40.Full circle

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"The only thing more important than finding where you belong, is realizing that you have the power to create it wherever you are."

The final race of the season was always an emotional one, marking the end of a year filled with triumphs, losses, and endless hours of effort

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The final race of the season was always an emotional one, marking the end of a year filled with triumphs, losses, and endless hours of effort. This year, it felt even more significant for Angelys. Not because of the glamour or the noise of the crowd, but because of everything she had discovered along the way—about herself, about love, and about the life she wanted to build beyond the camera flashes.

The race had just finished, and Franco had secured a podium finish. The team was celebrating, but Angelys felt a quiet calm settle over her. It wasn't the roar of the crowd or the rush of the victory that filled her—it was the understanding that this chapter of her life, her career, was coming to a close.

But not in the way she had once feared.

She had let go of the world of modeling and found a new creative outlet. Through her collaboration with Quadrant, she had shaped a collection that was more than just clothing—it was a piece of herself. Art, fashion, racing—her worlds were no longer separate, but intertwined in ways that felt right.

Koda, her ever-present companion, bounded up to her with a joyful bark, bringing a smile to her face. Franco appeared beside her, his eyes soft with admiration.

"I think this might be the best race of my career," Franco said, his voice low, his expression tender. "But it's not just because of the podium."

Angelys looked at him, the weight of his words sinking in. "What do you mean?"

Franco took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "It's because I have you by my side. I'm proud of you. For everything you've achieved, for who you've become."

The words landed like a gentle weight on her heart, comforting and warm. They had shared so much over the past few years, and now, she realized, they had reached a place of true understanding.

"I don't think I could've done this without you," she admitted, her voice soft. "You gave me the space to explore, to grow. You were always there when I needed someone to ground me."

Franco's smile was warm, and he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You've always been more than enough, Angelys. You've always had everything you needed inside of you. I'm just grateful to have been part of this journey."

They stood there for a moment, together, taking in the view of the paddock as the celebrations continued around them. There was no need for grand gestures or extravagant displays. This, right here, was enough.

Angelys' journey had been one of rediscovery—of letting go of what no longer served her and embracing the unknown with open arms. She had found a new passion, a new purpose, and through it all, she had found herself again. And she had found a love that was deep, unwavering, and real.

The days ahead were unknown, but she no longer feared them. Because now, she knew how to navigate life on her terms, with the people she loved by her side.

And with that, the final race had become a full-circle moment, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.

———

The lights of the paddock flickered as the crowd began to thin, signaling the end of the day. Despite the hustle and bustle of the post-race celebrations, Angelys and Franco found a quiet corner near the track, where the sound of the cars still echoed in the distance, but the madness of the world seemed far away.

Angelys sat on a low wall, her legs crossed as she watched the people around her. The noise of laughter and the clinking of glasses were muffled by the overwhelming sense of calm that had settled over her. It felt surreal, knowing this chapter of her life was truly coming to a close.

"Franco," she said softly, her gaze lingering on the distant horizon, "do you ever think about how much has changed?"

Franco sat beside her, his elbow resting on his knee as he leaned in, listening intently. "Every day. It's hard not to. We've been through so much, you and I. It's crazy to think back to when we first met. The way we were back then feels like another lifetime."

Angelys nodded, her heart stirring with memories of that time—the rush of excitement, the fear of stepping into a world that felt so foreign. But it hadn't been just the fear that had defined her journey; it had been the courage to embrace change, to embrace the unknown.

"I used to think I had it all figured out," she admitted, her voice soft. "That modeling was the path for me. That it was everything I could ever want. But then... I lost sight of who I was. It took me a long time to find her again. To realize that it wasn't just the lights and cameras that mattered—it was what was happening behind the scenes, in the quiet moments, in the spaces where I felt truly seen and heard."

Franco's eyes softened as he reached over, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "You've always been more than what the world sees, Angelys. You just had to find a way to remind yourself of that."

She smiled at him, the weight of his words grounding her in a way she hadn't expected. For so long, she had chased after validation, after something that would fill the emptiness she felt inside. But now, she had found something that truly fulfilled her: herself.

"And what about you?" Angelys asked, turning her attention to Franco, her eyes searching his. "What's next for you?"

He laughed, a soft, self-deprecating chuckle. "I'm still figuring it out. But I've learned that I don't have to have all the answers. I don't need to constantly prove myself. What matters now is being happy. Being at peace with where I am."

Angelys nodded, understanding that completely. They had both been running for so long, striving for perfection, for success. But now, they had come to understand the value of slowing down, of cherishing what they had built together, and most importantly, of living life on their own terms.

As the last of the crowd dispersed, Angelys stood up and stretched, feeling the burn in her muscles from the excitement of the race. Koda, who had been lying at her feet, now stood, wagging his tail with excitement. He had been a constant source of joy in her life—his playful energy and loyal companionship always reminding her of the importance of finding joy in the simplest things.

"Ready for one more walk?" she asked, her smile wide as she bent down to grab his leash.

Franco stood too, looking at her with a mixture of affection and amusement. "You're going to walk Koda after all that?"

She grinned. "He deserves it. Plus, I think I could use the walk to clear my head."

Franco shrugged, grinning back at her. "Alright, but only because you've convinced me. Let's go."

As they walked side by side, Koda leading the way with boundless energy, Angelys felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This was the life she had wanted all along—not the glamour, not the spotlight, but the peace that came with knowing who she truly was.

And as she glanced at Franco, feeling his hand gently brush against hers, she knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together. Their story wasn't over—it had only just begun.

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