Mind the Gap

Chapter 21

A/N: Trigger Warning.

Ana's POV: 

It's Sunday, race day. The morning feels oddly calm, like the world is on pause before the chaos begins. I only have a lunch meeting with the team, and the rest of the afternoon is free. Perfect timing—I'll be able to watch Lando's race from the hotel room. No distractions, no noise—just me, locked up with the TV and the race.

As I sip my coffee, my mind drifts back to the conversation with Lucas in the elevator yesterday. It was strange—heated, but not in the explosive way I'd expect. What really threw me off was his assumption. The way he talked about Lando... it was like Lucas had created an entire story in his head about us—about me. A story where he was part of the picture, but that's never been the case.

Flashback to the Elevator

"... it's Lando Norris, right?" he says, almost like he's figured out some grand secret.

I freeze, caught off guard. I glance at him, trying to gauge what game he's playing. "What does it matter to you, Lucas?"

He shrugs, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "It doesn't, really. I just figured it out when pictures of him in Spain popped up, even after the Grand Prix. It's like he's been sticking around a bit too long."

My stomach tightens, but I keep my voice steady. "That's none of your business."

Lucas leans against the wall, the smirk still in place. "I don't care who you're with, Ana. I just thought it was interesting. You and I—we could've been something, you know."

I blink, caught between disbelief and confusion. "We? Lucas, there's never been a we. You and I have never—"

"Oh, come on," he interrupts, his tone light but condescending. "Don't pretend you didn't notice."

I stare at him, my mind racing. This wasn't a conversation about Lando. This was Lucas revealing something deeper—something that existed only in his mind. He thinks there was something between us, something real.

But there wasn't. There never has been.

Before I can respond, the elevator doors open, and Lucas steps out with a smug look. "You'll see it one day," he says over his shoulder before disappearing into the hallway.

--

Even now, the conversation feels surreal. Lucas had crafted this story in his head—one where we were more than colleagues, more than acquaintances. And the fact that he could so casually talk about Lando, as if I had somehow wronged him by dating someone else, makes my skin crawl.

The situation only got worse yesterday. Tabloids exploded with pictures of me and Lucas, framing it like we were some cozy couple when, in reality, he had grabbed me unexpectedly. I nearly stumbled, and the pictures captured us in an awkward moment, one that looked intimate but was anything but. I have no doubt Lucas had orchestrated the whole thing, probably tipped off the photographers to be there. He wants to be seen with me—wants people to speculate.

Lando saw those pictures. I know he did. His message was brief but supportive, telling me he needed to focus on the race. He's in pole position today, and I know the last thing he needs is distractions. But I can't shake the feeling that Lucas is behind all of this, stirring the pot to mess with both of us. He's capable of this kind of manipulation.

I finish my lunch meeting and head back to the hotel room, eager to shut the world out and focus on the race. I change into a simple white shirt and pajama bottoms, settling into the bed with the remote, ready to watch the broadcast.

Just as I'm about to relax, there's a knock at the door.

I freeze, already knowing who it is before I even answer. My heart pounds as I walk to the door, cracking it open slightly.

Lucas stands there, too casual for my comfort. "Can I come in? We need to talk."

I hesitate, my instincts screaming at me that this is a bad idea. But something about his tone tells me this conversation needs to happen. I step aside, letting him in, but before I do, I place my phone on the bedside table, recording. I know Lucas well enough to be cautious.

He walks in, looking around the room before turning to me. "Look, Ana, I just want to clear the air. I don't want things to be awkward between us."

I cross my arms, keeping my distance. "Then stop making things awkward."

He sighs, shaking his head as if I'm the unreasonable one. "I'm just saying... you don't have to go down this path with Lando. You and I—we could still be something."

I blink, disbelief flooding me. "What are you talking about, Lucas? There's never been anything between us. This story you've made up—it doesn't exist."

Lucas steps closer, his voice dropping. "Come on, Ana. You know there's something here. We've always had this... connection. You're just too caught up with Lando to see it."

Before I can even react, Lucas grabs my wrist and pulls me toward him. The sudden movement shocks me, and before I can pull away, he presses me against the wall, his face too close to mine. His breath is hot, and I can feel the desperation in his grip as he leans in, trying to kiss me.

Panic surges through me, and I immediately push him away with all the strength I have. "Lucas, stop!" I shout, my heart pounding in my chest.

His grip tightens for a second, but I manage to pull free, my body trembling with a mix of fear and anger. Without thinking, I raise my hand and slap him hard across the face. The sound echoes in the room, and Lucas stumbles back, shock written all over his face.

"You don't get to disrespect me like that," I hiss, my voice shaking with fury.

Lucas's hand flies to his cheek, his eyes wide. He clearly didn't expect this. "Ana, I—"

"Get out," I say, pointing toward the door. "And if you ever try something like this again, I'll make sure every PR outlet in the country knows what kind of man you really are. Don't underestimate me, Lucas."

His face pales as the reality of the situation sinks in. He glances toward my phone, realizing I've been recording the whole time. "Ana... don't do this. Delete it. Please."

I don't respond. I just keep pointing toward the door.

He hesitates for a moment, then hurries out of the room, stumbling over his words as he leaves. The moment the door clicks shut, the adrenaline drains from my body, and I collapse onto the floor, my breath shaky. Tears spill from my eyes, hot and fast, as the weight of the situation hits me.

I'm not sure if I'm crying out of relief, anger, or fear—maybe all three. But one thing is clear: Lucas crossed a line today. And I won't let him get away with it.