Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 22

Lily

As the dinner progressed, I found it increasingly difficult to keep my focus on the conversation around me. My thoughts kept drifting back to the other end of the table, where Lando sat beside Olivia. Every now and then, I'd catch glimpses of them—Olivia leaning in close, Lando smiling at something she'd said. It was all perfectly innocent on the surface, but knowing what I knew about their arrangement, every smile, every casual touch felt like a dagger twisting in my chest.

I hated how much it bothered me. I knew what this was—a PR stunt, nothing more. But seeing them together, seeing Lando smile at her the way he usually smiled at me, made it hard to separate the reality from the act. 

My thoughts started spiraling, wondering if maybe this whole situation was getting to him too. Maybe he was finding it easier to be with Olivia, someone who didn't complicate things with emotions or the risk of getting caught.

I shook my head slightly, trying to push those thoughts aside. This was ridiculous. I knew Lando cared about me, that what we had was real. But even knowing that didn't stop the pang of jealousy that flared up every time I saw them together.

Then, as if she could sense my eyes on them, Olivia glanced in my direction. Our gazes met, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw something sharp in her eyes—a glimmer of satisfaction that I was watching. 

My heart sank, and I quickly looked away, focusing on my glass of wine instead. I could feel the pressure building in my chest, the need to escape this situation before I did something I'd regret.

"I'm going to the bathroom," I mumbled to Zak, who was sitting beside me. He barely acknowledged me, too engrossed in his conversation with Oscar.

I stood up, trying to move as casually as possible despite the turmoil inside me. The room felt too warm, too crowded, and I could feel my pulse quickening as I made my way toward the bathroom. 

The moment I was out of the dining area, I let out a shaky breath, trying to steady myself. I just needed a few minutes alone, a few minutes to remind myself that this was just a job for both of them.

But as I reached the bathroom door and pushed it open, I heard footsteps behind me. I glanced back to see Olivia following me in, her expression cool and composed. My heart skipped a beat, and I immediately braced myself for whatever was coming.

She closed the door behind her, crossing her arms as she leaned against the sink. "You seem tense, Lily," she said, her voice deceptively sweet. "Everything okay?"

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to maintain eye contact. "I'm fine," I replied, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

Olivia's smile didn't reach her eyes. "You know, I've noticed the way you look at Lando," she said, her tone casual but laced with something darker. "I'm not sure what's going on in your head, but let me make something clear." 

She took a step closer, her gaze locking onto mine. "Lando and I are together. We're happy. So whatever you think you have with him, I suggest you let it go. Because it's not going to end well for you."

Her words sent a chill down my spine, and for a moment, I was too stunned to respond. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but the words wouldn't come out.

Seeing my hesitation, Olivia's smile widened slightly. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other," she said before turning to leave. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lily."

She walked out of the bathroom, leaving me standing there, feeling like I'd just been hit by a truck. My mind raced, trying to process what had just happened. I could feel my hands shaking, and I gripped the edge of the sink, taking deep breaths to calm myself down.