𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐗𝐕𝐈

The 16th april - Monte carlo

The dressing room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of clothes as Milaine pulled on her tennis skirt and adjusted the hem. Her eyes flicked to the clock above the door. Thirty minutes to go. This wasn't just a regular match, though—it was a charity game. Light-hearted. Fun. Low stakes.

Her coach, Willem, leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he watched her stretch out her right shoulder. He gave her a pointed look.

«Remember what we talked about, Milaine. Don't push yourself too hard. This isn't about winning, it's about not getting hurt.»

Milaine sighed, rolling her shoulder experimentally. «I know, I know. No diving for impossible shots, no overextending. It's just for fun.»

Willem's eyes narrowed. «I mean it. You've come too far to risk anything after that shoulder injury. Play smart, not hard.»

Omar, her physical trainer, sat on the bench next to her, nodding in agreement. «You've done all the work to get back in shape. Let's not undo it in one afternoon.»

She rolled her eyes , and chose to stay silent , as other things were occupying her mind.. She had once again took the first step to reach out to her mother after what happened in Mclaren start of the season party , Milaine didn't want to reach out first because she's was too the one at fault .. Yet her mother was a very stubborn woman , Mountains could fall before Lucie bends down and apologizes even when she had made a mistake ..

So Milaine , after some talking sessions with Max , who she could relate to in unhealthy relationships with parents.. She decided to be the bigger person and invite her family to the charity game .. That and the fact that she missed her little brother .. and she knew she wouldn't be able to see him without her mom's approval..

Milaine looked at Viv and asked , andiety filling her eyes «Are they here yet?»

Her manager, Viv, smiled an apologetic smile as she scrolled through her phone, clearly doing the work she could never stop doing «I don't know.. But they should be in the stands by now.»

«if she decided to show up-»

Before Milaine could finish her sentence , a sharp knock sounded at the door. She glanced toward it, eyebrows lifting «That's probably Carlos..» she muttered, referencing her partner for the mixed doubles match.

Viv set her phone down and stood, striding to the door. «I'll get it.»

She opened it, ready to greet the young Spaniard, but paused, her expression shifting to surprise. Instead of Carlos Alcaraz, Lando Norris stood in the hallway, looking distinctly out of place in casual clothes, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. He raised his hand in a half-wave, his eyes flicking briefly to Viv before darting behind her to catch sight of Milaine.

«Uh, hi.» he said awkwardly.

Viv's surprise morphed into a knowing smirk. She stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. «Oh hello, Come in.»

«Thanks» he said, holding out a hand. «I'm Lando. Lando Norris.»

Viv took his hand, her smirk widening. «I know who you are. Everyone knows who you are.» She turned slightly, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she glanced at Milaine. «But I didn't know you two were friends.»

«Acquaintances..» Milaine corrected quickly, standing up.

«Friends..» Lando said at the same time, then looked at the tennis professional with an almost betrayed look ..

Milaine cleared her throat and corrected herself once again .. «Yeah we're friends»

Lando nodded in satisfaction, and looked back at Viv with a shy smile ..