I needed to destress from finals week so here's the next chapter! Thank you so much for being patient :))
Enjoy!
*****
April 01, 2025 - Monaco
I don't know what came over me. Work ended earlier today since Adeline talked about a new company policy the UN was trying out. The first day of the month of the next quarter, working hours were to be cut by 25% to allow employees a time off and that began today.
Honestly, I was thankful for the early time out since I could still feel my body aching from all the travelling. I don't know how Charles manages to do that at least twice every month not to mention the change in time zones.
While walking on the way home, I found myself crossing the street by the time I reached my apartment building. It wasn't by the street since it seemed like you had to walk through a small alley before getting there. I noticed it yesterday when I was on my way to work, seeing the black and white sign which wasn't big enough to catch someone's attention but it managed to pull mine. The words The Meeting Grounds were neatly placed above the doorframe, white letters emphasized by the jet black wall. There were no windows that allowed me to peer inside, only a wooden door and a sign saying open on the side.
My mouth parted in awe as I stepped inside, hearing a bit of chatter from the few customers. The place was huge and I could see a second floor from where I was standing by the entrance. Gray stone walls surrounded us complemented by black fixtures with warm lights hanging from the ceiling. The only light seeping in from outside were the few glass windows by the ceiling, high enough that no one else would be able to see inside from that height. The kitchen and coffee station was in the middle of it all, surrounded by booths that were in a u-shaped formation.
What caught me by surprise was the privacy they gave. They took advantage of the walls separating each booth from another, stretching it until the ceiling. It wasn't that high because of the second floor, but if you wanted a coffee shop that gave you the alone time you needed, this was it.
"Hi, how can we help you?" The barista behind the counter smiled, standing in front of the cashier.
I smiled upon noticing that she spoke English and glanced at their menu. "I'll have an iced macchiato and one of your specialty cakes." I ordered and she punched in the order.
"Is there anything else you'd like to add?" She asked and I bit my lip, contemplating if I should follow the thought at the back of my mind. I knew he wasn't busy because we exchanged schedules and all he had today was training this morning.
"Can you add an americano and another slice of the cake?" I requested and she nodded her head before telling me how much everything cost. As I took a seat at an empty table, I couldn't help but question my decision. What was I doing? We've never interacted unless it was about our agreement, so why am I buying him coffee? I played with my fingers, my thumb and index finger brushing against one another as I went through my thought process.
Maybe I just wanted to thank him. It's obvious that he's kept my secret well hidden and with how high profile my past has been, I knew that wasn't easy. Yeah, it's just to say thank you.
Definitely just to thank him.
Yeah, right, a voice in my mind said but I ignored it when the barista called my name. "Have a great day!" She exclaimed as I nodded in thanks, making my way to the door. I cast one more look around the coffee shop, knowing that I'd be back within the week to stay longer.
"Bonjour, Sir Henri." I greeted upon seeing him by the lobby. I met him yesterday when Charles and I arrived back from the airport and he was more than willing to assist us.
"Ah, Mademoiselle Kaplan. How was your day?" He gave me a warm smile, standing up from his seat behind the counter.
"Work ended early, so I guess it's going good." I replied and I saw his eyes moved down to the two cups of coffee I was holding.
"That is for Monsieur Leclerc, yes?" He asked and I nodded my head, curious as to why Sir Henri suddenly sighed out in relief. "Mon dieu! Your timing is impeccable, Mademoiselle. Monsieur did not look well earlier."
I smiled reassuringly, playing the role of the informed girlfriend as Sir Henri rounded the counter and even pressed the doors to the elevator for me. "I'm sure he's just stressed, Sir Henri." I said but I was curious as well as to why he was in a mood.
"Mademoiselle, please call me Henri."
"Only if you call me Nadia." I said and he hesitated. "Enjoy the rest of your day, Sir Henri." I smirked and pressed the button leading to Charles' floor. I watched as Sir Henri shook his head at me, amused, as the doors closed.
The ride was only fast since our building didn't have that much floors to begin with. His apartment was the last one from the right, one of the bigger units in the apartment since when I dropped by a few days ago to grab some documents I misplaced in his luggage. I raised my knuckles to knock on the door, waiting a few seconds before I heard some rustling from the other side. My eyebrows scrunched together when I heard something fall and Charles' voice let out a string of curse words.
He opened the door, hair disheveled and a deep frown on his face. "What?" He asked as soon as his eyes met mine.
I gave him a look and walked forward, not bothering to wait for him to invite me in as I headed straight for his dining room. "My, oh, my. Your PR officer should teach you some manners." I sarcastically said, taking out the coffee I brought as well as the cake. I pulled out a chair and opened one of the boxes that held the cakes, ignoring his figure that was standing in the middle of his apartment unit, hands placed over his hips. "I got you some food, by the way." I said, avoiding his eye as I ate a slice.
"Is this a prank?" He asked, walking closer. I fought the urge to roll my eyes as he pulled out the chair beside mine and eyed the food and coffee. "I never expected you to be the type but with it being April Fool's Day, I wouldn't underestimate you." He nudged the slice of cake and even sniffed it, eyes cautious.
"You're such a child." I said, taking a slice from his cake to show him that it was perfectly safe to eat it.
Charles waited for a few seconds before grabbing a slice and I smirked at him. "You owe me a bite." He grumbled, taking a sip from the coffee and I saw his shoulders visibly relax.
"I bought you coffee. I don't owe you anything." I said. I put down my fork to remove the blazer I was still wearing, tying my hair up into a messy bun. I could feel Charles' eyes on me and I looked up, expecting to see that glazed look in his eyes that would usually lead to an escape for both of us, but I found something else instead.
I could see him analyzing me, eyes moving around my face before following the movement of my hands. I wasn't the type to back down, so when his green eyes met mine, I leaned back against the chair and crossed my arms over my chest. "You want to play this game again?" He smirked, setting down the fork and placing his elbows over the table.
"What game?" I feigned naivety, inclining my head to the side. Charles didn't break eye contact as he stood up, placing both of his hands on the back of my chair. I was officially caged in as I looked up at him, the silver necklace around his neck bumping against the tip of my nose, making me break eye contact.
He chuckled while I glared at him, still in the same position. "I win this time."
"Congratulations." I gave him a toothy grin, so wide that it was obvious it was the opposite of what I felt. In return, he shook his head at me before leaning down and connecting his lips with mine.
One of his hands moved to my cheek before lowering down to the side of my neck, fingers grazing the space beneath my ear. He kept on giving me short and small pecks and I was growing impatient, so I wrapped my fingers around the pendant of his necklace before gently pulling down. Charles smiled against my lips before giving me what I want.
Just like every kiss we've shared, I found myself falling into a space where all I wanted around me was him. I craved for his eyes to see through me. I craved for his voice to be directed at me. I craved for his touch, even the lightest ones, to glide against my skin as he slowly lit a burning path. I pulled away from the kiss, opening my eyes to see his pupils dilated.
For someone who agreed to only have a physical relationship, it's unnerving to feel the emotions going through me right now.
"Hi." He whispered, voice a bit out of breath from all the kissing. It was just one word but I found myself melting at how soft the moment was, definitely one of the rare times where we're like this.
"Hi." I replied and he flashed me a small smile before going back to his seat. I cleared my throat and took a sip of my coffee before speaking up. "Sir Henri tells me you were in a mood earlier."
"Is that what the coffee was for?"
I scoffed and rolled my eyes at him. "I already bought it before he told me." I replied, not realizing that I was setting myself up for another intrusive question on his part.
"Why'd you buy it, then?"
There it is.
I shrugged my shoulders, trying to hide my true intentions as I met his eyes. "Nothing."
Charles only hummed in return before resuming to eat his slice of cake. We were silent for a few minutes as I let my eyes roam around his apartment. His interior had a mix of designs with his living room filled with white walls and gray furniture while his kitchen gave off a more rustic vibe, especially with the black and white painting that hung over his wall. "That was a photograph taken by my friend."
"Hmm."
"It's about some guy he met in Amsterdam. I don't really know the specifics."
"Amsterdam's a good place."
"It's a shame since that's part of the second half of the race calendar."
"Such a shame."
"I saw Rose with a guy today." His words made me turn my face back to him but he was busy admiring the photograph instead. "I keep telling myself that love and fairytale endings don't exist and I thought I'd get through it unfazed."
"I'm guessing there's a few bumps and bruises." I said, trying to lighten his mood and I'm glad it worked.
He let out a small chuckle before he continued eating. "Have you ever felt that way before?" He asked tentatively, as if this was such a sensitive topic.
Maybe for him, but not for me.
I shook my head and smiled shyly when his lips parted open in shock. "I've never really had the time. After college, I went straight to law school then to working as a lawyer after that. Love was just—" I paused, trying to find the right words to say. "It wasn't something I was actively looking for which I think is part of why I haven't encountered it myself."
"But do you believe in love?"
I thought about it for a moment and then I remembered my parents. All the times they spent together, the stories they used to tell me and Esma. Their life was simple, never craving extravagance and luxury. They lived a life that was enough for them because they knew they had each other to go through it. "Sometimes I do." I said, nodding my head. "But I've also witnessed a lot of stuff that has threatened that belief." Charles looked like he was trying to absorb my words and I was slowly getting a headache at how hard he was thinking. I didn't come here to have deep talks and I knew he was craving for some time to just let loose, which is why I found myself making a suggestion that would make Gabby beyond proud.
"What does that look mean?" He asked and I smirked.
"There's a way to show Rose that you're okay— great, as a matter of fact."
He raised his left eyebrow, leaning closer as he grew intrigued. "Am I going to like what you're planning?"
*****
Everyone who lived in Monaco knew who Charles Leclerc was, especially since he's one of the five Monegasques who has gotten the chance to drive in Formula One. With him just walking down the street, someone was bound to notice him even if it was never his intention to do so.
I remember Remi ranting to me yesterday about how he won't be able to attend this public event since he had to take care of some personal stuff. Apparently, a showcase of vintage cars that have been kept behind closed doors for years was being displayed by the casino, open for everyone to see.
Charles refused to let me drive despite me being the one to plan the day. The goal was to act as if we weren't there to be seen together which is why Charles was wearing a cap over his head, low enough that he wouldn't be recognized at first glance, while I had my sunglasses on, hair down. Before leaving, I changed into a black set of lounge linen pants and a bandeu top, wearing a jacket that I borrowed from Charles over it.
"Oh, I've heard about this." He said as we both got out of the car. "I think one of the drivers has his car here."
"Really? Who?" I asked, linking my fingers with his as I glanced around. The cars were absolutely beautiful and there were a lot of people going around and taking pictures.
He lifted his finger and pointed in the direction of the showcase where there were a few people milling around. "Lewis." He said and a few people moved before I saw someone wearing an outfit so stylish I wouldn't expect he was a driver. He looked older than the ones I've already met in the paddock, and Lewis seemed like a driver who held a high position in the industry. "Come on." Charles said with a smile, tugging my hand forward. "I'll introduce you."
As Charles and I walked towards the crowd, I could see people glancing our way, whispering and looking at us with recognition. I smiled when I saw a little boy place his hand over his mouth in excitement and Charles' patted his Ferrari cap and gave him a wink. "That was adorable." I whispered, smiling back at the little kid who was jumping up and down in joy.
"Thanks." He smiled arrogantly and I squeezed his hand tightly, smiling in satisfaction when a grimaced passed through his face.
"I was talking about the little boy. Kindly deflate your already huge ego."
"That's not the only—"
I immediately placed my hand over his mouth and I could feel him vibrating in laughter. "Charles, stop it or else I'm running you over with one of these cars."
"Okay, baby." He said, a bit louder so that the people around us could hear. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer, lips brushing over the side of my head.
"Charles!" Lewis met us halfway, smiling widely at Charles before pulling him into a hug and patting his back. "I didn't know you were coming, mate." He said when they both pulled away.
Charles shrugged before gesturing to me and Lewis' eyes followed. "The missus wanted to surprise me."
"Missus?" Lewis asked, voice laced with a teasing tone. He laughed when I nudged Charles in the ribs with my sharp elbow before I placed my hand out.
"Ignore him." I said, giving him a smile. "I'm Nadia."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lewis." He replied back, glancing between me and Charles. "From what I hear, you're a fierce one."
"More like abusive." Charles muttered, left hand rubbing over his ribs.
"Again, ignore him." I said, waving a hand. "So, which one of these is yours?"
Lewis' lips turned into a smirk before he beckoned for us to follow him. My mouth fell open when he stopped in front one of the most beautiful cars in the showcase. It was so elegant and the brown leather seats just made it even more eye catching. "This is the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. I got it as a gift from Toto after my fifth championship with Mercedes."
"Fifth? How many do you have in total?" I asked and he turned to Charles with a curious look.
"It would've been eighth if it weren't for your boyfriend here." He said and I expected a tone of jealousy but all I saw was respect in his eyes.
"I'm the proud breaker of Lewis' prime years."
"Don't get too cocky, kid. I'm not yet retired." Lewis joked and the two talked more about the cars as I listened in. It was also kind of Lewis to downplay the terms a bit, knowing that I had no background in motorsport and he and Charles would take the time to answer any questions I had.
Lewis stuck by our side the entire time as we roamed around the showcase and Charles grew shy when he noticed one of his previous Formula One cars. "Your first win?" I asked after reading the small description they placed in front of the car.
"Yes, during my first year in Ferrari."
"He's being too humble." Lewis said from Charles' other side, patting him on the back. "It's not every day that someone gets a Ferrari seat just after one year in Formula One."
I gave him an impressed look and Charles bit his lip to keep himself from smiling. "Do you want to get in?" He asked, pointing at the car.
"I don't think we're allowed to." I hesitated, eyeing the security guards that roamed the venue.
"Wait here." Charles moved towards one of the guards, leaving me with Lewis who I gave a small smile.
"He looks better." He said, eyes on Charles.
"Why do you say that?"
"I know he went through some stuff during the end of the previous season and frankly, I knew he and Rose weren't right for each other." Lewis paused after mentioning Charles' ex. "Shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"It's okay." I smiled, lightly bumping his shoulder with mine.
He chuckled and stepped closer, voice low when he spoke. "I don't think Charles is the type to settle for the simple life. With our line of work, we always crave a sense of adventure and I could see it in his eyes that he's happy with you."
I wasn't able to give him a reply in return since Charles came back, a triumphant look on his face. Behind him, I could see one of the guards removing the metal railing that surrounded the side of the car. "Come on, Nova."
He grabbed my hand and helped me get into the car, placing his hands on my hips to help me climb over it. When I got in, I couldn't help but look at the steering wheel in front of me, the vast amount of controls holding words I couldn't understand. Charles leaned over the metal pole that surrounded the space around my head, looking down at me with a smirk.
"I gotta say, this car looks amazing." I said, placing my hands around the steering wheel as I heard him and Lewis share a laugh at my astonishment.
"Red suits you, Nadia." Lewis said and I was about to say thank you when Charles spoke up, eyes shining with an emotion that I couldn't pinpoint.
"Yes, it certainly does."
*****
I'll definitely be updating more after finals week so definitely looking forward to that!!
✧Reese✧