Here's the double update :)

Enjoy!

*****

The news of what happened at the parking lot was all everyone could talk about last night. One of the paparazzi had caught everything on video and for the first time in weeks, the hate was not on me. People were talking about it and even a few of my celebrity friends had spoken up on the harassment we face from the paparazzi. There was also talk about security on the circuit and I'm sure Milo would've had a word with them as soon as we left yesterday. A video of him writing down the photographer's name and contact details was also seen but I don't know where those are because he hasn't given them to me.

The on-call doctors at the medical center cleaned up the scratches on my foot and gave me some medicine for the pain on my leg. It was swollen and a few more bruises had reached the surface but they were a lighter shade compared to the two lines on either side of my leg that had grown darker overnight. I had to wear a bandage over it to compress the swollen area but you could still see some of the small bruises. Because of this, I had to wear a pair of black shorts and sandals since wearing covered shoes and pants would make it more difficult. I wore a simple white shirt and a red leather jacket that I had Olivia buy from Ferrari Style.

"Are you sure you still want to watch the race? I wouldn't get mad if you chose to stay in." Charles said as he walked out of the bathroom, running a towel over his hair.

"I'm not missing the race just because of a stupid paparazzi, Leclerc." I said and I saw him smile at my tone. I was silent most of the time yesterday because I couldn't believe that I would be on the receiving end of the harassment I've been hearing so much of for the past few years. I had a very long phone call with my parents last night and Charles had to reassure them I was fine and that they didn't need to fly here just to check on me.

"Okay but before we leave, there's something I need to run by you." He returned the towel to the bathroom before sitting down beside me on the bed, phone in his hand. He opened his Instagram as I leaned on him, my chin placed over his shoulder as his other hand found mine. Charles opened a draft that he had made, showing a track photo of him yesterday during qualifying before showing me the caption.

Posting this late because the past 24 hours have been something.

I am not someone who actively posts about my personal life but when it comes to the important people in it, I will not be quiet. I'm sure everyone has seen what happened yesterday and I thank the fans who have been nothing but thoughtful in sharing their concerns for Valentine. The harassment she has experienced yesterday on top of all the stories and rumors that have been said for the past few weeks are things that I cannot ignore anymore.

I never cheated on Chiara Bonnet. She cheated on me. My relationship with Chiara ended after Abu Dhabi last year, but she entered into an agreement without my consent to continue acting as my girlfriend in the eyes of the public. For privacy purposes, I will not be mentioning anything about the agreement but do know that I was never unfaithful in our entire relationship, unlike her. Next time, consider the fact that there are two sides in every story and you may be believing the wrong one.

Valentine is not a home wrecker. She and I met during a time in my life where I was falling apart and she stood by me through everything. I cannot and will not tolerate the kind of hate she receives. So if you are a supporter of mine who still chooses to believe the lies that have been put out, go ahead. Kindly support another driver.

We've got P1 today. Time to finish the job.

"What does Ferrari have to say about this?" I asked after reading the caption, mouth parted in shock.

Charles shrugged before saying, "They're alright with it because the statement puts everything to rest. I had a call with Mattia yesterday and he told me to tell you that he moved a sofa into the lounge so that you were comfortable while watching the race."

I smiled, glad that his team principal wasn't one for big scandals and issues. Charles posted the photo with the caption before we left our hotel room, giving me a reassuring smile.

While on our way to the track, I held Charles' hand the entire time. I knew he was still mad from yesterday's events, but showing his anger outside would only make things worse and people would talk more. We arrived at the parking lot and I'm thankful that I could see more security guards in the area and only the reporters and photographers who have been following the season were allowed on the premises. Milo told me they had to present a verified ID for them to be allowed near the paddock.

"I'm dreading the press conference." Charles sighed as he took off his seatbelt before turning his head towards me.

"Just do what you do." I said, left hand cupping his cheek and he leaned into my touch.

"Smile awkwardly and hope they're satisfied with my answer?"

I laughed as Charles moved closer to place a kiss on my forehead, leaning his against mine afterwards. "Exactly." I smiled, closing my eyes when he lightly nudged my nose with his.

"Can we just stay here for five more minutes?" Charles asked when I felt him wrap an arm around my waist, my head moving to lean on his shoulder.

"Five minutes and then we go in. I don't want Andrea going crazy because you didn't arrive on time."

"On time is already late for him. I have to arrive at least a minute before the agreed time according to his standards." Charles complained and I laughed, having witnessed how Andrea told him off during a phone call we were having.

I pulled away with a goofy smile on my face. "We better go then." Charles shook his head and pulled me back, cheek leaning against my head.

"I can endure a few minutes of Andrea complaining in Italian."

I let Charles have his wish and closed my eyes as we both basked in the silence. Ever since word of our relationship came out, we haven't had that much time to just be a couple with no worries floating above our heads. The last few times I've felt like this with him were during the few days in Milan where only our closest friends were aware of our relationship. I remember the nights where we'd both just lie down in bed and hang out in my hotel room after having an eventful day because of fashion week.

Now that Charles has spoken out, I only hope that the number of hate comments will lessen and we'd get the chance to just be us— Charles and Valentine.

I made sure we only stayed here for five minutes because I still want to remain on Andrea's good side. Charles got out of the car and moved over to my side, opening the door and giving me a hand to get out. I could still walk on my own, but the doctor recommended to not strain my leg as much so that it wouldn't be painful for the muscle that was currently bruised. I saw Charles smile as his eyes moved to my jacket knowing that I was wearing Ferrari clothes once again.

"Drop that smile, Leclerc." I said as he grabbed the sunglasses that were hanging on my shirt and placed it over my eyes, doing the same with his own afterwards.

"You should wear red more often, Bellerose." He smirked and if he wasn't wearing sunglasses, I'd be on the receiving end of his wink once again. He grabbed my hand and we began walking a pace slower than usual. Charles kept on glancing at my bandaged leg and when we were halfway to the entrance, he stopped. The few fans who were waiting by the entrance noticed us and waved their hands, Charles smiling in return before focusing on me. "I don't want you to worsen the pain."

My eyebrows furrowed at him as I pointed at the paddock. "It's only a few meters. I can survive."

Charles bit his lip and I could almost hear the gears turning in his head. He removed the paddock pass that he was wearing, giving me the lanyard before standing in front of me and crouching. "Come on."

"What?"

"Bellerose, we've done this before." He said, tapping his back. "Andrea's probably fuming by now."

"Don't you dare blame me for your tardiness or else I'll throw you under the bus." I said, pinching his side before moving the strap of my bag to my other shoulder so that I wouldn't have to hold on to it. I placed my arms over Charles' shoulders, right leg moving to his right side. He gently held on my thigh before counting to three and I jumped, other thigh wrapping around his waist.

"If you love me, you wouldn't." He said, turning his head towards my face as he began walking.

"Maybe I don't." I teased, biting my lip and Charles only glared at me playfully. He made a move to let go of my legs and my arms tightened around his shoulders. "Hey!" I slapped his shoulder as he fixed his hold on me, a loud laugh erupting from his lips.

"Love you, Bellerose."

"Yeah, yeah." He laughed at me again as we passed by the fans who were taking pictures of us. I was the one to tap both of our IDs, the security guard nodding his head at us.

While we were walking through the paddock, Pierre and Lando fell in step beside us. "How have you been?" Pierre asked, patting my head while I smiled at him.

"Physically, emotionally, mentally, and everything-ally," I began and the three boys chuckled at me. "I am exhausted."

"What she said." Charles added and I kissed his cheek lightly.

"It's valid. I'd feel the same if what happened to you guys happened to me and Luisa." Lando frowned. It's been a while since I saw Luisa because she's swamped with work, photoshoots in Greece and Spain filling her schedule. We do talk from time to time especially after she created a groupchat with Isa, Heidi, Carmen, Elliana, Kelly, Lily, and Milo. We still have yet to figure out the male equivalent of WAGS and it's a recurring subject in our groupchat. Milo changed the group name to Milo's Babes after he began calling everyone babe.

While we were walking, Ted Kravitz saw us and smiled, heading in our direction with a cameraman behind him.

"Shit." Charles whispered, hands on my thights tightening.

"It's okay." I smiled since I'd rather talk to Ted than an interviewer who has dived head on into my personal life.

"Now we have three of our drivers on the grid— Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, and Lando Norris— with Miss Valentine Bellerose." I smiled and gave a small wave as he mentioned my name. "I know you guys are busy so this won't take long and I only have two questions for Miss Valentine."

"Just Valentine." I replied and Charles moved a bit so that I would be closer to the microphone Ted was holding.

Ted smiled before continuing. "First, how are you doing?"

I glanced down at my bandaged leg and Ted's eyes followed. "I think the bandage can explain for itself." I said, lightening the atmosphere and Ted chuckled, giving me a smile.

"I agree. Now, for the million dollar question. Who do you think is going to win today?"

Charles immediately cleared his throat and stood taller, chin held up high as he waited for my answer. I could also see Lando and Pierre leaning closer, ears open and ready to hear my reply.

I bit my lip to keep my smile from widening as they all waited for my answer. "If I say the wrong one, I might fall."

"I'd never let you fall." Charles immediately replied, tone of voice higher than usual.

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow and he nodded his head. I turned back to Ted with a smirk on my lips. "Then my answer is Lando."

"YES!"

"What?"

"Yikes."

Lando, Charles, and Pierre said simultaneously and Ted and I laughed at their reactions.

"Now, I'm tempted to drop you." Charles pouted as Ted waved goodbye at us and moved over to Otmar who passed by.

"Don't worry. I still love you."

"Yeah, yeah." I smiled and kissed his cheek, watching as his sulking face turned brighter and I could hear Lando and Pierre complaining around us before making an excuse about calling their own girlfriends. "Alright, now that Lando's gone?"

My smile widened as Charles continued walking.

"You, Leclerc. It's always going to be you."

*****
This story is so close to ending 🥲 we only have three races left in the storyline.

✧Reese✧