❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 78

Valerie

»Do you need any help with that?«

I heard my brother's voice behind me as I tried to get through the door with my project, not seeing where I'm stepping.

The design team of Ferrari had asked me to build a model of the Formula 1 car I designed earlier in the season. Now, I was finally finished.
I would present it to them the next day.

»No, I'm good.«

I got out of our apartment and put the model on the backseat.

With excitement, I watched Carlos take us to the paddock. My fingers tingled from joy. Finally, I could show the team what I'm good at.

When we arrived, I quickly went to my office to place my model there. On the way, I saw Charles from afar. He didn't notice me.

Or at least he tried not to.

I was still kind of angry at him.

I knew we weren't together, and he could do as he pleases. But why with Rebecca?

I quickly pushed that thought away and focused on my project.
I glanced at it proudly.
It was really my best work so far.

The door opened behind me and someone leaned in the door frame.

»Hey, beautiful.«

I turned around.

»Raphael! Good morning.«

I smiled at him, getting behind my desk. I ignored his compliment for now, not really feeling comfortable with it just yet.

»What do you have there?«, he asked interested, his eyes fixed on my model car.

»That's my presentation for the design team tomorrow. I made it myself.«
I giggled from excitement, my hands happy in the air.

»Cool.«

Raphael tried to sound joyful, but his answer was utterly dry.

My confidence sank a bit as he didn't even make any effort to hug me or to cheer for me.

Was it not good enough?
My eyes went back to my model.

I started to question my capabilities.

I wanted to ask him if he thought something was wrong, but Raphael was already on his way out.

»Gotta go, see you later!«

I watched after him, quietly.
Was that how it's supposed to be like?...

Narrator

The Canadian Qualifying was fully awake now.
All around the paddock were journalists, cameras, nervous crew members who carried the tyres around.
Charles and Carlos observed them from their garage as they found a quiet minute together before they would be in the car again.

»How do you feel about today?«, Carlos asked his teammate as they were leaning against the wall, already packed up in their race-suits.

»Pretty confident. I've always liked Canada.«, Charles answered, not realizing the deeper meaning behind it at first.

Of course, Carlos immediately noticed it. He was aware of the fact that Charles and his sister had their history here. But he held himself back from asking further.

Charles looked at his feet. The urge to ask about Valerie plagued him. But he was still mad about the other day.
How could she accuse him of dating Rebecca? How?