Racing against the Rules (LN4)

Chapter 2: Allure

The hum of the airport buzzed around me as I stood at the terminal, ticket in hand, the weight of the moment finally sinking in. The distant sound of boarding calls and the soft chatter of travelers filled the space, but all I could focus on was the path ahead.

I glanced around, taking in the busy scene—the rush of suitcases rolling by, families reuniting, and people saying goodbye. I adjusted my bag, a faint sense of longing creeping in. I hadn't expected anyone to see me off—not with the distance between us, the long phone calls, and the occasional visits that always seemed too short. But now, with me moving even farther away to Monaco, the miles between us felt heavier than ever.

It was the first time I was truly leaving it all behind.

~

The plane landed with a soft thud, and as I stepped off, a warm breeze kissed my skin, a stark contrast to the brisk London air I had left behind. The sun seemed brighter here, reflecting off the deep blue of the Mediterranean and the pastel-hued buildings that dotted the coastline. Nice was alive with the sound of chatter, the clinking of café glasses, and the distant hum of the city, and for a moment, I just stood there, taking it all in.

With my bags in hand, I stepped outside, squinting against the warm hues of the setting sun as it cast a golden glow over everything. The soft hum of foreign conversations surrounded me.

As I waited, I glanced around—tourists taking pictures, couples leisurely walking hand in hand, and locals moving with the relaxed confidence of those who knew they belonged. My mind wandered, wondering what it would be like to feel that same sense of belonging here. I shifted the weight of my bags as a sleek black car pulled up to the curb, and the driver gave me a polite nod.

"Monte Carlo?" he asked in a thick French accent.

I smiled, settling into the back seat. "Qui"

The car pulled away from the airport, gliding smoothly through the streets. As we left Nice behind, the city gradually gave way to winding roads hugging the coastline, the sea glittering just beyond the cliffs.
It felt surreal, like I was still watching from the outside, waiting for it all to sink in. But soon enough, I'd be in the thick of it—racing weekends, luxurious parties, and a whirlwind of new opportunities.

~

My pulse quickened when the car finally slowed, pulling up in front of a sleek, modern building. The clean lines and glass windows reflected the soft pastel colors of the sunset. With a deep breath, I approached the entrance. When the door clicked open, I paused for a second, feeling the weight of the moment. The cool air from inside greeted me as I stepped across the threshold, the sound of my footsteps echoing slightly in the mostly empty space.

As I stepped into the apartment, I was immediately struck by the modern design. The open layout created an airy feel, the walls painted in soft, neutral tones that contrasted beautifully with the dark wooden floors. Boxes were scattered everywhere, their chaotic presence a reminder of the upheaval that had brought me here.

The slim hallway led to a sleek kitchen on one side and a dining area that opened into a cozy living room on the other. The kitchen was all clean lines and polished surfaces, the kind of space that seemed perfect for someone who actually cooked. I could picture myself making breakfast there, though I knew it'd probably be more burned toast than culinary masterpiece, watching the sun rise over the Mediterranean as if this was my usual routine.

The dining room boasted a long, elegant table—far too big for one person, but perfect for hosting all the dinner parties I'd been promising to throw for years. Beyond it, the living room was bathed in natural light, courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a breathtaking view of the azure sea and the glamorous coastline. I could already picture myself curled up on the plush sofa with a glass of wine, soaking in the beauty around me.