Renna Rose Lancaster is the girl people stare at like she belongs in a glass case, a life airbrushed into unattainable perfection.
But Renna knows her life is nothing but a golden prison coated in pretty lies that keep her muted and small.
Her day...
“Does the moon also see its reflection in water, and curse itself for the scars?”
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The trophy in my hands was unfairly beautiful.
Silver and gold twisted together in sleek, curved lines. The base was thick and weighted, wrapped in layers of glossy black marble with fine silver lines etched around the edges like racing circuits.
Right at the centre was a metallic emblem, bold and clean, catching the light every time I tilted it. It reflected the chandelier above us, the tall windows of the house, my own wide eyes staring back like I’d just discovered treasure.
This thing is prettier than all the jewellery in my vault.
And somehow it was sitting in my lap.
Well...
Technically I was sitting in Max’s lap.
His lap had always been my throne.
Not in a spoiled way.
Okay, maybe in a slightly spoiled way.
But it was more like… that was my spot.
Since I was little. Since he was too young to be an international racing heartthrob and I was too small to reach the sofa by myself.
Now I was older. Taller. Still very much claiming it.
Max's arms were locked loosely around my waist, his chest rising behind my back as if he’d just stepped out of a race circuit instead of a private jet. His chin rested on my shoulder, scratch of light stubble brushing my skin every time he shifted.
“I still don’t understand,” I muttered, turning the trophy slightly so the light slid across it again, “how something can look this illegal to touch.”
Max’s laugh rumbled straight through my spine. “That’s because it costs more than your first house will.”
“I already had multiple castles before I could spell my name.”
“Fair. Forgot you’re outrageously rich.”
I giggled.
The medal hung heavy around my neck, its ribbon navy blue and gold, thick fabric pressed warm against my collarbones. The metal disk itself was engraved deep, bold lettering catching the light.
FIA FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2025
One side had, WORLD CHAMPION, MAXIMILIAN VALOR HAWTHORNE.
The other side included the FIA logo, along with the name and signature of the FIA President.
