sparks fly | arthur leclerc

🦋 i see sparks fly, whenever you smile

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Everyone who knew Arthur and Karlee knew they were in love - well, everyone except Arthur and Karlee themselves or so everyone thought.

Karlee had guarded her secrets the same way she guarded her friendship with Arthur. He was her best friend. She had known him since the day she was born, both their mothers being friends and her and Arthur being born two hours apart and side by side from then. Karlee still remembers the story her mom told her of how Arthur stopped crying the minute she was placed in the bassinet beside his in the nursery. How his barely open baby eyes turned towards her and as if the minute he saw her he knew she was going to be his best friend for the rest of his.

And they did become best of friends, but along the way the two of them had found something bigger than friendship, something pure, rare and Karlee guarded it with her life, protected at every cost, never letting the rumours of their shared life in the spotlight taint it and when they finally shared their story in little glimpses, she knew no matter what Arthur would always be her rentrer à la maison. (coming home)

"Eden, how many times have I mentioned its Leclerc now," Karlee said as she stood up making sure to grab her things.

"Sorry," Eden mumbled. "I keep forgetting."

"That's alright it's only been a week since I returned to work," Karlee chuckled. "Now, what's on the calendar next?"

"The FQ interview and photoshoot, Karina said they wanted you for this and not Ms. Verstappen, I forwarded the questions last week."

"Yes, I remember, they want to do a glimpse into how I became the second face of the brand correct?"

"Yes, I know they also wanted to do a bit of a dive into your relationship with Mr. Leclerc."

"Did you confirm with Arthur's manager?"

"Yes, and his Press Officer they both approved the questions."

"Very well," Karlee nodded while she shot her sister a quick question. "Add lunch onto my calendar with Marcy, I want to go over the details for our Spring collection."

"Alright coordinated with Karina. It's on the clock for one thirty, we could block off an hour, Ms. Verstappen has three corporate meetings with Mr. Saints later this afternoon and you have the visit to the factory."

"I did not see that on my planner," Karlee frowned.

"Yes, it was a request from one of the partners. They want you to do a walk through with investors."

"And is this going to hinder my evening plans?"

"No, I made sure to keep your evening blocked off for the dinner."

"Perfect. Have Rupert bring the car around."

"It's waiting up front for you," Eden smiled.

Karlee nodded. Never did she think she would end up on the same level of professionalism as Marcy when it came to their company but When Marcy got pregnant with Mia things had to change around the company and even thought Marcy is still the most notable Saints sibling Karlee is just as prominent.

🦋

As Karlee stepped into the room designated for her interview with FQ, a wave of anticipation washed over her. The atmosphere crackled with an energy that was a blend of nerves and excitement, but she knew she needed to be professional. The room was bathed in soft, flattering light, casting a warm glow over the set.

To her left, a team of technicians were meticulously setting up the camera equipment, adjusting lights, and testing sound levels. Cables snaked across the floor like serpents, connecting various pieces of gear. The hum of activity filled the air, punctuated by the occasional beep of electronic devices.

In the center of the room, a makeup artist hovered around Karlee, armed with an array of brushes and palettes. She applied foundation with practiced precision, expertly blending it into Karlee's skin. Soft, neutral tones only to enhance her beauty she had informed Karlee.

Meanwhile, a wardrobe stylist flited around the edges of the room, sorting through racks of clothing. She held up different options against Karlee's figure, considering colors, styles, and textures. Until she settled on a tailored blazer in a bold shade of cobalt blue, paired with a crisp white blouse and tailored trousers.

As the final touches were applied, Karlee took a moment to gather her thoughts. She ran through key points in her mind, mentally rehearsing her responses to potential questions. Despite her nerves, she felt like she could do this. She was prepared for this moment, ready to step into the spotlight and take the place of a prominent figure in the Saints family.

With a last-minute check of her hair and makeup, Karlee was declared camera-ready. The team ushered her onto the set, where a plush armchair sat in front of a sleek backdrop adorned with the FQ logo. As Karlee settled into her seat, a member of the team clipped a microphone to her lapel.

The countdown was given, and Karlee took a deep breath before they called action. The cameras started to roll, and she met the gaze of the interviewer with a confident smile. It was showtime.

"Good morning, Karlee. Thank you for joining us today. Firstly, congratulations on your recent marriage." Then the interviewer turned towards the camera, "For those of you who don't know, Karlee Saints recently tied the knot with Formula One Audi's driver Arthur Leclerc earlier this year." She then turned back to Karlee, "how has married life been treating you?"

"Thank you so much! Married life has been absolutely wonderful. Arthur and I have been together for a long time so adding this chapter to our story is a gift, we are focusing on balancing our respective careers and personal life for now, but the winter wedding was a perfect idea for the two of us."

"That sounds lovely. Could you share with us how you two met and what drew you together?"

"Sure! Arthur and I have known each other since the day we were born, as you know our mothers are friends." The interviewer nodded so Karlee continue, "yeah so basically, we grew up together. We've always felt like we had something special."

"I don't mean to pry but would you be willing to share your love story for all those hopeless romantics out there?"

Karlee laughed, "how much time do you have?"

"Oh, it's one of those stories?"

"Yes, but for you to really understand how Arthur and I became Arthur and I; you need to understand what made us who we were and for that we must go back to the beginning," Karlee said. She moved her hair to push it over her shoulder, took a sip of the strawberry lemonade before leaning into the podcast mic. "It all started on a rather unusual day in a small hospital room on October 14, 2000......"

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