Racing Hearts : VOLUME 2

Holiday Special 🎄💖🌟

☆ Christmas in Monaco ☆

A/N : MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mark Spencer had always enjoyed spending Christmas with the Leclerc family, even if it wasn't his own. His parents, Alessandro and Isabella, were always wrapped up in business commitments, leaving him with an unusual sense of freedom during the holidays. And so, he found himself once again on the French Riviera, tucked away in the warmth and comfort of the Leclerc family villa in Monaco. The Leclercs had long become like a second family to him.

The moment Mark entered the house, the air was filled with the sweet, comforting scent of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies. Pascale was busy in the kitchen, her gentle humming filling the space as she prepared the final touches for the family's Christmas feast. Mark's heart warmed at the sight of her—it was hard not to feel at home in such a welcoming place.

"Mark, dear, would you mind grabbing the chocolate chips?" Pascale asked, her hands flour-dusted as she worked on the dough.

Mark grinned, pulling a large bowl of chocolate chips from the cupboard. "I'm on it," he said, only for a few chips to spill onto the counter as he fumbled with the bowl. He didn't mind the mess—it was part of the fun.

Pascale chuckled softly. "You know, Mark, you're welcome to call me Pascale. No need to be so formal."

Mark looked over his shoulder, pretending to look serious. "Of course, Mrs. Leclerc... uh, I mean, Pascale, Ma'am."

Pascale let out a small laugh, the kind of laugh that made anyone feel at ease. "You really do have a knack for making me smile, don't you?"

He shrugged, still grinning. "It's my secret weapon."

As he continued his clumsy task, flour got everywhere—his hands, the counter, even his sweater, which was an obnoxiously festive red with snowflakes on it. It was a gift from Arthur, who had insisted it would be the perfect addition to Mark's holiday wardrobe. Mark would never admit it aloud, but he liked it, even if it made him look a little ridiculous.

The moment he tried to scoop more chocolate chips into the bowl, he slipped on one that had rolled off the counter. The bowl went flying, spilling flour everywhere.

"Whoops!" Mark exclaimed, his voice high-pitched with embarrassment. He stood up, covered head to toe in white powder. A sneeze wracked his body, making him cough.

Pascale doubled over, her laughter ringing through the kitchen. "Oh, dear. You've certainly made a mess now, haven't you?"

"I'm so sorry," Mark mumbled, attempting to brush some of the flour from his face.

Pascale tried to regain her composure, but the sight of him looking like a snowman had her laughing even harder. "It's alright, darling. Just be more careful, next time."

Mark gave a sheepish grin and wiped his nose. "Not my finest moment."

Charles, who had been lounging in the living room, glanced up from his iPad when he heard the laughter. His eyes briefly met Mark's, and for a moment, there was something in his gaze—something that Mark couldn't quite place. He turned his attention back to the book he was reading, but his mind wandered back to Mark.

Arthur, sitting on the couch next to his brother, raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You've been stuck on Chapter 34 for months now. Just admit it already," he said, his voice low enough that only Charles could hear.