Mask off - Mick Schumacher

Chapter 13: Exposed

September 2023, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

"Cla?" Sabine broke the silence in which she was with her best friend as they chilled on the couch of her penthouse in Monte-Carlo, "Why on earth is Esteban Ocon on your birthday party guest list?"

The blonde looked up from her laptop, a sheepish smile on her face. "Well… uh…"

"Clara." Sabine raised her eyebrows, putting her phone onto the coffee table.

"Remember that day on François' yacht?" Clara started, gnawing on her lower lip, "I may or may not have asked Danielle for Esteban's number."

"You never stop amazing me, Cla." The brunette chuckled incredulously.

"Sab, I swear he's a sweetheart. We're barely one month in and he already takes me out on amazing dates."

"At least you're not doing hookups anymore," Sabine smiled and wrapped an arm around her best friend, "I'm happy for you two, whatever it is that you're having."

"Speaking of which… How's it going with the charming prince?" Clara teased playfully.

"It's going, I guess…" The brunette shrugged, "the last two races helped me understand what I'll be doing from the Japanese GP onwards. His current manager is very nice and helpful, well of course she is, she has my same name." She snorted, making her friend roll her eyes playfully.

"I'm glad, at least you're able to keep it professional."

"Fick dich." Sabine glared at her playfully.

"Hey, you know I don't speak German!" Clara giggled.

A few hours later…

"You seriously rented the whole place?" Sabine laughed as they walked into the club.

"Yup, I don't need nosy people putting my face next to Esteban's all over the internet." Clara said.

"Yet." Esteban corrected her, earning a playful glare.

As the hours slipped by, they danced and drank, each glance growing more lingering, each touch more intimate. Time became irrelevant within the walls of the club, where reality was suspended in a haze of celebration. To the outside world, they were just friends but under the surface, their hearts raced to the same beat.

But as fate would have it, no night of indulgence is ever without its hiccups. In a corner of the club, a trio of aspiring paparazzi hovered. They captured moments, misinterpreting the innocent laughter of friends for something more scandalous. When Esteban leaned in, whispering something in Clara’s ear, one flash illuminated their private world, capturing what was meant to be hidden.
Hours later, with the party still roaring, Clara stepped outside for a breath of air, Esteban close behind. The press had already begun leaking images online, and short whispers of their relationship began to swirl. Clara’s heart sank as she scrolled through her phone - images of them, laughing, close, too close for comfort in the eyes of the world.

"Esteban," she breathed, anxiety clouding her thoughts, “it’s out.”

"What? What do you mean?" Esteban turned to look at her, looking at her phone from over her shoulder.

"Look, they're all over the internet…" She muttered, her voice shaking like a leaf in a tornado.

"Chérie, it's okay, they don't know it's you yet." He tried to reassure her. "They just spotted us, but your face isn't visible."

"I know but… we barely started dating and now… they're gonna start assuming things and-" A strangled sob cut her words off, making Esteban's heart sink and wrap his arms around her.

"Clara, it's going to be okay… I'm here," He whispered into her hair. "Why don't you go inside and stay with Sabine? I'll find a way to deal with this, hm?"

Clara wiped her tears and nodded. It's not your birthday if you don't cry, after all. Once Clara was back inside, she made her way to Sabine and almost dragged her to one of the bathrooms without a word.

"Clara, what's going on?" Sabine asked worriedly once she saw her best friend's tearstained face.

"They leaked the photos." Clara sobbed.

"What photos?"

"Of me and Esteban."

"Oh my god, Clara. I'm so sorry." Sabine muttered, hugging her best friend to her chest.

"I can't believe this is happening. We were supposed to keep this a secret." She sniffled. "I just... I feel so violated."

"I know. But you need to stay strong. Esteban is outside dealing with the paparazzi. He's going to protect you."

"What can he do?"

"He's Esteban Ocon. He'll figure something out."

Clara glanced out of the window and rested her head on Sabine's shoulder. "He’s probably dealing with a mob right now."

"Yeah, but he’s a pro at this. You know he can handle the press. Just focus on yourself for a minute."

"But this was supposed to be my special day! How can I enjoy it when everything feels so exposed?" Clara cried, "What if this ruins everything?"

"You and Esteban have something real, Clara. I've never seen you so engrossed in someone, not to mention you've been going out with him almost every day for a month." Sabine smiled softly. "One leak doesn’t change that. You’ll figure it out together."

"Thank you, Sab. And you're right, I've never felt this way for anyone else." Clara managed a small, weak smile.

A/N:
Hey everyone, I'm back with this new chapter after almost a month. Sorry for my absence, but I've very busy, and I'm about to be as school is gonna start soon. I hope you liked this anyway :)
Love,
your author