

So shee definitely deserves a treat.