Silver Lining ❥ daerin

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎: 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥

ℭ𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔞

The day started off like any other—overcast skies with the threat of rain looming, but nothing out of the ordinary. Ever since the race was canceled three weeks ago due to unpredictable weather, I'd been itching to get back on the track, to feel the rush of speed under me and the thrill of competition. Despite the setback, I kept up with my practice sessions whenever the skies cleared, but today felt different. My manager had called me early this morning, asking me to come to the track for an important meeting.

Important meetings usually meant one of two things: sponsorships or opportunities. My heart raced at the idea of something big on the horizon. As I drove toward the track, anticipation hummed through my veins, my mind wandering to what it could be. Another race, perhaps, something local? Or maybe the championship I'd been eyeing?

When I arrived at the track, the familiar sight of the asphalt stretching out before me brought a sense of calm to my restless energy. I spotted my manager standing by the pit area, but there was someone next to him, a man in a tailored suit. I didn't recognise him, and my curiosity piqued. Who was this guy?

As I walked up to them, I called out, "Hey, what's up?"

My manager, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair, turned toward me with a grin. "Calista, just the person I wanted to see. I've got someone I'd like you to meet." He gestured to the suited man beside him. "This is Oliver Blackwood, an agent."

I blinked, stunned. "An agent?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief. I hadn't even considered the possibility.

Oliver extended his hand, which I shook firmly, still trying to wrap my head around what was happening. "Pleasure to meet you, Calista," he said, his voice smooth and professional. "I've been following your career for a while now, and I have to say, your talent has reached far beyond the local scene. Word has spread."

I furrowed my brows, utterly confused but intrigued. "Wait, what do you mean, my talent?"

Oliver smiled, and my manager crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. "We've had some interest from international circuits," he began. "And as it turns out, the right people have taken notice. Oliver's here because he has an opportunity for you that could take your career to the next level."

My heart was pounding now. International? I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "What kind of opportunity?"

Oliver glanced at my manager before continuing. "We've been in talks with some teams in Monaco. They've heard about your skill on the track, and they're interested in having you come out there to train and compete in a few races."

Monaco. My breath caught. Monaco? The racing capital of the world? The glitz, the glamour, the prestige of it all? I could hardly believe what I was hearing. I stared at them both, wide-eyed. "Monaco?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

Oliver nodded. "That's right. They want you to come out, practice with some of the top racers in the world, and get a taste of what it's like to compete on a global stage. The races there are on a different level, Calista. This would be huge for your career."

I was still processing his words, my mind racing faster than I ever had on any track. "So... they want me to go to Monaco and race?" I said, barely able to contain the excitement bubbling up inside me.

"That's the plan," Oliver said, his smile widening. "You've got the talent, Calista. They've seen the footage, they've heard the buzz, and now they want you in the big leagues. It's a chance to make a name for yourself on an international scale."

I couldn't believe it. All the hours of practice, the hard work, the races, the crashes, and the victories—it had all led to this moment. An opportunity like this was the kind of thing you dream about as a kid, and here it was, right in front of me.