Flight Attendant - Lando norris fanfic

17 - Breaking It Off

The decision had been weighing on me for days, but I finally resolved to face it head-on. I had to break things off with Lando. It wasn't just about my career anymore; it was about the mess our relationship had become, and how it threatened to spiral out of control. I felt suffocated by the dual pressures of my job and the public scrutiny, and I couldn't afford to let my emotions jeopardize everything I'd worked for.

As I walked into the café where we had agreed to meet, my heart was a heavy leaden lump in my chest. The place was cozy, but I felt like I was walking into an emotional minefield. Lando was already there, sitting at a corner table, his face lighting up with a smile when he saw me. It was a smile that had once made me melt, but today, it only made me more resolute.

"Hey, Cordy," he greeted, trying to sound casual. "Thanks for meeting me."

"Lando," I replied, forcing a tight smile as I slid into the chair across from him. The initial awkwardness hung between us like a thick fog.

He leaned forward, looking hopeful. "What's up? You've been distant lately. I miss our conversations. I thought we were doing great."

"Lando," I began, my voice trembling slightly despite my attempt to stay firm. "We need to talk."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing the seriousness in my tone. "Okay, what's going on?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "I've been thinking a lot about us. About everything that's happened." I paused, struggling to find the right words. "I've realized that we can't keep doing this."

His expression shifted from confusion to concern. "What do you mean?"

"Lando, this isn't working," I said, feeling a lump forming in my throat. "I can't keep up with the rumors and the drama. It's affecting my job, my reputation. I'm not just some girl you can date for fun. This is my career we're talking about."

Lando's face fell, his brows knitting together in frustration. "Cordelia, you're making it sound like I'm just playing games. I thought we had something real."

"It's not about that," I said, my voice breaking. "It's about who you are. You're a celebrity. You're always in the spotlight, and I'm just a flight attendant trying to make a living. I can't risk my career for a relationship that might end up being a hook-up."

"Is that what you really think of me?" he asked, hurt evident in his tone. "That I'm just some player who doesn't care about you?"

"No," I replied, shaking my head. "I don't think you're a player. But you have a reputation. And with everything that's going on, I can't afford to be associated with that. I need to protect my career."

Lando ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "So, you're just going to walk away? After everything we've been through?"

"Yes," I said, my voice firm despite the tears threatening to spill. "I need to focus on my job. I'll be stepping back from flying for McLaren. I'll be taking flights for other clients, but I can't be involved with McLaren until all this blows over."

"You're making a huge mistake," Lando said, his voice tinged with desperation. "I thought we were more than just a fling. I thought we had something special."

"Maybe we did," I said, my heart aching. "But right now, I have to be practical. I have to think about my future. And this...this is just too complicated."

He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "So that's it? You're just going to end things like this?"

"Yes," I said, standing up as well. "I'm sorry, Lando. I really am. But this is what I have to do."

Lando looked like he was about to say something else, but he stopped himself. He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "Fine. If that's what you want, then...I guess this is goodbye."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the finality of the moment. "Goodbye, Lando."

He walked away, leaving me standing there, my heart shattered. I watched him leave, feeling a deep sense of loss and regret. I knew I was making the right decision, but it didn't make it any easier.

As I left the café, I felt a deep sadness and confusion. I was throwing myself into work, trying to bury my feelings beneath a facade of professionalism. But every time I saw a McLaren logo or heard Lando's name, I felt a pang of sorrow. I had done what I thought was necessary, but the emotional cost was significant.

And so, I faced the uncertainty of the future, trying to rebuild my life and focus on my career while grappling with the pain of a love lost.