𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐕

Nov 26 2023 - Abu Dhabi

It was race day.

Milaine had arrived in Abu Dhabi just the day before, but instead of going to the qualifying rounds, she stayed in her hotel room. The jet lag had hit her hard. Now, as she stood in front of the mirror, she adjusted her dress and checked her overall appearance. She wore a short black, long-sleeved dress, paired with matching black heels and a sleek purse. Her makeup was soft and natural, accentuating her features without overdoing it, while her hair was styled in its usual effortless way.

She picked up her bottle of musky perfume, a warm blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and apple, and sprayed it lightly on her wrists and neck. Just as she was about to grab her phone, a knock sounded at the door. Milaine opened it to see Kelly standing there with a bright smile.

«Are you ready?» Kelly asked.

«Yes, let's go» Milaine replied, grabbing her phone and closing the door behind her.

They walked through the hotel lobby, where a man was already waiting for them. He escorted them to the car, and soon they were driving toward Yas Marina. The city flashed by, but Milaine's mind was elsewhere.

«So, are you excited?» Kelly asked, breaking the silence.

«Actually, I am» Milaine admitted quietly. «I didn't realize how much I missed it.»

Kelly chuckled, her excitement bubbling over. «We're going to watch so many races together. I'm so glad!»

«Well, don't get too excited. I still have to focus on tennis» Milaine reminded her with a half-smile.

Kelly rolled her eyes playfully, deciding not to press further. She had no doubt Milaine would be attending more races, even if she had to drag her along herself.

As they arrived at Yas Marina, Milaine tensed up the moment she stepped out of the car. The familiar sights and sounds of the paddock hit her all at once. It wasn't her first time at a Grand Prix, but this was Abu Dhabi, and it was different without her father by her side. The air was thick with memories.

Kelly must have sensed her hesitation because she gently took Milaine's arm, leaning in to whisper, «I've got you. Everything's going to be okay. You'll enjoy this, trust me.»

Milaine nodded, grateful for Kelly's presence. She took a deep breath, forcing a small smile onto her face as they began walking further in. The bright lights, the roar of engines, the buzz of the crowd—it was all so overwhelming. Cameras flashed from all directions, capturing their every move. She knew the gossip headlines would follow, but right now, she couldn't care less.

A few journalists tried to get a word from her, but she and Kelly pressed on, ignoring them until they reached the Red Bull garage. The moment they stepped inside, Milaine felt some of the weight lift off her shoulders.

«Well, you're certainly getting a lot of attention» Kelly teased, trying to lighten the mood.

«Tell me about it» Milaine sighed. «I expected it, but still...»

Her eyes landed on Jos Verstappen, standing with Christian Horner. Jos noticed her and waved them over. She nudged Kelly and led the way toward the two men.

«Good to see you back» Jos greeted her with a warm smile.

Milaine returned the smile, polite but reserved. Christian then pulled her into a brief hug. «It's been too long, Vanboven. How are you?»

«Great, thanks. You're all doing an amazing job here,» she replied, feeling a bit awkward with all the attention.

«Zak doesn't know you're here, does he?» Christian joked. «He wouldn't stop talking if he did.»