Driven by Fate- CHARLES LECLERC

New York

POV: Carlotta Damian

As the plane ascended into the sky, I couldn't help but steal glances at Charles sitting beside me. His calm demeanor, the way he ran a hand through his hair—it made my heart race. We were heading to New York, and I still couldn't believe I was here with him, off the grid, just the two of us. I was happy with him.

I looked out the window. "I can't wait to be with you in New York, mon ange" Charles whispers at me.

"Mon ange" I repeat

"What? You don't like it? Should I call you chèrie or mon cœur?"

"I never said that I didn't like it" I said leaning closer to him. "I love it"

"I'm glad you love it, mylady"

I laughed and then I kissed him. He looks at me with his green eyes and smiles.

Once we landed, the city greeted us with a vibrant buzz. The cold air nipped at my cheeks, and I wrapped my scarf tighter as we made our way to the hotel. The lobby was stunning, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Charles flashed a smile that made my stomach flutter, and I felt the warmth of our secret between us.

After settling in, we decided to grab dinner. The restaurant was cozy, filled with the scent of rich pasta and roasted garlic. Over our meal, Charles leaned in, his eyes bright with excitement.

"I can't wait to start the season with Ferrari," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I'm going to win a championship this year."

I smiled, my heart swelling with pride for him. "You're going to do great, Charles. You've got this."

He chuckled softly, "And you'll be right there with me next year. F1 is going to be amazing."

After dinner, we wandered through the city, the lights dazzling all around us.

When we reached the Empire State Building, I stopped, overwhelmed by the view. Charles took my hand, pulling me close. As we gazed up at the towering structure, he turned to me, a serious look in his eyes.

"I love you," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper.

My heart skipped a beat. "I love you too," I replied, warmth spreading through me.

We kissed, a sweet moment that felt like it belonged only to us. As we pulled away, I couldn't help but tease him. "I think I'm in love with your dimples, you know."

He laughed, leaning in to kiss me again. "They seem to have a magical effect, don't they?"

"They do"

With the city lights twinkling around us, he took a deep breath. "I know we've only known each other for a short time, and now we're teammates, but you've become so important to me."

I smiled, feeling a rush of affection. Then he added playfully, "But I think you have committed a crime."

"What crime?" I asked, not knowing what he was talking about.

"You stole my heart, you little thief " he said, grinning.

I looked at him, warmth flooding my chest. "You too, my dear Charles." I said, but I couldn't help but hug him tightly. We kissed again, the world fading away around us.

Eventually, we returned to the hotel. Charles headed for the shower while I took a moment to absorb the day. I grabbed one of his T-shirts from the bag and slipped it on, feeling an intoxicating mix of comfort and thrill. I flopped onto the bed, scrolling through Instagram, my mind replaying the beautiful evening that I had with my boyfriend.

Just then, Charles emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. My breath caught. "You can't do that," I said, laughing. "I can't concentrate with you looking like that."

He smirked. "And you're making it hard for me too, wearing just my shirt." He said walking towards my side of the bed.

Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, capturing my lips in a playful kiss.

As he started to get dressed, I sometimes watched him, admiring the way his muscles moved. Suddenly, he threw a shirt at me.

"Hey! You were staring at me!" he exclaimed, feigning shock.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "It's not my fault if they caught the attention of my eyes"

He puts his phone on the nightstand "Goodnight, Charles," I said, stifling a giggle.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek. Turning my chin towards him, he kissed me deeply. "Goodnight, mon ange," he whispered.

"I love you" I replied, sealing it with another kiss.

Later that night, I found myself waking up to a soft sound. It took me a moment to realize it was Charles, softly murmuring in his sleep. Concerned, I turned to see him tossing restlessly, a frown creasing his brow.

"Charles?" I whispered gently, trying to rouse him from whatever dream haunted him. "Love, it's me, Carlotta. I'm here." I reached out to stroke his hair, hoping my voice would soothe him.

But he didn't wake up. Instead, he continued to frown, his breathing uneven. I remembered what my mother used to do when I had nightmares as a child—she would wet a cloth and place it on my forehead to help calm me. It always worked.

I quickly grabbed a small towel from the bathroom, ran it under cold water, and squeezed it out. Returning to the bed, I gently laid it across his forehead, feeling a bit silly but hopeful it would work.

After a moment, his eyes fluttered open, and he blinked at me, confusion giving way to recognition. "M-mon ange?" he murmured, pulling me close.

"Shh, it's okay. I'm right here," I whispered, holding him tightly as he buried his face in my shoulder. He still trembled slightly, and I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin.

He took a deep breath, his voice shaky. "I had a dream... a nightmare... Jules said he wasn't proud of me. And my father... even you..." His voice trailed off, and I could sense the weight of his worries.

"Charles, listen to me," I said softly, guiding him to rest his head against my chest. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm proud of you, more than you can imagine. You've worked so hard, and you're going to be amazing in this season. None of that matters. You're doing this for yourself, for Jules, for your dad, for your mom and brothers."

As I held him, I pressed soft kisses on the top of his head, letting him feel my warmth and love. "Don't worry, Charles. I'm here and I'm proud of you" The towel still rested on his forehead, and slowly I could feel him start to relax against me.

"Just breathe," I whispered, brushing my fingers through his hair. "You're safe with me. I promise."

He nodded slightly, his breathing evening out as I continued to soothe him. Gradually, I felt his tension fade, and soon enough, I could hear the gentle rhythm of his breath shift into the softness of sleep once again.

I kept the towel in place, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. Charles was here with me, and together, we would face whatever dreams or fears came our way. Holding him tight, I closed my eyes, hoping the night would be filled with only sweet dreams for both of us.

AUTHORS NOTE:

Sorry for posting this late but I'm really busy with school

Besos

Matts