Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 47

Lando

The Imola Grand Prix weekend was supposed to be exhilarating, a time of racing, adrenaline, and victory. But for me, it had turned into an emotional maelstrom that was impossible to ignore. 

It was 9 AM, and I was at the track, but the excitement and energy of the race weekend felt alien to me. Lily's absence had left a void in my life, and no amount of speed or racing strategy could fill it.

The morning had begun like any other qualifying day, but it quickly became clear that this was different. My nerves were frayed, and my focus was scattered. 

As the third practice session approached, I tried to drown my anxieties in the roar of the engines and the precision of driving, but it was like trying to escape a storm while standing in the middle of it.

Practice had come and gone, and I had finished in seventh place. It wasn't a disastrous result, but it was far from what I had hoped for. My mind was clouded with thoughts of Lily and the argument that had driven us apart. 

My performance on the track felt secondary to the emotional wreckage I had left behind. The realisation that I might have jeopardised our relationship was a weight that sat heavily on my chest.

Returning to my driver's room after practice was a jarring transition from the chaos of the track to the oppressive silence of the room. I slumped into a chair, feeling the exhaustion of the day and the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. 

The room was a stark contrast to the energetic atmosphere outside—quiet, cool, and filled with the scent of freshly cleaned surfaces.

I reached for my phone, hoping that maybe, just maybe, there would be a message from Lily. My fingers shook as I tapped through the missed calls and texts, none of which held the comfort I longed for. 

My frustration grew as I saw the voicemail notification, and I decided to send another message. I needed her to understand how deeply sorry I was.

I pressed record on the voicemail app, my heart racing with each second that passed. My voice cracked as I began to speak. "Hey, Lily...it's me again. I'm really sorry for everything. I didn't know how to handle the threats I've been receiving, and instead of talking to you, I pushed you away. I thought I was protecting you, but all I did was hurt you. I've been a mess, and I'm so sorry. I miss you more than anything. Please, let me know how you're doing. I hope you're alright. I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry."

I sent the voicemail and then stared at my phone in despair. I couldn't believe how badly I had messed things up. I had been so focused on shielding her from my problems that I had neglected to see the damage I was causing. 

I had hoped that the voicemail would convey how much I regretted my actions, but I knew that words alone might not be enough.

Lunch arrived, but I barely touched it. My appetite was nonexistent as I sat in the room, consumed by my thoughts. The food, which would normally have been a welcome distraction, now sat untouched on the table. 

I tried to watch TV to take my mind off things, but the minutes seemed to drag by, each second a reminder of how much I missed Lily.

The hours passed slowly, and as the sun began to set, a knock on the door jolted me from my reverie. I wasn't expecting anyone, and the sound felt jarring against the backdrop of my desolation. 

I dragged myself to the door, my steps heavy with dread. When I opened it, the sight of Lily standing there took my breath away.

"Lily?" I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"