In the scenic south of Italy, political adviser Ana escapes her demanding career for a much-needed vacation. In a quaint village, she meets Lando, a charming and energetic F1 driver who is also seeking respite from his fast-paced life. Their encount...
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AnaVillanueva:🇲🇨
Ana's POV:
Monday morning in Monaco starts with a sense of calm. The sun peeps over the horizon as I stand on Lando's balcony, looking out at the sweeping view of the city. His apartment is perched high in the hills and offers a panoramic scene that stretches all the way to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean.
It's breathtaking but what makes it even more unreal is that I'm here. With him. And this time, we're not rushing off to the next race or squeezing in moments between work and travel.. Well, a little bit of meetings in the morning still, but yeah.
I just got off the phone with Reyes, who's been unusually supportive these days. Maybe it's because he's finally seeing me in a happy relationship, or perhaps it's more strategic with the elections coming up. Either way, he's encouraging me to take the time I need before things get crazy again. He practically laughed when I said I wouldn't be working today.
"Take the day off, Ana. Actually, take the whole damn week," he teased. "Just don't come back more stressed than when you left, okay?"
Of course, I didn't agree and negotiated to be back by Wednesday. Reyes has been in good spirits lately. It's as if he understands that these moments of calm and happiness are necessary to keep me centered for the storm that's bound to come once campaign season kicks off.
I placed my phone down on the small table beside me and lean agains the railing. The breeze is gentle, carrying with it the scent of sea salt and fresh grass. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. This place ... it's incredible.
The sound of the door opening catches my attention. I turn to see Lando stepping in with a bag of fresh bagels and coffee beans, a grin plastered on his face.
"Hey, did I miss much?" he asks, holding up his haul triumphantly.
"Just Reyes telling me to take the entire week off," I say with a laugh.
"Really?" Lando's eyebrows shoot up. "Wow, I like this new Reyes. Should I send him a thank-you card?"
"Maybe." I grin, walking over to him. "but I said I'll be back by Wednesday," I shrug. "What did you get?"
He shakes his head, chuckling, "You're the only person I know who negotiates to shorten their time off."
"What–"
"Not an issue to me, I'm flying back with you either way," he raises an eyebrow and puts his bag down on the island. "Your favorite egg sandwich and some coffee to match?" He pulls out a pack of whole beans coffee. "I thought we'd start the day with a proper breakfast," he says, leaning in to give me a quick kiss.
"Perfect," I say, smiling up at him. "Let's eat."
We settle in the kitchen and Lando grinds the coffee beans manually, insisting it's the only way to do it right. I watch him, feeling a strange mix of peace and exhilaration. It's such a mundane moment—breakfast in a quiet kitchen—but it feels special. Maybe because I know there aren't a million things demanding our attention today. Just us.
