❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 96

Narrator

The atmosphere in the Mexican Grand Prix paddock was alive with anticipation, the scent of fuel and adrenaline mixing with the heat of the midday sun. Valerie maneuvered through the sea of team members, reporters and fans, the vibrant energy of the upcoming event filling her with a mix of excitement and nerves.
Charles had qualified 4th yesterday, determined to bring it to the top step. The car has been performing as it should for the main part of the season, and everyone in the Ferrari garage was quite optimistic. Carlos was set right behind him on the grid, hoping and aiming for a 1-2 finish.

It was a big day for Charles. Winning this race would put him ahead in the driver's championship standings - a dream that he has clung to ever since he started karting.

She scanned the bustling scene, searching for a glimpse of the man who held her heart.
A smile hushed over her face when she thought about the past week. They had spent it mostly at Carlos' house, calling their parents and siblings to spread the happy news of Valerie's and Charles' engagement.
After a long moment of explaining from back to front, Blanca was exploding with happiness, just as their mother, Reyes.
Carlos Senior raised a brow over FaceTime, giving Charles the "You better treat my daughter well" speech, but laughed about it afterwards. The last crumbles of a heavy stones fell from Valerie's heart. Nothing and no one would keep her from marrying the man she loved now.

A few minutes of looking passed, when she finally spotted Charles in his garage, talking with a few engineers.
Relief washed over her, but it was short-lived. Just beyond him, standing with that unmistakable air of forced charm, was Rebecca. Her laugh was light and airy, the kind she used when she was trying hard to impress. Valerie's jaw tightened, and her stomach fell to her knees. Rebecca was standing utterly close to Charles, her body language flirty and far too familiar, leaning toward him in a way that left no room for misunderstanding.

She swallowed, and then quickened her footsteps, her heels clicking against the concrete floor with determined strides.
As she approached, she could hear Rebecca's voice - sickly sweet, dripping with faux innocence. "You know, Charles," she raised her finger to trail it down the collar of his race suit, halfway down his chest, "you're working so hard. If you ever need some time to... relax."

Charles shifted uncomfortably, his body stiffening, creating some distance between them. He awkwardly caught Rebecca's wrist and put her hand away in a swift motion, back to her own space. "I'd find it pretty relaxing if you finally left us alone."

Her smile faltered, but she quickly masked her irritation with a forced laugh, blinking several times with her long lashes. "Come on, Charles. We shared something special..."

He took another step back, his expression edging with disgust. "We never shared anything, and we never will."

Rebecca just wanted to open her mouth again, when Charles' posture shifted more comfortable. He had already ignored paying attention to Rebecca, but instead glanced across the room, his face expression softening when he saw Valerie approaching.
Rebecca, too caught up in her own game, hadn't noticed Valerie yet.

Valerie stopped behind her, her voice calm but carrying a sharp undertone. "Excuse me, would you mind stepping away from my fiancé?"

Rebecca startled, turned around, all expression falling from her face. She stared Valerie up and down, coaxed out some breaths, made some offended noises. She wanted to say something, but Valerie pushed past her and looped her arm through Charles' with confidence, sending a clear message.
Rebecca shifted on her heels, clearly flustered by the harsh confrontation, question marks drawn to her face. She muttered a hasty excuse and turned away, her shoulders stiff with barley concealed irritation.