Racing Hearts : VOLUME 2

Chapter 15: Play Dough Promises

Mark and Charles were at Charles' house, babysitting his toddler nephew, Melvin (friend's son). The room was filled with scattered toys and mini cars, with Melvin's excited giggles filling the air. Mark was on the floor, playfully racing toy cars with Melvin, while Charles watched from the couch, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

Mark was a natural, easily bonding with the toddler, and Charles couldn't help but admire him. But as he observed them, his mind drifted to thoughts of his future. A quiet longing stirred within him—thoughts about family, relationships, kids and what the years ahead might hold.

Suddenly, Melvin held up two rings made out of play dough, grinning ear to ear. "Here!" the toddler exclaimed. "You have to wear these. You're married now!" He placed one ring on Mark's finger and the other on Charles', his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yay, I have two cool uncles now!"

Mark and Charles shared a glance, their expressions a mix of amusement and surprise. They played along, laughing at Melvin's innocent imagination. Once Melvin grew sleepy, Mark carefully carried him to bed, tucking him in with a gentle smile.

Returning to the living room, Charles couldn't resist teasing. "You know, Mark, you'd make a great mom someday," he said with a mischievous smirk.

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Mom? Really?"

"Yeah," Charles continued, eyes twinkling. "But let's get one thing straight—between the two of us, I'm definitely the daddy here."

Mark snorted, shaking his head with a grin. "Oh, please."

As they continued bantering, the playful atmosphere slowly shifted. Charles edged closer, the air between them thickening with unspoken tension. Their flirtations became more charged—light touches, lingering eye contact. The space between them on the couch narrowed until they were inches apart.

Suddenly, Mark's foot slipped on one of Melvin's toy cars, sending him tumbling forward and onto Charles. They landed on the couch in a heap, with Mark on top, their faces barely inches apart.

Charles smirked up at him, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Well, this is one way to fall for me."

Mark rolled his eyes, trying to keep up the tough act despite the flush creeping up his neck. "You wish," he shot back, though the words came out softer than intended.

Before they could process the moment, Lorenzo walked in, catching them in the compromising position. Without missing a beat, he smirked. "There's a thing called a door lock, you know. Use it next time you're having your little makeout sesh."

Mark quickly rolled off Charles, both of them bursting into laughter at Lorenzo's nonchalant comment. It wasn't the first time Lorenzo had found them invading each other's personal space, and it probably wouldn't be the last.

Later, as they said their goodbyes, Melvin woke up and tugged on Mark's sleeve. "Can you keep the ring, Uncle Mark?" the little boy asked with wide, sleepy eyes.

Mark smiled warmly, tousling the toddler's hair. "Of course, buddy. I'll keep it forever."

A Week Later...

Mark had been wearing the play dough ring to nearly every event since. Paparazzi and fans alike had noticed the unusual accessory, and soon enough, the internet was abuzz with theories. Was it a designer piece? Some exclusive, ultra-expensive creation?

During a live interview, Mark was finally asked about the mysterious ring. Smiling sheepishly, he lifted his hand and showed off the ring. "This? Oh, it's not what you think," he began. "It's actually made of play dough. My little nephew made it for me, and I just modified it a bit to keep it safe."

As expected, social media exploded with reactions.

Instagram Comments:

@racingfreak89: "Wait, what?! A play dough ring?! That's the cutest thing ever 🥺"

@charlesxmarkshipper: "So Mark's been wearing a ring from Charles' nephew all this time? Are we sensing some future wedding vibes here 👀"

@luxurywatcher: "Forget the price tag! It's all about sentiment 😍"
Twitter Tweets:

@F1News_Feed: "Mark Spencer reveals the secret behind his famous ring—it's a gift from Charles Leclerc's nephew, made out of PLAY DOUGH 🥹 #MarkLeclerc #UncleMark"

@random_F1Fan: "Everyone thought it was designer, but nope, just Mark being adorable with a toddler-made ring 💍 #TooWholesome"

@RB_RaceNation: "Imagine wearing a play dough ring to every event like it's the crown jewels 😂 Gotta love him."
TikTok Clips:

TikTok Video: "Mark Spencer just casually telling the world he's been wearing a play dough ring this whole time 💍 #MarkLeclerc #F1Family #Adorable"

Comments on the video:

@kennedy_luvsF1: "He's literally too pure for this world 😭💞"

@chaoticF1_fan: "Charles' nephew is making rings now, huh? Talk about securing the deal 👀"

As the buzz continued, Mark just laughed it off, secretly cherishing the small, symbolic gesture—a reminder of the connections he had built, not only with Charles but with the people closest to him.

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