23.Closer to you

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"Sometimes, it's not about the distance between us, but the moments that bring us closer."

It had been weeks since Angelys returned to Rio, and the city's pulse felt like a comforting rhythm she hadn't realized she missed until now

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It had been weeks since Angelys returned to Rio, and the city's pulse felt like a comforting rhythm she hadn't realized she missed until now. The lively streets of her hometown, the familiar scent of the sea breeze, the warmth of the sun—all of it wrapped around her like a reminder of who she was before the world of high fashion and expectations took over.

Franco's absence had been felt, but she had grown in ways she didn't expect, rediscovering parts of herself that had been clouded for too long. The time alone had brought clarity, and she felt, for the first time in ages, at peace.

Her phone buzzed on the table, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen—Franco's name appeared. The distance between them still lingered, but there was something different about this message. He hadn't reached out in days, but now, his words came rushing in.

Franco: "I'm coming to Rio. I need to see you. Please."

Angelys felt a lump form in her throat as she stared at the message. She'd spent so many nights wondering if they could find their way back to each other, and here he was, asking for a chance to try.

Before she could think too much about it, the doorbell rang, breaking her thoughts. Heart racing, she opened the door to find Franco standing in front of her, looking worn and uncertain, but his gaze—his gaze was filled with something she hadn't seen in weeks: longing.

Without a word, he stepped forward, pulling her into an embrace. The weight of his arms around her felt like the homecoming she didn't know she needed. Angelys melted into the hug, the space between them finally closing in a way that felt natural, safe, and needed.

"I don't want to lose you again," Franco whispered, his voice filled with raw emotion, his breath warm against her ear.

Angelys pulled back slightly, her fingers brushing the side of his face, searching his eyes for the sincerity she had once known so well. She saw it—vulnerability, love, regret—and the deep desire to move past the hurt.

"I don't want to lose you either," she replied, her voice thick with emotion. The past weeks had been heavy, but standing here now, with him, she realized how much she had missed him—how much she needed him.

Franco's eyes softened, and he leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that spoke of healing, of finding each other again despite the distance that had grown between them. It was slow, tender, and full of everything they had yet to say to one another.

When they finally pulled apart, Angelys rested her forehead against his. "I'm scared, Franco," she admitted quietly. "But I want to try. I don't want to waste any more time."

Franco's hands cupped her face, his thumb gently brushing away the tear she didn't even realize had fallen. "We don't have to rush. But I'm here. For as long as you need me."

And in that moment, with their hearts beating in sync, Angelys felt the first flicker of hope. They weren't perfect, but they were real—and that was more than enough.

———

Franco pulled back slightly, still holding her close, his gaze filled with quiet intensity. The moment between them felt fragile, but the kind of fragility that felt like it could bloom into something beautiful. He hadn't let go of her, his hands resting on her shoulders, as if anchoring her to the present.

"Angelys," he began, his voice steady but laced with a hint of hope. "I want you to come to my next race."

Her heart skipped a beat at the unexpected request. They had talked about their careers before, about the pressure and the highs and lows, but this was different. There was no pretense, no obligation—just a simple invitation from someone who wanted her by his side.

Her brow furrowed slightly, uncertainty creeping in. "Franco... you know I've been staying out of the spotlight, right? And races... they're so public. I'm not sure—"

He cut her off gently, his hands moving to frame her face. "I know. I know it's not easy, but I want you there. Not as some model or a symbol for anyone else, but as you. I want you with me. It's just... it's just a race, Angelys, but having you there will make all the difference."

His sincerity washed over her like a wave, and she felt a warmth spread in her chest. This wasn't just about the race—it was about them, about rebuilding their trust and their connection. She had been unsure of many things, but this felt right.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for the chaos," she admitted, her fingers nervously tracing his jacket. "I've been so focused on stepping away from all of it, from everything that made me feel like I was losing myself..."

Franco's eyes softened, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "I understand. You don't have to be a part of that world unless you want to be. I want you there for us. Not for anyone else, just for us."

Angelys hesitated for a moment longer, the quiet hum of the city outside almost like a soundtrack to the moment. She thought about it—really thought about it. She had been staying away from the racing world, trying to distance herself from everything that was wrapped in glamour and expectations, but here Franco was, asking for her to be a part of something so deeply personal to him. Something real.

Slowly, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Okay," she said softly, but with conviction. "I'll go. For us."

Franco's expression broke into a genuine grin, his eyes lighting up with warmth and gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered, pulling her into another kiss, this one filled with all the promises of things to come. "I can't wait to have you there with me."

Angelys pulled back, her hand resting on his chest, feeling his heartbeat in sync with hers. "Just don't expect me to be your lucky charm," she teased, her smile playful.

Franco chuckled, his thumb grazing her bottom lip. "You already are, whether you believe it or not."

As the tension of the past weeks slowly dissolved between them, Angelys felt something else shift—something stronger than just attraction or desire. It was the beginning of rebuilding, of trusting again, and knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.

"Then, I guess I'll see you at the race," she said, her voice steady now.

He nodded, kissing her once more. "I'll be counting the days."

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