On and Off the Track

E I G H T Y O N E.

16th of October
The air in Monaco was electric with excitement as I prepared for Charles's birthday. I woke up early, a smile plastered on my face as I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. Heading to the kitchen, I planned a special breakfast spread: fluffy pancakes, fresh berries, and his favourite maple syrup. After setting up the delicious breakfast, I tiptoed back to the bedroom, feeling a rush of joy at the sight of him still sleeping peacefully. Gently, I shook him awake, whispering a soft
"Happy Birthday!" His eyes squinted open, and a smile slowly broke across his face as he processed the morning's surprise.
"Is that... pancakes?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Only the best for the birthday boy," I grinned, leaning down to kiss him.

We spent the morning wrapped up in each other's warmth, sharing bites of breakfast, playful teasing, and laughter. I felt so lucky to be by his side, knowing how much this day meant to him. While he finished up in the shower, I snuck out to the living room where I had stashed a small velvet box. Inside was a beautiful bracelet crafted from carbon fibre, the very material used in the car Charles drove to victory in Monaco. The bracelet was sleek and modern, embodying both elegance and strength—just like him. I couldn't wait to see his reaction.
"I have something special for you," I announced, my voice steady but my heart racing. "It's a little token to remember this day." Charles raised an eyebrow in curiosity, and I took a deep breath, pulling the velvet box from my pocket. "I know how much the Monaco Grand Prix means to you," I started, feeling the warmth of his gaze on me. "So I wanted to give you something that represents that incredible achievement." I opened the box, revealing the bracelet. Charles's eyes widened in surprise as he gently picked it up.
"This is... amazing," he breathed, visibly moved. "Where did you even find this?"
"I had it made from the carbon fibre of the car you won in Monaco," I explained, my heart fluttering at his reaction. "I wanted you to have a piece of that moment with you always." Charles grinned, looking from the bracelet to me with pure admiration.
"You really outdid yourself," he said, slipping the bracelet onto his wrist. "This means more than you know." He pulled me in for a warm embrace, holding me tight. "Thank you, Bronte. You make everything better," he murmured into my hair, making my heart swell with happiness. His expression shifted slightly as he admired the bracelet. "This is... really cool," he said, turning it over in his hands. The carbon fibre shimmered under the lights, a reminder of his win in Monaco.
"Just something to remind you of that amazing day," I added, feeling my heart swell with pride.
"Thanks, Bronte. This means a lot."

After a leisurely morning filled with pancakes and laughter, we prepared for our boat day with friends. I helped him choose a casual yet stylish outfit, opting for a fitted t-shirt and shorts that highlighted his physique. As he got ready, I admired him quietly, feeling a swell of affection. When we arrived, the sun glistened on the water, and the scene was set with a cooler filled with drinks, and a delicious spread of food. The moment we stepped onto the boat, I felt a rush of excitement, the scene was even better than I had envisioned. A vibrant array of blankets and baskets awaited us, with the sound of the waves gently crashing nearby. Friends began to trickle in, greeting Charles with cheers and claps, making him feel celebrated from the moment he arrived. The atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter, and as we all settled down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at the beautiful day I had orchestrated for him. After we enjoyed lunch, swam in the sea, and shared stories under the sun, Charles looked genuinely touched by the effort I put into it. His eyes sparkled with appreciation as he hugged me tightly, whispering,
"You really didn't have to go all out like this."
"But I wanted to," I replied, my heart swelling. "You deserve to be celebrated." As the day rolled on, we played beach games, shared stories, and basked in the laughter of our friends. I caught Charles's eye more than once, and the connection between us deepened with every shared glance.

At one point, I pulled out my phone, scrolling through the photos I snapped throughout the day. The candid shots of Charles laughing with his friends, the moments we shared over lunch, and the beautiful sun casting a golden hue over the boat all flashed across my screen. I decided to share a post for Charles on my Instagram story. I chose a photo Mila took of us earlier on in the year.