Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 46

Lily

Flying to Italy for the Imola Grand Prix was supposed to be thrilling, a perfect blend of excitement and adventure. We'd talked about this trip for weeks, planning how we would explore the city, enjoy the race, and simply savour each other's company. 

But as soon as we landed and got settled into the hotel, I could sense something was off with Lando. It wasn't obvious at first—a distracted glance, a few too many checks of his phone—but I knew him well enough to notice when something wasn't right.

The first sign was during our ride from the airport to the hotel. Normally, Lando would be chatting with me, pointing out things he wanted to see or do, but this time, he was unusually quiet. I figured he was just tired from the flight, so I didn't press him on it. But as the day wore on, the uneasy feeling in my chest grew stronger.

When we arrived at the hotel, Lando was already on his phone, his brow furrowed in concentration. I unpacked my things, trying to ignore the gnawing worry in the back of my mind.

It was like there was a wall between us, something invisible yet impenetrable that I couldn't seem to break through. I wanted to ask him what was going on, but I hesitated, not wanting to seem needy or paranoid.

Instead, I suggested we go out and explore the city, hoping that some fresh air and new surroundings would lift his spirits. He agreed, but even as we walked through the charming streets of Imola, his attention was elsewhere. 

He barely spoke, and when he did, it was curt and distracted, as if his mind was a million miles away.

We wandered through the narrow alleys, the sun casting a warm glow on the ancient buildings around us. Normally, this would be the kind of moment we'd both savour, taking in the beauty of the city together, hand in hand. But today, it felt like I was walking alone, even though Lando was right beside me.

"Lando," I finally said, my voice soft but tinged with concern. "Is everything okay? You've been acting a bit... off since we got here."

He didn't even glance up from his phone when he answered. "What are you talking about, Lily? I'm fine."

But he didn't sound fine. His tone was clipped, as if he was irritated that I even asked. My heart sank a little, but I tried to keep my voice steady.

"It just seems like you're really distracted," I pressed gently. "I feel like you're not really here with me."

That's when he stopped in his tracks, turning to face me with a look of frustration etched on his face. His eyes, usually so warm and full of love, were cold and distant.

"Are you seriously saying this right now?" he snapped, his voice low but laced with anger. "You're talking straight nonsense, Lily. Do you not trust me anymore?"

His words hit me like a physical blow. I stared at him, stunned by the sudden hostility. Lando had never spoken to me like this before, and it hurt more than I could have imagined. My heart pounded in my chest, and I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, threatening to spill over.

"It's not about trust, Lando," I managed to say, my voice trembling. "I just...I just feel like something's bothering you, and I want to help."

"Well, you're not helping," he shot back, his tone sharp and unforgiving. "If anything, you're making it worse. So just drop it, okay?"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This wasn't the Lando I knew, the one who was always patient and understanding. His words cut deep, leaving me feeling vulnerable and rejected. 

I didn't know what to say, so I just nodded, blinking back the tears that were now streaming down my face.

Without another word, I turned and started walking back to the hotel. I half-expected Lando to follow me, to apologise and try to make things right, but he didn't.