everything has changed ➺ charles leclerc

twenty-five - angeli

"Why don't you ask Mick? He's right next to you," my mum suggests, a smile on her face as she guides my hand to show Mick the phone screen.

"That would be great! Although I don't think I can join you, I still have to do my job," Mick replies happily. "I can let my mum and Gina know you'd like to come if you want? I'm sure they'll be more than happy to spend some time with you."

"Hey! I'm coming too," my mum chimes in, pointing a finger at Mick, who laughs along with her.

"Of course," Mick chuckles. "Mum is going to be so glad you guys are coming." He reaches for his phone and starts composing a message to Aunt Corinna.

"I'll be back, mon amour. I just need to speak to your doctors for a bit," my mum says, planting a tender kiss on my forehead. I nod in acknowledgment as she walks out of the room and into the hallway. I'm about to turn to Mick and ask him to get me water when I notice Charles standing at the hospital door, looking at me with a hint of shyness.

"Mick," I whisper, pulling him away from his phone. He follows my gaze and locks eyes with Charles.

"Can I talk to Angeli?" Charles asks nervously, his gaze fixed on Mick. Mick looks at me for approval, and though reluctant, I nod.

"I'll let you guys talk," Mick says, rising from his spot next to me on the bed. "Just text me if you need anything." He smiles kindly at me as I nod.

Mick closes the door behind him as he exits my room, leaving me alone with Charles, who takes a seat on the sofa next to my bed.

"Why are you here, Charles?" I rasp, ignoring the pain in my throat. Charles looks at me nervously, refusing to make eye contact.

"I- uh," he stammers, scratching the back of his neck. "I just wanted to see if you were okay." He finally breathes out, mustering the courage to meet my eyes. His hazel gaze pierces my own, and I can sense a mixture of regret and longing within them.

I maintain my gaze, trying to read Charles' intentions. The memories of our strained relationship come flooding back, the hurt and betrayal still fresh in my mind. But seeing him in front of me, his vulnerability on display, stirs conflicting emotions within me.

"Why are you really here, Charles?" I press, my voice tinged with a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "Is it just out of guilt or pity? Because I don't need either." The pain in my throat intensifies, a reminder of the physical toll the recent events have taken on me.

Charles winces at my words, his gaze dropping to the floor. "No, Angeli, it's not that," he replies softly. "I know I hurt you, and I understand if you don't want to see me or hear me out. But I couldn't bear the thought of you going through this alone, especially knowing it was my driver's room where you were found unconscious."

I clench my fists under the covers, feeling a surge of anger and pain resurface. "You made your choice, Charles," I say, my voice trembling. "You chose Grace over me. And now, when I need support, you suddenly show up, expecting everything to be okay?"

Charles's eyes well up with tears, and he reaches out a hand toward me, but I flinch away. "Ange, I made a mistake," he pleads. "I was confused and scared, and I made the wrong decision. But it's only made me realize how much I truly care about you."

"Don't call me that." I angrily spit upon hearing the nickname.

"Why do you think you can just waltz in here whenever you want and expect everything to be okay?" I rasp, my voice strained with pain. Each word feels like a stab in my throat, but I can't hold back my frustration and hurt. "You made your choice, Charles, and now you have to live with the consequences."