Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

19.00

To no surprise, a photo of Charles and I kissing was plastered across many articles, magazines, and social media before the night had even ended.

Both Lily and David has texted me worriedly, wondering if it was intended or not. I quickly put both of their minds at ease, reassuring them that we don't mind the world knowing anymore.

I can't even open my Instagram without it glitching as multiple people are excessively commenting on every post, asking questions about Charles or saying how cute we are together. Of course there are plenty of hate comments, but I'm used to those at this point.

It's nearly December, which is my rest season, meaning I only have one more tournament to play, the WTA Finals. It's always meant a lot to win the WTA. It leaves you on a high at the end of the season.

It's Monday, the first day of the tournament, and I landed in Saudi Arabia last night. Charles isn't going to be here until tomorrow due to having his second last race of the season in Qatar over the weekend.

I have been spending most of my time doing stretches in my hotel room, boredom slowly taking over me.

Thomas and I decide to go for a walk around the area of the hotel, while David is doing some management work. The sun is beating down on us as we take the back roads, hoping that we'll go less noticed.

We're about half an hour into the walk when Thomas becomes fidgety and nervous, causing me to frown.

"Is everything ok Thomas?" I ask, slowing down our walking pace.

"Yes, why?" he replies, looking over at me.

"You just seem a bit nervous, that's all."

"Well actually, is it ok if I ask you something?" he questions, stopping walking completely.

"Yes of course, never be afraid to ask me anything. You're part of the team now," I smile at him warmly and he lets out a laugh of relief.

"I'm so glad you said that because, what I wanted to ask you was, would you be ok with me asking David if he wants to marry me over the Christmas holidays?" he asks, biting his lip anxiously.

I can feel my jaw fall open slightly as my heart fills with excitement. David has always wanted to get married, and I begin to think about how he would often talk about how difficult it is to find someone who is willing to put up with his busy schedule. Now he has finally found someone, and I couldn't be more happy for him. I soon realise that I've been staring at Thomas for a while now, not responding to him.

"I know you're probably thinking that it's super soon and that it's barely been a year. But quite frankly Aria, I don't want to waste a single second of my time, when I know that I'm going to end up asking him to marry me in the future anyway," he adds, his words warming my heart.

"You are such a precious person Thomas. And I would be so pleased if you ask David to marry you," I grin, reaching over and taking his hand in mine, giving it a small squeeze.

"Oh, thank you!" he sighs with relief, the nerves immediately leaving his body. "Don't say a word to David though please? I know it will be hard for you, but I just needed to ask you about it first."

"Of course, your secret is safe with me," I wink at him.

We both walk back to the hotel on a complete high. Christmas couldn't come soon enough.

-

I had won the first match easily, giving me the boost of confidence that I need for the rest of the competition.

Thankfully my next match isn't until Wednesday, so I have the day to show Charles around once he arrived. 

I decide that I'll surprise him and pick him up from the airport, seeing as I have a car rented out for the next few days.