New driver in the paddock

Making dreams happen

As the dust settled after the Turkish Grand Prix, Y/n found herself with a rare break in the season—a brief window to recharge before the intensity ramped up again. It was a welcome pause, but Y/n had other plans in mind. For a long time, she had dreamed of buying a home in Monaco, the glitzy yet peaceful principality where so many Formula 1 drivers called home. With the season nearing its close, she felt that now was the perfect time to finally make that dream a reality.

She had casually mentioned this to Lewis in Suzuka during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. It was one of those late evenings in the paddock, the two of them catching their breath after media duties. They had grown close over the season, their friendship deepened by shared experiences, rivalries, and a mutual respect for each other’s relentless drive.

As they sipped on water bottles, cooling down after a tough day, Y/n turned to Lewis and said, "You know, I’ve been thinking... maybe it’s time I finally start looking for a place in Monaco."

Lewis raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Oh? Joining the club, are we?"

Y/n laughed, shrugging. "I mean, I’ve been dreaming about it forever. It just seems like the right time now. I could use a place to call my own, somewhere to just... escape."

"I get it," Lewis nodded, understanding flashing in his eyes. "Monaco’s special like that. You should absolutely do it."

"Actually," Y/n added, her tone a little more serious, "I’m planning to go there during the break and look at a few places."

"Well, then, you’re in luck." Lewis grinned wider. "I’m heading back there too. Why don’t you stay at mine while you’re there? You don’t have to be looking at houses alone, and I’ll even come with you to check out some places."

Y/n blinked, surprised but touched by the offer. "You don’t have to do that, Lewis."

"I know," he said, a twinkle in his eye. "But I want to. Plus, I’m curious to see what you’ll pick. Trust me, it’ll be fun."

---

A few days later, Y/n found herself in Monaco, a place she’d always admired from afar. The sleek, winding streets, the glittering marina, and the sheer elegance of the principality never failed to take her breath away. Lewis’s apartment was perched high above the city, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Monte Carlo skyline. Staying at his place felt surreal, but it was also comforting in a way she hadn’t expected.

The first morning, they sat out on his balcony, sipping coffee as the early sunlight shimmered over the water. The conversation flowed easily between them, as it always did. They talked about racing, the intensity of the season, and the challenges ahead, but slowly, it drifted toward more personal matters.

"I never thought I’d ever get to this point, you know?" Y/n admitted, staring out at the horizon. "Owning a place here... it feels like such a far-off dream. Now it’s happening."

Lewis glanced at her, his expression soft. "You’ve earned it. All of it. Don’t sell yourself short."

Y/n smiled, but there was a touch of nervousness in her voice. "Still... it’s such a big step. It’s like, once I do this, I’m really settling into this life, this world of racing, and everything that comes with it."

Lewis leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "It’s scary, yeah. But it’s also exciting. You’re building something for yourself outside of racing too. And trust me, having a home here—somewhere you can escape to—it’s important."

Later that day, they visited a few properties together. Y/n couldn’t help but feel grateful that Lewis was there with her. He’d lived in Monaco for years, and he knew exactly what to look for. The first house they saw was beautiful but didn’t quite feel right. The second was closer, with a stunning terrace that overlooked the sea, but Y/n couldn’t see herself living there.

As they walked through the third property, a spacious apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows, Lewis nudged her lightly. "I can see you here," he said, his tone thoughtful. "This place feels like you."

Y/n paused in the living room, looking around. "Yeah?" she asked, genuinely curious about his thoughts.

"Yeah," Lewis nodded. "It’s got that balance. Classy but not over-the-top. Just the right amount of space. And that view..." He gestured toward the massive windows. "Perfect for unwinding after a crazy race weekend."

Y/n stood by the window, taking in the view of the shimmering water below. "I do love it here," she admitted, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It feels... peaceful."

They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Monaco—grabbing lunch at a quiet café, wandering through the streets, and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. It felt natural, easy, like they were just two friends sharing time away from the intensity of their usual lives. Yet, there was an undercurrent of something deeper between them—an unspoken connection that hovered just beneath the surface.

At one point, as they strolled along the marina, Lewis glanced at Y/n and said, "You know, you’re one of the few people in this world who really gets it—the pressure, the spotlight. Sometimes I wonder if it ever gets to you."

Y/n smiled, though there was a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "It does. More than I like to admit. But I think that’s why I want this place—something stable, something real outside of the chaos."

Lewis nodded, understanding in his gaze. "I get that. Having a home here, it’ll help. You’ll have somewhere to come back to, no matter what happens on the track."

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, the bond between them growing deeper with each shared moment. There was a platonic ease to their interactions, but at the same time, something unspoken lingered in the air. A subtle, almost imperceptible tension—like the faintest whisper of something more.

---

By the time the house-hunting process wrapped up, Y/n had fallen in love with one of the properties, a beautiful apartment nestled in the hills with panoramic views of the sea. It was everything she’d dreamed of and more.

As they sat on Lewis’s balcony on the final evening of her trip, Y/n turned to him with a smile. "I think I’m going to do it. I’m going to put in an offer on that place."

Lewis grinned, raising his glass of wine in a toast. "Here’s to making dreams happen."

They clinked glasses, a quiet celebration of her next big step. Y/n felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. For the new chapter she was about to start, for the career that had brought her here, and for the friendships she’d made along the way—including the one sitting next to her.

Lewis leaned back in his chair, glancing at her with a knowing smile. "You know, Monaco’s not so bad once you get used to it."

Y/n laughed, feeling a warmth settle in her chest. "I think I’m going to love it here."

The house Y/n fell in love with was perched gracefully in the hills overlooking Monaco, a modern yet cozy apartment that exuded understated luxury. It was spacious, with an open-plan design that let natural light flood every corner. The living room boasted floor-to-ceiling windows, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, with the city’s glittering lights stretching out below.

The terrace was the centerpiece—a perfect space for quiet mornings with coffee or evenings watching the sunset. Inside, the decor was sleek, with soft, neutral tones and minimalist furniture that allowed the beauty of the surroundings to shine. The kitchen was fitted with state-of-the-art appliances, and the master bedroom opened up to the terrace, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

It was peaceful and serene, a sanctuary away from the demands of the racing world—exactly what Y/n had been searching for.