Enemies to lovers // C. Leclerc x C. Sainz

Chapter 6: The Diagnosis

{{[SAME POV JUST SAYING. AFTER CHAP 6 AND 7 IS A DIFFERENT POV!!]}}

The aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix lingered in the air like a storm cloud. My face throbbed with pain, and every breath sent a sharp ache through my nose. The frustration of the race, the confrontation with Max, and the punch that followed had all taken their toll. Carlos had insisted on taking me to the hospital, and I was too drained to argue. The car ride was quiet, the tension from the day's events hanging heavy between us. I was grateful for Carlos's presence, his calm demeanour helping to steady my frayed nerves. At the hospital, the staff quickly took me in for examination. Carlos stayed by my side, offering support and reassurance. The doctor, a middle-aged man with a kind face, carefully examined my nose, his touch gentle but precise.

"Your nose is definitely broken," the doctor said, his voice steady. "We'll need to set it and make sure there's no further damage."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and dread. "Alright. Let's get it over with."

Carlos gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're in good hands, Charles. Just hang in there."

The doctor worked quickly, explaining each step as he went. The pain was sharp, but I gritted my teeth and bore it, focusing on Carlos's steady presence beside me. When it was done, the doctor gave me instructions on how to care for my injuries and prescribed some pain medication.

"You'll need to take it easy for a while," the doctor advised. "And make sure to follow up with your team doctor to ensure everything heals properly."

"Thank you," I said, my voice muffled by the bandages on my nose. "I'll make sure to do that."

As we left the hospital, the weight of the day's events began to settle on me. The confrontation with Max, the public display of anger, the broken nose—it was all overwhelming. But Carlos was right. I needed to find a way to control my emotions and focus on what truly mattered. Carlos drove us back to the hotel, the ride silent but comfortable. When we arrived, he walked me to my room, making sure I had everything I needed. "Get some rest, Charles," he said gently. "We'll talk more tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling the exhaustion pulling at me. "Goodnight, Carlos. And thanks again."

He smiled, a warm and supportive expression. "Anytime. Take care."

As I lay in bed that night, the events of the day replayed in my mind. The confrontation with Max, the punch, the unexpected calm that Carlos had brought—it was all too much to process. But one thing was clear: I needed to find a way to control my emotions and focus on what truly mattered. The road ahead was challenging, but with determination and resilience, I knew I could face it. The game had changed, but I was still in it to win. And with Carlos by my side, I knew I could overcome any obstacle.