The Front Row

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Lando Norris leaned back in his chair, the vibrant atmosphere of the Monaco runway show enveloping him. Surrounded by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts, he couldn't help but feel a little out of place. As a Formula 1 driver, he was used to the roar of engines and the thrill of racing, but this was a different kind of adrenaline.

His friends had convinced him to attend, insisting that the glitz and glamour of the fashion world would be an unforgettable experience. "You'll love it," one of them had said, nudging him playfully. "Plus, you might meet someone special!"

But Lando wasn't interested in romance—not tonight. He'd been racing hard, and the last thing he wanted was to navigate the complexities of dating. He was here for a bit of fun and to support his friend, who was showcasing his new collection.

As the lights dimmed, anticipation crackled through the crowd. He watched models glide down the runway, each strutting with confidence, showcasing stunning designs. The atmosphere pulsed with excitement, but Lando's attention was drawn elsewhere.

When Lily Ralph appeared, he sat up straighter, a flicker of recognition igniting in his mind. There she was—the woman he had unintentionally bumped into backstage. Her silver gown shimmered like a star, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

Lando was captivated. She moved with a fierce grace, each step deliberate and confident. But as she reached the end of the runway, something in her expression shifted. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her jaw clenched as she posed for the cameras. Was she struggling with nerves?

His heart raced, not just from the excitement of the show but from a strange impulse to protect her from whatever was weighing on her. Lando leaned forward, instinctively rooting for her, as if she could hear his silent encouragement.

The show progressed, but his focus remained on her. When she turned away from the audience, her features softened for just a moment, revealing a vulnerability that intrigued him. Lando didn't know her story, but he felt drawn to her, wanting to understand what lay beneath the surface.

As the final model walked off the runway, applause erupted in the room. Lando found himself clapping vigorously, a smile spreading across his face. He was amazed by the talent on display, but more than that, he couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted to see Lily again.

The lights came up, and the crowd began to disperse. Lando hesitated, unsure of what to do next. The backstage area was bustling with activity, and he felt a pull toward it, a desire to find her and maybe apologize for their earlier encounter.

Just as he stood up, he caught sight of her through the throng of people. She was laughing with her fellow models, but he could still see the remnants of tension etched in her features. Lando took a deep breath and decided to take a chance.

"Excuse me," he said to his friends, who were still caught up in the post-show excitement. "I'll be right back."

He navigated through the crowd, each step taking him closer to her. As he approached, he felt a mix of nerves and excitement, an unfamiliar flutter in his stomach.

"Hey!" he called out, raising a hand to get her attention.

Lily turned, her smile faltering as she recognized him. "You," she said, irritation flaring in her eyes.

"Yeah, me," Lando replied, trying to keep his tone light. "I just wanted to say—uh, I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to bump into you."

Her expression softened for a moment, but then the walls went back up. "It's fine. Just... watch where you're going next time," she replied, brushing past him.

Lando watched as she walked away, disappointment settling in his chest. He had wanted to break through her defenses, but it seemed he had only pushed her further away.

But he wasn't ready to give up yet. As she turned a corner, he called after her, "Wait! Can I at least buy you a drink to make up for it?"

Lily paused, glancing back at him, her brow furrowing. For a brief moment, it seemed like she might say yes.

But then she shook her head. "I don't think so." And with that, she disappeared into the crowd.

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