Whispers in the rain | charles leclerc *ੈ✩

Part 1 🩷 : Chapter 11 : Slut!

Jules 🌟
After the ball, Logan dropped me off at the hotel. I headed to my room, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and lingering tension. Mia and Lando stayed around for quite some time. Their presence was just a temporary distraction to the chaos in my mind. But soon after they left, the emptiness started creeping back in.

I wanted to sleep - I really did - the events of the past day, just kept replying in my head.

The next morning, I decided I needed a change of pace, a peaceful day, clear my thoughts. Max were staying at Kelly's hotel, giving me some much-needed space.

I went to the gym, hoping that a good workout will help me burn some energy.

Afterwards, I grabbed a coffee from a cafe downstairs.

I returned to my hotel room, feeling a little more at ease after the gym and coffee. But as soon as I walked in, I saw my dad sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper furiously.

"Here comes the golden slut," he said his voice dripping with contempt.

"Excuse me?" I replied, taking a back by his words.

He threw the newspaper at me, it landed at my feet, opening the page to a photo of Logan and me from the ball, accompanied by headline-

Julia Verstappen turns heads with business tycoon, Logan Hoffman amidst rumours of Charles Leclerc romance.

"Isn't one scandal enough, or do you want more? Should I bring in a few more men for you to create mysteries with, to embarrass us even more?" he shouted, his face red with anger.

"It's not what it's looks like," I protested, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

"I don't care what it actually is," he spat. "First, you were seen with Charles and now this. Do you have any idea what people are saying about us? About me?"

"People are always going to talk, I didn't do anything wrong"

"You didn't do anything wrong? He stood up. "Every time I turn around you're creating another mess for us to clean up. Do you enjoy this? Do you enjoy ruining our family's reputation?"

"Ruining our reputation?" I shot back. " I think that happened long back when I left the house. Stop pretending like nobody knows! Everyone knows how I ran for my life."

"You watch your tone, young lady" he warned, stepping closer.

"I don't owe you any explanations." the words were out before I could stop them fuelled by years of frustration.

His hand moved faster than I could react. One quick motion, he slapped me. I stumbled back, my cheek burning from the impact.

Without a word, I turned and fled from the room, unable to bear his presence, any longer.

After leaving the room, headed down to the bar, I needed a drink .

It was drink after drink. I was starting to lose consciousness, but my mind was to only one person.

Max.

How was I going to tell him that the hopes of the family he had were once again shattered by the man?

The bartender eyed me weirdly as I ordered another round, I could barely keep my thoughts straight the alcohol blurring the edges of my reality. I knew this wasn't the answer, but I needed a moment to numb the pain.

I starred my reflection of mirror, my cheeks still stinging from the slap the person looking back at me, seemed like a stranger. I couldn't believe what it happened. He hit me. It wasn't the first time he lashed out, but it was the first time he had been physical and it hurt in ways I couldn't begin to describe.

Burning alcohol continued to flow to the memories and the pain. My mind kept drifting back to Max, he had always been the glued to holding a dysfunctional family together. How is I going to tell him about this? How was I going to explain to him that father the man who is supposed to protect us as once again, shattered the fragile sense of family.

I imagined his reaction, the disappointment in his eyes, the silent rage that he would suppress for my sake.

I took another sip of my drink, the burn of alcohol soothing the ego in my chest. I needed to talk to max, but I didn't know how, how do you tell someone that the person they looked up to was nothing but a broken promise?

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the bar slowly emptying out. I was left alone with my misery and a glass that never seem to stay full for too long. I knew I had to stop to pull myself together with the pain was too much.

I needed this escape, however, temporary.

Charles ❤️
I clenched my fists when I saw her at the bar.

I could hear her yell at the bartender.

"You can't cut me off! I'm paying you aren't i?" Jules said, her voice rising.

"Miss you've had enough," the bartender replied firmly

"Enough? I'll tell you when I've had enough." she snapped, attempting to reach for the bottle behind the counter.

I couldn't watch her like this.

I walked over and gently, but firmlly took her arm, "Jules? What are you doing? You don't drink."

She shrugged, taking another sip, "People change."

I sat down next to her, "This isn't like you."

She looked at me, her expression, a mix of sadness and anger, "Maybe you don't know me as well as you think."

I struggled to find the right response. "jules."

"Stop Charles," she interrupted, placing her finger on my lip. " I know what you're going to say we both emotional. It didn't mean anything blah blah blah."

"That's not what I was going to say." She cut me off by placing her finger on my lip.

"It's fine. I don't know what you were gonna say."

"Let's get you out of here."

"What did I tell you about playing hero?"

"You're drunk Jules."

"Geez, I don't know, mom am I?" She shot back, her eyes blazing.

"Come on, let's get you out of here," I repeated, trying to keep my voice calm.

"No, I don't want to get out of here. I like this place." she insisted pulling away from me.

"Jules," I said, stepping in front of her.

She tried to push past me, but I held my ground. "Why are you here anyway? To gloat? Tell me how pathetic I am kissing Logan?"

Before she could say anything I ignored her. I paid the bill and picked her up in my arms. She was light as a feather.

"Put me down," she insisted. "Put me down, Charles"

She kept wriggling weakly, but eventually, she got tired and stopped protesting.

I carried her to my room, her head resting against my chest. Once inside, I gently placed her down on my bed, she was half asleep. Her breath was shallow and steady.

I touched the bruise on her face, feeling of anger and protectiveness washed over me.

She stirred lightly, but she didn't wake up. I watched her sleep peacefully.

"What are you doing to me, Jules?" I whispered touching her face and moving my hand across it.

I slept on the couch.

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Hii short chapter but im releasing the next chapter at the same time so go check it out!!

part 2 is getting closer and im so excited for it. Love yall keep reading!!