* 3 weeks later * (Friday, May 24th, 2024)
* Lewis POV *Waking up today felt surreal, knowing that soon I'd be starting my journey as the next bachelor. It was the day for the bachelor photo shoot and filming of the premiere package. The photoshoot was for promotional material, and the premiere package would introduce me at the start of the first episode. Being the first lead in the public eye added a lot of pressure to avoid embarrassing myself and not letting my family down. As I got dressed, I noticed it was almost 11 am, and the shoot started at 11:30. Thankfully it was only a 15-minute drive away. I planned to change into my outfit on set. My phone buzzed with a message from my driver, letting me know he had arrived. After saying goodbye to my family, I headed out. In the car, Stella and Marc were already there. I always have them with me. Stella has been with me for about four years, and I think she knows me better than I know myself.
Stella: " How are you feeling? I still can't believe you agreed to do this."
Lewis: " I'm doing okay. A little nervous but I'm sure that's expected, and I agree. I still can't believe I agreed to this either."
Marc: "You got this man. You'll do great."
Lewis: "I hope so"
(I said as I logged into Instagram. Next Monday, Good Morning America will announce that I'll be the next bachelor. A week after that, they'll reveal the women who will be on my season. I'm not supposed to know anything about them until we meet on filming day. After posting a photo on Instagram, I liked several comments from my followers. I appreciate them— they feel like a second family to me. Their support makes me confident that the show will do well. I'm very grateful for their loyalty.)
Stella: "We're here"
(As my publicist Stella announced our arrival, we pulled into the parking lot. After saying goodbye to my driver, we went inside and were warmly welcomed by a few executive producers who were excited to meet me. I was then taken to wardrobe, hair, and makeup, where I was also introduced to the photographers. I had requested a hairstylist who could work with Black hair, and they provided one. My hairstylist, a Black woman, shared stories about her family, making the time enjoyable. I always appreciate how people open up to me so easily. After my hair was done, I went to the wardrobe and picked out two suits and two casual outfits. Once I put on my first outfit, I went to meet the photographer.)
Photographer: "Okay Lewis. Stand right there and do whatever poses you feel like doing. Also, make sure to incorporate the red roses into whatever pose you choose."
Lewis: "No problem."
(I said with a smile as I threw the roses into the air, and the photographer snapped several pictures of me posing. One shot, where I was caught off guard, turned out especially well, capturing a genuine moment. Afterward, I changed outfits and continued with the shoot, enjoying the casual wear segment most because it felt most comfortable. Once those photos were done, I changed into a suit for the next part of the shoot. I headed to the racetrack, excited to see my idea of being photographed in front of a car come to life. It was great to see the team's effort and attention to detail pay off.)
Marc: " I told you; you'd kill it."
Lewis: " Thanks, man. As soon as I took the second picture, I started feeling more comfortable.
Marc: "That's a good man. Did you read over what you're supposed to say in your package?"
Lewis: " I did. I feel more ready now than ever."
Marc: "We're here so let's get this done."
(He said as we made our way down to the racetrack.)
Videographer: "Okay let's get in position Lewis. Let us know when you're ready."
Lewis: "Okay."
(I said as I moved to the front of the car, ready to start my segment. The idea was to first talk about myself and then show what I could do by racing around the track. This combination of personal introduction and action was designed to give a full picture of who I am and my connection to racing.)
Videographer: "Looks good."
Lewis: "Okay I'm ready now."
Videographer: " In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1."
Lewis: "I am Lewis Hamilton, hailing from Stevenage, UK, and currently 39 years old. As a seasoned professional race car driver, I navigate life at breakneck speeds, living each moment with a relentless drive for success. Despite my achievements on the track, one thing has remained elusive throughout my career: love. I've crossed paths with remarkable women, coming tantalizingly close to discovering a lifelong partner, only to find love slipping through my fingers. It's a sobering realization that sometimes, despite our best efforts, affection isn't reciprocated in equal measure. Witnessing the enduring love shared between my parents serves as a beacon of hope, igniting my desire to find that same deep connection. Fueled by my unwavering belief in love and my passion for healthy competition, I eagerly step into the role of your new bachelor, ready to embark on this journey in search of lasting love."
Videographer: "That was amazing. Well, done!"
Lewis: "Thank you."
Videographer: "And now we drive."
(He said as we got into the car, leaving another videographer behind to get different shots. As I drove the race car around the track, I felt a sense of freedom that I'd missed during my time away from racing. Being back behind the wheel was like reconnecting with an old friend, and I was reminded of how much I love it. After a while, we stopped to take a photo of me walking towards the car. The photo turned out great, showing off the team's skill and professionalism. With the videographers confirming they had everything they needed, we thanked them and said goodbye. Looking back, I realized my earlier worries were unnecessary; the day had gone even better than I'd hoped.)
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Caught Up ~ Lewis Hamilton
RomanceLewis Hamilton is a seven-time Formula One World Champion who's been single for way too long, according to his friends and family. After a night of truth or dare with his family, he agrees to become the next bachelor. Keep reading to find out what h...