Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 17

Lando

The morning sun peeked through the blinds, casting a soft glow across my bedroom. I blinked against the light, feeling the lingering heaviness from a night of restless sleep. My mind was still hazy, clouded with thoughts of Lily and the unresolved tension between us. I sighed, rolling onto my back and staring at the ceiling, trying to muster the energy to face the day.

Eventually, I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face, I looked into the mirror, hoping it would snap me out of the fog that clung to me. But the unease remained, lurking beneath the surface. I knew I had to push it aside—today was another busy day at the McLaren Technology Centre, and I needed to be focused.

I threw on some clothes, just a simple t-shirt and jeans, and made my way to the kitchen. Breakfast was a quick affair, just some toast and a glass of orange juice, but I barely tasted it. My mind was already racing ahead to the meeting I had lined up with Charlotte, my PR manager. She was always on top of things, making sure I was prepared for whatever the media threw my way. Today, though, I had a feeling this meeting might not be just another routine check-in.

Sliding into my car, the familiar purr of the engine was a small comfort as I headed toward the McLaren Technology Centre. Usually, the drive gave me time to clear my head, but this morning it felt like my thoughts were stuck on repeat, looping back to the conversation I'd had with Lily and the uneasy feeling that had settled in my chest.

When I arrived at the MTC, the place was already buzzing with activity. Engineers, mechanics, and team members moved with purpose, everyone focused on their tasks. Normally, the energy here would be infectious, getting me in the zone, but today it just felt like background noise.

I made my way through the halls, exchanging nods with a few familiar faces, and finally reached the meeting room where Charlotte was waiting. She greeted me with her usual professional smile, clipboard in hand, ready to run through the latest PR strategies and media obligations. But there was something in her expression that told me this wasn't just going to be another routine meeting.

"Morning, Lando," she said, her tone brisk. "We've got a few things to cover today, but first, there's something important we need to discuss."

I nodded, taking a seat across from her. "What's up?"

Charlotte hesitated for a moment, glancing down at her notes before meeting my eyes. "There's a new PR strategy we need to implement. The team has decided that it would be beneficial for your image if you were seen in a relationship with someone high-profile."

I raised an eyebrow, already not liking where this was going. "A PR relationship? With who?"

"Olivia Brook," she replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "She's an American model, recently moved to England, and she's got a huge following. The idea is that being seen together will boost both your profiles, especially with the upcoming races."

I leaned back in my chair, trying to process what she was saying. A PR relationship wasn't exactly unheard of in our world, but it still felt... wrong. Fake. "And I don't have a choice in this?"

"It's strongly recommended," Charlotte said carefully. "The team thinks it could be a good move, especially after the recent press. It's not permanent, just for a few months."

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. This wasn't what I wanted. It wasn't what I needed right now, especially with everything going on with Lily. But the pressure was there, unspoken but heavy, and I knew the team was counting on me to play along.

"And what if I say no?" I asked, my voice quieter.

Charlotte sighed, clearly not wanting to push me but knowing she had to. "Lando, I'm just here to give you the facts. The decision is ultimately yours, but I need you to consider the bigger picture. This could really help with the media and your overall image. It's not personal—it's business."