the IT girl

The Pressure Builds

The days leading up to the next Grand Prix were intense, and the pressure on Lando was higher than ever. After a few challenging races earlier in the season, he was determined to make his mark in Monaco. It wasn't just about racing anymore—it felt like everything in his life was speeding up, and he needed to keep control.

Lily, on the other hand, had her hands full with her own demanding schedule. Fresh off her Vogue shoot, she was getting more offers from designers and brands. While her career was skyrocketing, it also meant less time with Lando, something they were both beginning to feel.

The day before the Monaco Grand Prix, the atmosphere was electric. Fans packed the streets, photographers followed the drivers everywhere, and the media buzzed with speculation. It was Monaco, after all—the crown jewel of Formula 1.

Lily arrived at the paddock early, wanting to support Lando before things got too hectic. As she entered the exclusive area, cameras quickly turned to her. Her relationship with Lando had thrown her even more into the spotlight, and though she was used to attention as a model, this was different. The world was now watching their every move.

She slipped past the crowd and found Lando in the McLaren hospitality suite. He was surrounded by his team, deep in discussion about race strategy, but the moment he saw her, his face brightened.

"Hey, you made it," he said, excusing himself from the meeting and walking over to her.

Lily smiled, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek. "Of course. Wouldn't miss it."

Lando sighed in relief as he wrapped his arms around her. "It's good to see you. I've been feeling a bit on edge."

"I can tell," she said softly. "But you've got this. I know how much this race means to you."

He looked into her eyes, appreciating the calm she brought with her. "You being here helps."

They sat down together in a quiet corner of the suite, trying to find a moment of peace amid the chaos. But the silence was short-lived, as Lando's phone buzzed with another meeting request.

Lily smiled knowingly. "Go. I'll be around."

Lando hesitated, but she waved him off. "Go. We'll catch up later."

He nodded, giving her a quick kiss before hurrying off, his mind already back in race mode. 

As Lando threw himself into preparations, Lily spent time with Mia, who had flown in to join her at the race. The two friends decided to walk around the paddock, watching the energy build ahead of the big day.

"So, how are things going with Lando?" Mia asked, a playful smile on her lips as they strolled through the crowded paddock.

Lily laughed. "It's... different. Amazing, but definitely not easy with our schedules."

"I can imagine," Mia said. "Dating an F1 driver must be wild."

"It is," Lily admitted, glancing back toward where Lando was talking with his team. "But it's worth it. He's worth it."

Mia nudged her teasingly. "You're totally in love with him, aren't you?"

Lily blushed, not quite sure how to respond. "Yeah, I think I am."

Mia grinned. "I knew it. You two are perfect together."

Lily smiled, but there was a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "It's just... sometimes, I wonder how long we can keep this up. We barely see each other, and when we do, it's in the middle of all this craziness."

Mia's expression softened. "That's the thing about love, though. You make it work, no matter what."

Later that evening, Lily and Lando met up again, this time at a private dinner with a few close friends. It was a small, intimate gathering—a welcome break from the constant media attention. As they sat together, laughing and enjoying the evening, Lily could see the tension lifting from Lando's shoulders.

"You seem more relaxed," she commented, taking a sip of her wine.

"I am," Lando said, reaching for her hand under the table. "It's been a good day. Tomorrow's the big one, though."

Lily squeezed his hand. "You're going to crush it. I have no doubt."

Lando smiled, grateful for her confidence. "I hope so."

The night carried on, with stories being shared, jokes flying across the table, and Lando and Lily stealing small moments together. For a while, it felt like the world had paused, and they could just be two people in love, without the weight of their careers pressing down on them.

The next morning, race day, Monaco was alive with energy. The streets were packed with fans, the sound of engines roared through the city, and the anticipation was palpable.

Lando was in full focus mode. He had barely slept the night before, running through race strategies in his head, but as he pulled on his helmet and prepared to get into the car, he found a moment of calm. He knew Lily was in the stands, watching him, cheering for him. It gave him the extra push he needed.

As the race began, Lily sat in the VIP section with Mia, her heart racing almost as fast as the cars on the track. She had never felt this anxious watching a race before, but now, everything felt more personal. Every turn, every pit stop, every overtaking maneuver had her on edge.

Lando had a strong start, quickly positioning himself in the top five. The tension in the air was thick as the laps went by, with every driver pushing their limits. The streets of Monaco were unforgiving, and one mistake could change everything.

With just a few laps to go, Lando was fighting for third place. Lily gripped the railing in front of her, barely breathing as she watched the cars zoom past.

"Come on, Lando," she whispered under her breath, willing him to push harder.

And then, in a daring move, Lando overtook the car in front of him, securing third place as he crossed the finish line. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lily jumped to her feet, her heart soaring with pride.

He had done it.

After the race, Lily made her way down to the paddock, pushing through the sea of fans and media to find Lando. When she finally reached him, he was still in his racing suit, drenched in sweat but grinning from ear to ear.

Without a word, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.

Lando pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes shining with excitement. "I couldn't have done it without you."

They stood there, lost in their own little world, as the celebrations swirled around them. In that moment, nothing else mattered. They had each other, and that was enough.