Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 35 | Country Roads, Take Me Home

April 26th, 2023

I sit in my car outside Aria's apartment, my fingers tapping on the steering wheel as I wait for her. I look at the building door, expecting her to come out at any moment, and I can't help but think how lucky I am. 

The press hasn't caught wind of us yet. No photographers hiding behind trees, no rumors in the tabloids. It feels like a small miracle, considering how chaotic my life usually in the media. But having this secret, this part of my life untouched by the outside world, feels like I'm protecting something precious. 

I lean back in the seat, letting out a quiet breath. Aria and I can just be us. No pressure, no expectations from the world...just me and her. I see her finally step out of the building, wearing that smile that always lights me up. 

As I watch her make her way toward the car, my mind drifts back to a few days ago. The memory of her sharing her childhood story, still heavy on my heart. I remember sitting there, listening as she retold the painful moments...her father leaving, the hospital, the loss of her mother. 

But more than anything, I remember the strength in her voice. The way she spoke with resilience, how she's managed to keep that endless positivity even after everything she's been through. It floored me. She's always so full of light, so much sunlight in her smile, her laughter, her presence. And knowing the darkness she's had to endure makes it even more incredible. 

I've always admired strong people, but Aria...she's on a whole different level. In a way, I feel like it was fate that we met the way we did. I was broken, lost in my own struggles, and she...she was continuing her healing journey, moving forward with that determination. Maybe that's why we clicked so easily. 

Two people, two different paths, but both trying to find our way to something better. As Aria slips into the car, I can't help but be mesmerized by how effortlessly beautiful she looks. She's wearing a flowy mini sundress, a cropped cardigan over her shoulders. The pink color of the dress complements her tanned complexion, and her hair falls in loose curls. 

She turns to me, a smile already playing on her lips, and greets me with a gentle kiss, quick, but so full of passion it leaves me breathless for a moment. I pull myself together, starting the car, but my mind is still racing from the kiss. 

As we drive towards my maman's house for the family dinner, I reach over without thinking and place my hand on her exposed thigh. I feel her shift slightly, her face flushed red with a blush. She looks at me with those mesmerizing green eyes, her lips curling into a small smile as she places her hand gently over mine. 

My heart flutters at the small gesture, the simple yet intimate connection between us making me feel more grounded, more at peace. As we pull up to my maman's house, I can feel Aria's energy shift. Her smile falls a little and her hands fidget slightly in her lap. I steal a quick glance at her as I park the car, noticing the way she takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. 

I step out of the car quickly and walk over to her side, opening her door before she can even reach for the handle. She looks up at me, her eyes wide with nerves, and I offer her a reassuring smile as I extend my hand. 

"Hey, it's going to be fine," I say softly, intertwining our fingers. The warmth of her hand in mine calms both of us as she steps out of the car. 

She takes a small box of macaroons from her lap, dessert she brought as a gift for my family. "I thought this would be a nice touch," she says, her voice a little shaky but still managing to smile at me. 

"It's perfect," I assure her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "They're going to love you." 

We stand there for a moment, and I lean in closer, whispering in her ear. "Just be yourself. They'll see what I see."