Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 59 | Dutch Dares

September 6, 2023

A month had passed since our summer break, and life had slipped back into its usual rhythm. But now, everything felt different...better, lighter, and more meaningful. Those weeks in Greece, surrounded by family, friends, and the sea, had been exactly what I needed. The time off had recharged me, and my bond with Aria only deepened as we settled into the new routine of life together.

Our mornings together had quickly become my favorite part of the day. There was something so special about those quiet moments, just the two of us, before the chaos of the day began. We had perfected a little routine, waking up in each other's arms.

I'd roll out of bed, lazily heading to the kitchen to make us each a cup of coffee. Aria would sit on the countertop, swinging her legs while she chatted with me about her plans for the day or teased me about my attempts to cook for us. The smell of fresh coffee brewing, the sound of her voice, and the sleepy smile she gave me when I handed her the mug, it was everything.

She'd always insist on adding a splash of vanilla to her coffee, claiming it made all the difference. It was such a small detail, but it was one of those quirks that made me smile every time. Then we'd settle down on the couch or by the window, sipping our drinks and leaning into each other.

As we packed up the last of our things, getting ready to head to the airport for our flight to the Netherlands, I couldn't help but feel the familiar flutter of nerves in my chest. Heading back into the rest of the season after such a perfect summer break felt surreal. 

The Dutch Grand Prix loomed ahead of us, and it was bound to be intense. Max and I were neck and neck in the championship standings, the points so close that every race from here on out could make or break the season. It wasn't just about the competition either...it was the sense of stepping out of the peaceful bubble Aria and I had created, back into the pressure cooker of F1.

As I zipped up my suitcase, my mind drifted back to everything that had happened over the past few months. The drama with Emma and the tension between me and Max had been the last things on my mind during our time off. But now, heading to his home race, it all came rushing back. I knew that Zandvoort would be buzzing with energy and fiercely loyal fans, all cheering for Max. The thought of potential issues flaring up between us was enough to keep me on edge.

Aria must have sensed my unease because she reached over, placing her hand on mine and offering me a reassuring smile. "Hey, you've got this, Charles," she said softly. "No matter what happens, you've handled everything thrown at you so far. Just focus on the race, and don't let anything or anyone else get to you."

I squeezed her hand, appreciating how she always knew what to say. "I'm just worried, you know? Going back into all the noise...and it being his home race and all, I hope it doesn't get messy." I let out a deep breath, trying to shake off the anxiety that had crept back into my chest.

"Whatever happens, I'm right there with you," she assured me, her voice steady. "Besides, we've faced much tougher things already. This is just another challenge."

I nodded, feeling a bit of that weight lift from my shoulders. Aria had been my anchor through all the highs and lows, and knowing she'd be by my side in Zandvoort made everything feel a little more manageable. I took both of our bags, taking one last look around our cozy apartment, and then we headed out, ready to face whatever awaited us on the other side of the summer break.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

September 10, 2023
Aria Pov

It's race day, and I can't seem to shake the bad feeling that's been sitting in the pit of my stomach since we woke up. Charles had been on fire throughout all the practice sessions, nailing every lap. I should have been feeling confident, but instead, a knot of unease had settled inside me, making it hard to relax.