Love on the Fast Lane - Max Verstappen

Shadows of Ambition: A Tale of Secrets and Intrigue

(Max POV)

Daniel, as always, managed to persuade me. Typical Daniel, the ultimate party guy. I got into the car, and Daniel tried to give me a stern look.

Daniel: "So, it's an honor to finally get ahold of you, Mr. Verstappen. I'm curious about your persuasive efforts in ignoring me these past few weeks."

Max: "Daniel, I just needed a bit of peace."

Daniel: "Sure, sure, and don't tell me this has nothing to do with Clara, Max! Come on. Maybe I'm a bit naive, but I know you. I can tell when you're angry, happy, hungry, in love, sick, depressed, or worried. I might not mention it directly, but I see it."

Max: "Daniel, I didn't want to bother you with my problems, even though you're always out partying."

Daniel: "Hey, at least I always have a reason to celebrate."

Max: "What's today's reason?"

Daniel: "You'll be telling me that tonight, Max. What's going on with you?"

Max: "Nothing, absolutely nothing. I don't want this anymore. I don't want any of this."

I didn't want to lie to him anymore. My anger and sorrow were starting to show. I couldn't hide it from him; he knows me too well and would find out eventually.

Daniel: "What, what can't you handle anymore?"

Max: "Daniel, I knew Clara from an accident."

Daniel: "What accident?"

Max: "I almost ran her over, or rather, I hurt her. Don't you dare make comments; let me tell you everything first."

Daniel: "Okay."

Max: "I called the ambulance and visited her after the race. I didn't know she was the new Formula 1 driver. She didn't mention anything. I tried to apologize, and she accepted it. I thought I wouldn't see her again. I was scared and worried that something might happen to her because of me."

Daniel: "Max, you fell for her."

Max: "No, not at that time."

Daniel: "Oh, so you don't deny it. Ohhh."

Max: "DANIEL!"

Daniel: "Yeah, yeah, alright. Go on."

Max: "The next day, we saw her in the paddock. It was only the second time I'd seen her, and she was with Charles. They looked close."

Daniel: "So, you thought she was Charles' girlfriend?"

Max: "Yes. Anyway, start driving, or we'll never get there."

Daniel: "Yeah, keep talking."

During the drive, I explained the incidents to Daniel: the kiss after the party, and the argument in the hospital, which he already knew about. He was convinced that I had feelings, but I wasn't so sure anymore. Whether Clara felt the same way was unclear, and besides, we're rivals. She is Clara Saint Lary, beautiful, disciplined, strict, and the only woman in Formula 1. That alone is an accomplishment. I can only hope not to see her for a while. I don't know if I could handle it. Daniel and I finally arrived and got out of the car.

(Clara POV)

Carlos and I had been here for half an hour, and the party was already in full swing. Fortunately, there was no sign of Max, just an excited Charles, Lando, and Pierre Gasly. I sat at the bar, getting my second drink, while Carlos sat beside me, finishing his first glass.

(Clara POV)

And suddenly, my favorite song, "Ferrari" by James Hype, started playing, and Carlos noticed the change in my expression.