Book 1 of Monte Carlo Series
Escaping her chaotic past, Katrina moves to Monaco to start a new life. With a single bag and a guitar, she sets on a brand new journey to reacquaint with herself and maybe find love along the way.
✍🏼Author's Note : I'm updating multiple chapters today, the next one would be the last one for today. I'll try to post more chapters until the next GP. Please do send some love if you like the story so far
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"You lied? You lied to me? How could you do that—" Charles started, his voice filled with confusion and frustration. Before he could finish his sentence, Trina pressed a quick kiss to the corner of his lips, silencing him.
"Mon bébé, I didn't completely lie to you," she said, her tone soft but firm.
"What do you mean?" Charles asked, his confusion deepening.
"I'll leave the two of you to talk," Lewis interjected, stepping back as he gave Trina a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Charles, listen to what she has to say first. Kid, you've got this. You won't lose Charles," he added with a small smile before heading to the balcony where the others were currently at.
Charles watched Lewis walk away, but his gaze quickly returned to Trina. "I have no idea what's happening, amour, and I don't like this feeling at all," he admitted, the frustration still evident in his voice.
Taking a deep breath, Trina began her explanation. She knew she had to be honest now, no more half-truths.
"The truth is, I'm not completely oblivious when it comes to the world of Formula One. I know a few racers by name, and I also know one driver personally before I met you—and that was Lewis." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I only watched a race live once, back in 2013, but that was it. I wasn't interested in your world, so I didn't continue watching after that. When I told you and the others that I didn't know who you were, that was true, bébé..."
"Okay, but how did you know Lewis?" Charles interrupted, his brow furrowing. "No offense, but Lewis's circle consists of high-end people, and you're as normal as anybody could be."
Trina hesitated for a moment, then looked Charles in the eye. "Sofia once told me that this part of Monaco, where we live, is a haven for people trying to escape the spotlight. That's why a lot of the drivers are here, right? I came here for that same reason. Charles, I also have a past that I'm running away from, and as much as I want to tell you about it, I can't just yet. But I will tell you what I can. I met Lewis years before I came to Monaco. He was still dating Nicole, and I happened to work with her." She paused again, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her as she spoke. "Before coming here, I made music professionally. I was a producer, composer, and a singer. I was able to make a lot of music, but something happened that prompted me to leave everything behind. I was harassed and attacked because of the issue, and I felt like I had no choice but to run. Being in Monaco, just being Katrina, gave me peace."
She took a deep breath. "But right now, I can't tell you everything. It might not even be a big deal to you once you know, but for me, it's really hard to talk about. I understand if you want to end whatever we have right now. I know lying is a deal-breaker for you, and I get it. After all, half-truths are still lies."
Charles's face softened as he took her hands in his. "Calm down, Trina... I understand, and thank you for trusting me. I'll be here whenever you're ready to tell me everything. Whatever baggage you have, you don't have to carry it alone anymore. I'm here for you, Trina. I'm with you, this time and every time. I won't let anybody hurt you again."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she whispered, "Thank you, Charles. I promise I'll tell you when I'm ready. I'm getting there... just a little more time, please."
Charles smiled, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You have to promise me something, though."
"What?" Trina asked, her heart fluttering.
"You have to promise me that you'll let me hear your works someday. I want to know how awesome my future girlfriend is." He grinned playfully, and Trina couldn't help but smile back.
"I promise," she replied, nodding, feeling a sense of relief flood her chest.
The rest of the evening went much smoother than Trina had anticipated. The party was lively, and everyone seemed to have a great time. What surprised her most was that some of the drivers who had originally declined had shown up after all, adding even more energy to the celebration.
Unfortunately, the Prema boys had to leave right after the barbecue to attend a training session, so they missed out on the dinner with the 2024 drivers. Despite that, the evening had been a success. Charles had been understanding, and Trina knew that, no matter what the future held, they would face it together.
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