Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 65 | Happier Than Ever

October 6, 2023
Aria POV

As I pulled away from the airport after watching Charles disappear into the private area of the terminal, I already missed him. Our goodbye kiss lingered on my lips as I merged onto the highway, setting my GPS back for Monaco. It felt strange not to be by his side for the next race, but I knew he'd be busy with his team, focusing on the competition. Besides, I had a little surprise in mind and needed some time to plan.

I took a deep breath, feeling the freedom and quiet of my own company for a few days. Charles's birthday was coming up soon, and I wanted it to be unforgettable. I'd been mentally mapping out ideas, and now, without him here to peek over my shoulder, I could start bringing everything together. 

I made a mental checklist of all the shops I wanted to visit in Monaco today. There was the little antique store by the waterfront where I'd seen a vintage ring that reminded me of Charles, and a few other boutiques with gifts that I knew would suit his style. Then there was an artisanal chocolatier that I knew he'd appreciate...one of his guilty pleasures, which always made him smile.

Pulling into the city, I found myself replaying the look on his face this morning. He'd seemed so carefree, and it struck me just how much he'd grown over the past year. I wanted his birthday to reflect how proud I was of him and to show him just how much he meant to me. Maybe even a quiet weekend getaway together, a break from the intensity of his the final few races left for the season. I could almost picture us tucked away somewhere surrounded by snow, Charles' favorite.

With a smile, I parked and started my shopping. First stop, the vintage store. After browsing for a bit, I found the ring I'd spotted before, its dark metal and silver etching was timeless. I knew it was perfect. I could imagine him wearing it in addition to the few other rings he wore.

After finalizing the details, I left the store with a pep in my step. It was such a satisfying feeling to put together something meaningful, something I knew would make him smile. Next, I stopped by the chocolatier. Inside, the smell was intoxicating and I had to control myself not to buy the entire shop.I carefully picked out a few flavors I knew he'd love, imagining us fighting over every last piece.

My final stop was something I wanted to get for the both of us. The moment I stepped into APM Monaco, a wave of nostalgia hit me. It felt strange to be back here, but in the best way. This place held more meaning than just a brand partnership for me...it was, unintentionally, where Charles and I had first crossed paths last year, without even knowing it. Back then, he'd just been another handsome face in the crowd, and I'd been focused on the event, only half aware of the people around me. Funny how life works, I thought with a small smile.

I was greeted warmly by the saleswoman, who recognized me from past events, and after a bit of friendly chatter, I mentioned I was looking for something special...a matching bracelet set. The saleswoman laid out a few options. I looked down at the sets, running my fingers over each bracelet thoughtfully. I was searching for something that felt like us, something meaningful but understated, a piece he'd feel comfortable wearing both on race weekends and in quiet moments back home.

There were delicate chains with sleek, minimalist designs, some in silver, others in gold, and a few with subtle engravings that felt perfect for the occasion. The saleswoman watched my reactions, picking up on my preferences, and gently pointed out the details of each bracelet. 

"This one here is reversible, with black onyx on one side and a brushed silver on the other...a bit more versatile. There's even an engraving on the inside," she noted, smiling.

I picked it up and imagined Charles and I wearing it. Turning it to the inside, my heart clenched reading the inscription, 'With You Until The End of Time'. My heart fluttered at the thought, realizing that something as simple as a bracelet could carry so much meaning.