If You Leave Me

CHAPTER 4: Crossed Paths and Unspoken Words

"Changes, they might drive you half-insane. But it's killing you to stay the same; it's all gonna work out someday. " CHANGES - Lauv

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Samantha's POV

Amidst the hustle and bustle, I walked in, my heart pounding in my chest. As I stepped into the McLaren Technology Center, the hum of engines and the chatter buzz were familiar. I paused momentarily to take it all in, sensing that this meeting was more than just a potential business collaboration; it was a crossroads in my life. This environment, but things were different now. As my eyes scanned the room for familiar faces. It didn't take long for my gaze to settle on Lando Norris, my famous ex-boyfriend, who was engaged in an interview with Netflix. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me as I watched him from afar, unable to tear her eyes away despite the ache in my heart. His laughter reverberated through the room, but I could see when he noticed me – his posture stiffened. A flicker of recognition crossed his face before he quickly looked away. Neither of us anticipated the delicate balancing act our mutual friend, Daniel Ricciardo, would be forced to perform in this emotionally charged setting.

I knew that if he approached me now, it would only add more tension to their strained atmosphere. I could see the conflict etched on his face as he avoided meeting my eyes, the distance between us palpable even in a crowded room.

As I  lingered at the edge of the room, uncertainty gnawing at my insides, I felt a presence at my side. It was Daniel.  His eyes flickered between me and Lando, a silent plea for resolution shimmering in their depths.

The air in the room crackled with unresolved emotions, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between me and Lando. I can feel that Daniel knew that this moment was pivotal for the future of their friendship, and he felt the burden of responsibility weigh heavily on his shoulders. How could he navigate this delicate situation without causing further harm to those he cared about? 

My manager then called my attention and instructed me that I have to meet with Zak Brown and other executives about their partnership with Storms Model Agency and, especially me.  

"Sam, Mr. Brown is still in a meeting. Is it possible to wait for like 10 more minutes?" My manager asked. I nodded; she squeezed my hands. 

Daniel whispered, "I'm here. Don't look at him. Just talk to me and chill." I laughed at him and lightly punched his arm. 

 The atmosphere in the McLaren hospitality suite was a mix of excitement and tension as the Netflix crew buzzed around, capturing behind-the-scenes footage for their latest series. I could feel someone's eye on us, and I could tell that it was Lando. I caught some Netflix crew filming me but ignored it since we agreed not to tell the public. As Lando and I remained locked in their silent standoff, my manager called my attention and went into the office.  I saw Zak with a big smile on his face. 

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, waited in his office—a room that exuded both history and ambition. He was not just a legendary figure in the racing world but also a father figure to me since my father and Zak were close friends after we lost my father at a young age. Zak had always kept a close eye on my career, offering guidance and support from afar.

"Samantha, it's wonderful to see you," Zak greeted me warmly as we entered his office. He motioned for us to sit.

"I've never heard from you since that day." I just smiled and signaled him not to talk about it.

"Oh, right. Welcome to McLaren. I've been waiting for the moment we come to the fashion industry. You know fashion is my thing."  He winked and said sassily, and we let out a small laugh.