Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 52

"Nova—" Charles started but I shook my head at him, squeezing his knee underneath the table.

"Keep in mind that I'm not making it public because of him. This is for my sake. I don't want my trauma to be front page news, spread all over the Internet for everyone to scrutinize."

"We can request for a closed court hearing." Imara added and I nodded my head, having had a few experiences in those.

My eyes met Ivy's and she avoided my gaze. "If you want to save Ferrari's reputation with this, I suggest cutting all ties with Manuele Moretti. If not, be prepared for a media onslaught because although the hearings will be held in private, criminal charges can be accessed publicly."

As the meeting ended, I escorted Imara out of the paddock since she still had a flight to catch. I was thankful she managed to get away from work this long, but even I know she can't stay any longer. Charles stayed behind at the motorhome to have a short conversation with Nicolas. When the two of them saw me by the motorhome entrance, Nicolas patted him on the back, giving me a sad smile as he passed by me.

"I'm not happy." Charles said when I stopped in front of him. I rolled my eyes and grabbed his face, meeting his lips with mine. His hands instinctively moved to my waist as he pulled me closer, my head slightly moving to the side to deepen the kiss. I pulled out after a few seconds, not really interested in giving the entire paddock a show. "I'm still not happy." Charles said when he opened his eyes, but the small smile on his face said otherwise.

"I'm glad you're using your communication skills." I teased, yelping when he pinched my sides. At the furrow that had formed on his eyebrows, I lifted my finger to the crease in between his eyes, pressing on it so that he'd relax. "You know I love you, right?"

"Yes. Kindly say that again because you've only told me that twice today." I pushed his chest, making a move to step back, but he held my waist tighter. "I love you, too."

I gave him a peck on the lips. "I love you," I said once again as I smirked at him and he bit his lower lip to keep himself from smiling. "But you should know better that I'm willing to fight for you just as much as you're willing to fight for me."

"Nova." He groaned, pressing his forehead against mine as I let my fingers linger by his jaw.

"I know that you'd leave Ferrari in a heartbeat," I began and my thoughts were confirmed when he didn't even flinch. "But I will never let you do that. This is your life."

Charles shook his head and pulled away, bright green eyes shining with so much emotion. "You are my life. Everything else comes second when it comes to you." He moved his hands to my arms as he continued to soothe me. "You are your own person as well which is why I'm not pushing you to do anything you don't want to. This is your choice and I'll be right beside you through all of it."

"I sense a but coming."

"But if things go too far, I will step in. No matter the cost."

*****

October 16, 2025 - Mexico

"Lord Perceval!" Carlos shouted as soon as he caught sight of Charles in the paddock. The Spanish driver soon ran towards him and ruffled his hair as Charles sent him a scowl.

"Mate, stop!" Charles squirmed, fixing his hair as Carlos laughed at him. "I thought birthdays were supposed to free me from all the torture and teasing."

"Stop being a drama queen." I said, intertwining my hand with his once again. Charles glared at me as if to prove a point and I rolled my eyes in return. "That rule doesn't apply to me."