Her || Charles Leclerc

19. That Leclerc Boy Of Yours

During the entire day, Charles couldn't shake off the gnawing anxiety that gripped him. The day had been a whirlwind of uncertainty, fueled by unsettling rumours and unanswered questions. For the entire day, there was still no update on Matilde's well-being, and it felt right with him.

Charles decided to make his way to the hospital on his own, and he didn't let anyone know, like it was his secret mission. Navigating through the fading light of the hospital's car park, Charles approached the entrance of the medical facility. His footsteps echoed in the quiet corridor. The sterile scene of antiseptic hung in the air as he approached the reception desk, where a nurse looked up from her paperwork.

"Excuse me," Charles began, his voice betraying the nervous tension within. "I'm looking for Matilde Jørgensen. She was brought in two nights ago."

The nurse nodded and looked Matilde up in the system. She told him where he should go for further information. Charles thanked the woman and walked through the white halls until he found the department reception to which he was sent. Another nurse looked up from her computer.

"I'm here for Matilde Jørgensen. I got sent here."

The nurse glanced at him with a mixture of sympathy and professionalism as if deciding whether to send him away. "I'm sorry, sir, but I cannot provide patient information. Family members only."

Charles' face fell with disappointment, but he couldn't give up that easily. He had to see Matilde, he had to see that she was alright. "But she knows me well, I know her well," Charles hopelessly replied, attempting to convince the nurse of the situation's urgency. "I just need to know if she's okay."

The nurse raised her eyebrows, her expression sceptical. "Oh? So what is your relationship with her then?"

"I'm her boyfriend."

"The boyfriend..." The woman nodded impressively, she knew who Charles Leclerc was, she knew who Matilde Jørgensen was and she knew that Matilde was his boss. "And I'm the Queen of England," she declared, her tone taking a playful yet authoritative note. "You are quite late to visit her, as 'boyfriend'. I appreciate your concern and love, but her family asked not to let visitors through unless we know it. I suggest checking with the family or the team for updates."

Charles nodded, and pressed his lips into a thin line. "Okay, thank you. Have a nice eve-"

"It's okay," someone cut him off, who approached the reception. The man padded on Charles' shoulder. "He is her boyfriend, he is with her, huh?" he looked amused at the nurse.

Charles looked next to him, surprised to see Christian Horner. So Christian was welcome, but he wasn't? Christian was wearing a grin on his face.

The nurse couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events. She understood that Christian Horner was messing around too, but she allowed it because Christian had permission from her family to be around Matilde. "If there's a problem, I suppose I won't be there to help," she said with a smile sarcastically.

"Hopefully, there's no need for help," Christian said, walking through the hallway. He looked over his shoulder, wondering if Charles was following. A grin played on his lips; there was more going on than he knew. "I found your boyfriend in the hallway," Christian mentioned when he entered the room.

The four people in the room all looked at Christian. Matilde was frowning, Jens looked unamused, Max looked at Matilde to read her face, and Gemma was just grinning, waiting for the unknown boyfriend to enter the room.

"My what now?" Matilde asked.

"That Leclerc boy of yours."

Matilde's eyes shot to the door opening when Charles walked around the corner, entering the room. He got welcomed by five people, who all looked him straight in the eyes with straight faces. Charles felt his cheeks warming up. Not only did he face Max, but also a very muscular guy next to Matilde's bed who didn't look too friendly and another woman who couldn't stop smiling.