jessicaloons

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 7

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Miss Americana

June 2023:

Nice was beautiful. And warm. And bright. Romantic little alleyways everywhere. The people a bright mix of residents and tourists. But what surprised Rachel the most was that so many people spoke Italian. She didn’t expect it but it gave her hope that she might get along way better than she thought. She checked into a small hotel close to the promenade, enjoying the southern French sun that streamed through her windows.

Rachel sat on her little balcony, watching the happy buzzing beneath her, the busy street, googling for Madame Leclerc’s hair salon. It took her a while to find it, for some reason a handsome young man, who she thought she saw somewhere before, was the search result most of the times. But when she finally found the hair salon, she wrote down the address, before she googled a hotel in Monaco. The prices went through the roof and she chose the cheapest one she could find. Wasting all her money for hotel rooms wasn’t planned and she hoped she would find a job quickly. It was early afternoon when she felt the tiredness overthrowing her. She checked her phone, counting what time it was in Montreal, realising that she was awake for over 24 hours at this point. She had tried to sleep on the flight, preventing herself from a jet leg, but she was too nervous, too excited, to sleep. The young woman decided to take a quick shower and then head straight to bed. But before, she locked her hotel room door twice, put the door chain on, and then looked around, spotting the metal cup filled with sticks full of sugar and wood sticks to stir some coffee or tea. She emptied out the cup and then carefully put it on the door handle, to be alarmed if anyone would try to come into her room, giving her time to escape out of the balcony. Rachel looked at her work and sighed, feeling way too paranoid as she stubbed her toe against her backpack, next to the bed. It was packed with all her documents, money, phone charger and some clothes, including her sneakers, ready to grab and leave in case she had to flee. Having an escape plan at all times was mandatory, according to Stuart and although Rachel was more than sure that no one had followed her, she agreed with him and wanted to be prepared for everything. She decided to stay for a couple of days in Nice. Making sure that she was really safe. And alone. Thoughts of her old life, her old identity, crossed her mind. She had to think back at how she met Stuart‘s 'friend' Isabella. She was an odd person, mysterious, a little scary maybe. She had brown hair and besides a 'hello' and 'where’s your stuff' she didn’t say much, only starting to change into some of Rachel’s clothes from her open suitcase on the bed, before she closed it. A look through the room and she stepped in front of the mirror, putting a blonde wig on, she had just pulled out of her bag, followed by Rachel’s large shades she had grabbed from the drawer. She handed Rachel a keycard to a different room and told her to go there, then grabbed the suitcase and her handbag and left as fast as she had appeared, leaving behind a confused Rachel, who grabbed her stuff and left the room to enter the new one three doors down the hallway. Just like Isabella said.

Rachel laid in bed for a while, thinking about all kinds of abstruse ends of her old life. What Isabella had done to her belongings. Maybe they would end up in a burned out car, or thrown out at some landfill where maybe one of the workers would find it. Maybe they would inform her father, and he would assume that his daughter was kidnapped, murdered, gone. She shook her had, biting her lips. She knew that it would break his heart, but it was the only way to escape her fate. But thinking back how lost and devastated he was when the doctors told him that her mother didn’t make it off the table, the pained scream he let out, so bone chilling that Rachel got goosebumps just thinking about it. It made her feel sick to her stomach and she had to urge herself to think about something else. Her new life ahead. A clean cut. Besides Stuart, no one knew she was gone. No one knew she had a new identity. And until tomorrow evening or rather late at night it would stay this way. When Don Romano’s men would come to pick her up from college and wouldn’t find her. Finding out that she graduated a week earlier, that she was gone. Then it would be time for her to stay alert, watch her surroundings. Hope that no one showed up for her. Hope that their plan had worked out and she was free. With the thoughts of a better life ahead, she drifted into a dreamless sleep, finally succumbing to her bodies need for rest.

4 days. 96 hours. 5760 minutes. That was the time it took for her father and the men he worked for to trace Rachel’s steps all the way to Montreal. The hotel she had chosen back there was small, no high quality security cameras, only a grainy tape of a blonde girl checking into the hotel under the name of Rachel Lombardi and then 4 days later checking out of the hotel. That was it, that was the trail of traces she had left, buying a ticket to Montreal with her credit card, checking into the hotel with her credit card, renting a car with her credit card. And that was where the trail ended. Another grainy video of the blonde girl at the car rental, loading her suitcase into the trunk of the car. A car that had disappeared since then.

"Everything is going according to our plan… you disappeared into the Canadian wilderness…" Stuart said and Rachel took a deep breath.

"They stopped looking for me?" she almost whispered.

"Well, there are still two men here, I don’t know what they are doing right now, but the other two men left. They tried to ping your phone, but the last signal it sent was on the highway out of town and since then it’s gone completely off the radar."

"So it worked? I’m gone? They can’t find me…" she felt tears stinging in her eyes.

"I think so, yes. I will check in on what’s going on here for the next couple of days and what these two guys that stayed behind do, but yeah for now, I’d say Rachel Lombardi is gone."

Rachel stayed quiet, thinking about his words before she let out a sigh.

"I would feel better if I’d knew what these two guys were doing…"

"Don’t worry, okay? I’ve got someone looking for them. We figure out what’s going on, but you’re far away, you shouldn’t be too worried okay? It’s fine. You’re fine." Stuart tried to reassure her and after another moment of silence Rachel nodded.

"You’re right. Your plan worked out so far, I have no doubt it won’t work out anymore out of the blue." she replied laying back in her bed, switching off the nightstand lamp "It’s going to be fine."

"Exactly. Stop worrying and start living la dolce vita!"

"I’m trying, I promise."

"That’s the spirit. I’ll give you a call as soon as I found out what’s going on with the two who stayed behind… until then, enjoy the sun, the gelato, the vine."

"I will…"

"Alright. And now good night, relax, stop worrying, okay?" Stuart urged again and Rachel chuckled a little.

"Good night, Stuart…"

The little bookstore right by the sea made Rachel swoon. It looked so cozy and dreamy that she knew she could spend hours if not days in there, but she came with her mind set on a goal.

"Hi- umm… I’m looking for books to learn French better, please?" she stammered in the worst kind of French and the older lady at the counter smiled at her.

"Oh dear, here, let me show you!" she replied in English, her French accent sounding almost melodic. She waddled away, the young girl in tow, and pointed to a section of dictionaries and other language learning books. "Here we have everything for you. Take your time…" she smiled and walked off, scratching a black cat’s head that was resting between two piles of books "I’ll get you a treat Rico." Italian.

"Do you think it’s easier to learn French from Italian or from English?" the young girl asked.

"Oh, you speak Italian? Then I would recommend you the Italian ones."

"Alright…" Rachel grabbed one of the books and sat down in one of the armchairs, Rico getting up from his spot, walking over to the young girl "Hi Rico." she smiled, scratching his head a little.

"That never happened before…" the book shop owner said "He doesn’t like strangers at all!"

"This cuddly one?" Rachel laughed, when Rico literally clung to her legs, circling them.

"Yeah… that must mean he thinks you’re a good person. Trustworthy." the older lady smiled, crouching down a little to give her cat a treat "You know, cats have a sixth sense for that…"

"Yeah, maybe…" the girl swallowed thickly, thinking about how she wasn’t that trustworthy after all, hiding her true identity.

"Have you found a book?"

"Umm- yes. I think I’ll go with this one. It’s for starters…"

"You should also get a book in French… read it, try to use you’re Italian to translate it, and if you don’t know a word or two you can have a look in a dictionary… that way you’ll learn even faster!"

"Sounds like a good plan, thank you!" Rachel smiled, patting the cat’s head.

"What kind of books are you into? Romance? Fantasy? Thriller? Dark romance? We’ve got a whole collection of Mafia romance books, it’s the newest trend I guess…" the elder lady pointed at some books displayed on a table but Rachel shook her head.

"I don’t get how anyone can think that it’s romantic being in the Mafia…" she mumbled.

"It’s always a dark, broody and mysterious guy fighting and protecting his girl… lots of young woman seem to like it… they are also- umm let’s say they are spicy…" the bookshop owner wiggled her eyebrows.

"Yeah no thanks…"

"Are you into Formula 1? We have some romance books in the Formula 1 world? They’re not really authentic when it comes to racing but oh well…"

"Umm- no. Not into Formula 1. Watching a bunch of guys driving in circles for hours is not really my thing…" Rachel rolled her eyes a little.

"Oh dear this isn’t Nascar. Formula 1 tracks are no circles. We’re close to Monaco, everyone here is crazy about Formula 1." the older lady laughed "Why don’t you have a look around for some books you like and I make us a coffee?"

Rachel wasn’t used to people being this nice and open minded to strangers so she just nodded, confused. But she did what the bookshop owner, she introduced herself as Clarisse, suggested and walked around, searching through the different isles, trying to find the perfect book for her.

"So, where are you from?" Clarisse asked half an hour later, when they both sat down in the plush armchairs, both with a mug full of steaming coffee in hand.

"I’m from… umm-…" Rachel had to think for a moment where here new persona was from, not familiar with the new details "Pennsylvania…"

"Pennsylvania?" the bookshop owner cocked an eyebrow, looking at the girl.

"Yeah, I wasn’t sure if you knew Harrisburg…" she faked a smile, taking a large sip from her coffee "On the other hand, Europeans are way better in geography than us Americans… so…"

"Well, I wouldn’t put it that way… but yeah, you might be onto something there." Clarisse laughed "And what brings you here to Nice? A young, pretty girl like you?"

"Umm-… I’m on a trip through Europe. So I couldn’t miss Nice obviously…" Rachel lied and was happy that Rico decided that now was the perfect time for some more head scratches so he jumped into the girls lap, purring.

"If you’re here, you should also make a stop in Monaco. The rich and the famous living there all together in one little spot. And a lot of Formula 1 drivers… young and handsome, some are single… good catches for a little summer romance." the older lady wiggled her eyebrows and Rachel laughed.

"I’m not interested in a summer romance. I want to see the cities, landmarks, get to know the culture, all the beautiful beaches! Oh and of course the food…" Rachel smiled, she always dreamed of a trip through Europe one day to do exactly that, but she never thought she would get the chance to.

"Well, I can’t argue with that. It sounds like an amazing plan." Clarisse nodded, sipping at her coffee "But I’ll warn you, a beautiful girl like you? Foreign? You will have admirers left and right… men from the south of Europe are all little heartbreakers you know, always here for them pretty girls. Take good care of your heart, or you’ll lose it to one of them…"

"I’ll watch out for heartbreakers… I promise." Rachel laughed.

"Good, very good. So? Did you find some books?" the bookshop owner looked at the little stack of books on the table next to the girl.

"Yeah. I went with books my mother used to read to me like Alice in Wonderland, The Hobbit and some classics like Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations… I guess that should be enough for now. A dictionary, a book to learn French and some French books… I hope it works out." Rachel looked at the books she chose and Clarisse smiled.

"Don’t worry, ma fille, it will. And if not, you could still come here again and we try another book that might help you better…" she sat down her coffee cup and Rachel nodded.

"Yeah. I think I’ll do that. I mean, I will be here for some days… it’s a beautiful city after all…" she replied, looking out of the window, the busy street almost hiding the beautiful Mediterranean Sea behind it.

Rachel spent the next 2 days mostly at the beach, reading her books, trying to learn French and although it was easier with her being fluent in Italian, it still was a lot of work and she knew she had to improve a lot to be able to work as a nurse. She sat on her beach towel, watching the sun slowly set over the horizon when her phone rang and Stuart called her. Taking one last deep breath she answered the call.

"Hi…"

"Hey… well umm- Rachel, I’m almost 100 % sure that the coast is clear. Like completely. The two guys who stayed behind, they left the city on the same highway that you took, probably following more of the CCTV footage that showed Isabella… but that trail ended at a truck stop. The car abandoned, at the end of the parking lot, the CCTV footage only showing you going into the diner and leaving it an hour later, but there is no camera at the parking lot, your suitcase is still in the car, your passport as well, only your wallet and phone gone. They took the suitcase with them and left Montreal this morning…" Stuart explained and Rachel let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding in.

"They’re not looking for me anymore?" she asked quietly "They left?"

"They left, yeah…"

"Okay…" Rachel mumbled closing her eyes but kept silent, the one thing on her mind that she kept thinking off the last days.

"What? What’s going on?" Stuart asked, knowing the girl too well.

"Did they- umm… did they report me as missing?" her voice barely above a whisper and the line went silent, before he cleared his throat.

"No, they didn’t. I mean, they can’t just file a police report that you’re missing… we both know they can’t ask the police for help."

"No… you’re right, they can’t… and the Romano’s only have some people at the customs control at the Boston harbour, some lower ranked police officers and detectives in Woburn and Winchester on their payroll… I don’t think that any of them would be of service to find a missing girl in the Canadian wilderness…" Rachel said quietly, leaning back into her pillows "Do you think they keep looking for me themselves? Or-…" will they just accept that she was gone, not caring what happened to her.

"I guess they will keep looking for you, from time to time, maybe find new traces although there aren’t any… but I’m sure they won’t look for you in Europe and most definitely not in Monaco…"

Rachel thought for a moment, closing her eyes and then began to chuckle.

"What?" Stuart asked but the girl laughed even more "Are you okay?"

"Yeah-… sure…" she breathed out, wiping away a stray tear, not knowing what came over her "I was just imagining… what if they declare me dead. I mean, it looks like some crazy trucker might’ve taken me with him to do what not and then just got rid of me… what if my dad wants a funeral? Or something like that? To say goodbye? What if my dad for once remembers how to be a dad and I’m not even there to witness it…"

"Rach, stop watching these true crime documentaries, your mind is already too dark and twis-…" Stuart began.

"No, I’m serious! I mean, what did I think what would happen? They find my stuff in an abandoned car, no trace of me for days… what would you think? They know how easily you can let someone disappear, they do it all the time. It’s just logical that my dad thinks I’m dead and maybe to make himself feel better he wants a funeral or something…"

"But you don’t have to care about that anymore, okay? Rach you’re safe. Gone. There is nothing that could lead them to you. You are free. Finally. You can live the life you always wanted to. Don’t think about what’s happening back home. It’s over okay? You start your new life in Monaco and find the happiness you deserve…" Stuart tried to calm Rachel down and after a moment of silence he heard the girl taking a deep breath.

"Do you think there will be a coffin? Filled with some of my stuff from my old room?" she then asked.

"Rach!"

"Sorry-… it’s just… you know in movies or tv shows they do it all the time and-…"

"Stop, okay? Stop thinking about that. It’s over now. You live your life in Monaco. They will do whatever they want. But it doesn’t matter anymore, okay? You are free." Stuart’s voice firm "Don’t think about your past. Focus on the now, focus on your future."

"I-…" Rachel stopped, not knowing what to say "I think a part of me still needs to process this all… like let it fully sink in…"

"Understandable. It takes time…" his voice wavered a little.

"I can’t even imagine how hard it must’ve been for you… you were younger. And all alone, no one helped you like you helped me…"

Stuart was silent and Rachel thought she might’ve said something wrong when she heard him chuckle bitterly.

"I wasn’t alone. Someone helped me… but that’s in the past. He is in the past. I got out of my old life, just like you did. You’ll live your new life now in Monaco, I’ll go to LA. We’ll be fine, you and I." he replied, sounding confident.

"Will you be safe in LA? They won’t look for you?" Rachel asked, feeling a pang of guilt in her chest.

"For what it’s worth, we never really interacted on campus, no one knows that we’re friends. And if they would find and ask me, that’s the answer I would be giving. We were classmates, we worked on projects together sometimes, but that’s it. You were not really open minded, most of the time you sat alone in the library studying. So yeah, we didn’t know each other that well."

"That sounded really convincing… ouch…"

"Maybe I should try become an actor, once I’m In LA." Stuart thought out loud and Rachel laughed.

"One thing is for sure, I would be your biggest fan from day one…" she said.

"Oh stop…" he chuckled.

"No, I’m serious, you would be the next big thing without a doubt, but to me you will always be the guy that saved my life. Thanks for that."

"Bit dramatic, but okay."

"I’m serious… you saved my life, Stuart."

"I would do it in a heartbeat again and-… oh shit. That was my flight…" he said hurriedly "I really don’t want to end this call now, but that was the last call for my flight…"

"It’s alright. Call or text as soon as you arrive." Rachel said "Take care. Have a safe flight."

"I text you. For the last time, bye Rach."

Rachel Lombardi was gone.

Disappeared. Missing. Gone. Dead.

She didn’t sleep that night. Her mind trying to grasp the fact that her old life really was over. She really was free. She knew that this was happening. This was what they had planned after all. But having the confirmation that her father, the familia, were looking for her and only find that she had disappeared, not a single trace left. She didn’t know how to feel. Relieved? Sad? Happy? Hopeful? Devastated? It was getting too much in her head and she felt dizzy. She got out of bed, opened the balcony doors and sat down in the chair outside, a clear night sky above. Stars shining brightly. The soft ocean waves crashing down onto the shore ahead of her. With the salty sea breeze in her hair, she took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. She could start a whole new life, now that her old one ended. After a couple of minutes, Rachel went back inside, sinking into the pillows, her head clear. She would book a hotel in Monaco in the next days, then buy some more clothes, appropriate for the warm and sunny days ahead, and then she would take the train to Monaco, finding Madame Leclerc.

If Rachel thought Nice was beautiful, she wasn’t prepared for Monaco. The little alleys between the beautiful houses, the happy mix of French, Italian and English spoken on the streets. Luxurious cars chasing after another in the narrow streets, making people look up at their sound. She followed the directions on her phone, leading her right in front of the hair salon her mother told her all about. The girl pocketed her phone and looked through the window, taking a deep breath before she opened the door, hoping that it wasn’t a mistake to come here. The hairdresser swiped the last remaining hair off of the ground when the door bell rang and she looked up. A young girl stood in the door. A pretty girl. For some reason the Monegasque woman thought she knew the girl from somewhere.

"Sorry? Umm hi. I’m looking for someone." the girl asked shyly. Not from around. Her French sounded foreign "I’m looking for… Mm-… Leclerc…"

The older woman rolled her eyes. Of course. Another fangirl of her son. Looking for him in her salon.

"Listen, you girls need to stop. This is my salon. Charles is barely here! Why would he be! So tell your little friends to stop this nonsense, okay?" Pascale said bluntly and Lauren looked at her in confusion.

"Umm? I- I don’t know who Charles is? I’m looking for Madame-… umm-… Pascale Leclerc? She umm- she helped my mum years ago. And they kinda stayed in touch for a while… and Madame Leclerc told my mum if she ever needs anything she can always contact her…" the young girl explained and the hairdresser looked at her for a moment when her eyes widened.

"Susannah Lombardi? Is that your mother?" she asked and Lauren nodded "Rachel? You’re Rachel?"

Rachel nodded, realising that it was a mistake. She wasn’t Rachel. Not anymore.

"Umm… yeah… but no- I mean… I changed my name. I’m Lauren. Lauren Millner."

Chapter 7 - and here it is, the official name change. Bye Rachel, hello Lauren. We are this 🤏 close to the first meeting of Charles and Lauren 🙈 for now, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Also, congrats to Max on his 4th title, well deserved!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos @mariclerc @fangirlforever2000

[jessicaloons]

new chapter after Las Vegas❓

I think we deserve one, no? It will be up in the next minutes!

[jessicaloons]

will we get a new chapter today? please? I want Charles and Rachel to meet finally!

I’m editing as we talk(?!) so yup! I’ll upload it any minute!

[jessicaloons]

no new chapter tonight? 😔

Sooooorry! I didn’t see your ask last week 😭 no, last weekend there was no upload because I’m now at a point where the chapters aren’t fully done and I have to fill in the blanks and well it’s not so easy with work, private life and so on 🙈

[jessicaloons]

Damn, you actually make me want to watch it now just to root for all of that to happen 😂😂

predictions for the f1 2025 car launch in london:

someone forgets to send out the dress code. george russell turns up in an immaculately pressed suit, lando norris turns up in black sweatpants.

the british drivers are raised onto the stage like they’re in the eras tour

the non-british drivers have to come in through the crowd entrance and buy their own tickets

christian horner still hasn’t decided who’s filling that second red bull seat. as a result max is accompanied on stage by what seems to be three untrained rookies in a trenchcoat

speaking of max, he doesn’t speak a word the entire night preferring instead to communicate short answers in sign language.

the hosts keep trying to awkwardly fill time à la eurovision song contest

there are at least two fistfights

and one dogfight (leo and roscoe)

pierre and esteban stand next to each other at first before they have to awkwardly be reminded that they’re not teammates anymore

someone makes a thinly veiled reference to the mclaren 2024 rear wing

kimi antonelli gets booed (british crowd) and about half the grid has to be physically restrained from jumping on the audience

toto wolff tries to seduce max yet again.

max audibly laughs at him. this is the only time we hear his voice all night.

oscar piastri gets visibly teary at the sight of drs since it’s the last time it’ll be used in f1

fred vasseur makes an insane prediction on how many races ferrari will win. everyone laughs at him.

he ends up being absolutely right

fernando turns up in another team’s colours

it’s later revealed that one team paid the sound engineers to play thunderous applause when their car was revealed

one livery will merit audible laughter

it will be alpine’s.

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 6

Masterlist - Previous - Next

The Heartbreak Prince

23 April 2023:

"She’s gorgeous. Look at this beautiful girl." Pascale Leclerc cooed at her granddaughter, eyes full of love.

"She really is. And she’s so small… like a little doll." Charles smiled, watching his mother cradling his daughter to her chest, when his phone rang "That’s Fred. I have to take it."

"It’s okay, don’t worry, I’ll stay here with my beautiful, little girl." his mother said, not looking up from the bundle of joy in her arms.

Charles walked outside, accepting the call.

"Fred…"

"I got your text earlier. Congrats Charles, mother and daughter both okay?" his team principal asked.

"Yeah. Both healthy."

"That’s good. Really good. And the rest- umm… everything arranged?"

"Yeah. It’s been taken care of." Charles sighed.

"Good, good… I really don’t like to do this Charles- but I have to ask. Will

you race in Baku? I would understand if you didn’t want to… but- well it’s Baku. You always been quite good there, so I think… maybe…" Fred stuttered a little, as a father himself, he knew what he asked of his young driver.

"No. I have to… I said I would do everything in my power to be able to do both. Race and be a good father…" Charles replied, although he honestly didn’t want to leave his precious girl behind.

"You don’t have to come with everyone else, be here on the 27th, for media day, that’s fine…" his Team Principal suggested and he nodded slowly.

"Thanks Fred, see you in Baku."

"See you in Baku…"

Charles pocketed his phone, leaning against the wall when the door to the hospital room opened, his mother looking outside.

"You need to feed her, come on in…" she smiled at her son and Charles pushed himself off the wall, following her back in.

The gorgeous baby girl scrambled in the little crib, soft cries leaving her.

"Here, it’s warm. Take her and sit down…" his mother instructed him and he did as told.

After a couple of minutes a comfortable silence fell over the room. Only the newborn’s tiny sounds while eagerly suckling on the bottle were to be heard.

Charles eyes were full of love and adoration for the tiny human being in his arms, to think he would only have 4 days until he had to leave his little girl for the first time hurt him beyond belief. But he knew that he made a promise. He would do everything to give his daughter the best life possible.

"It’s just you and me, mon ange… just you and me, but I promise you, I will do everything to keep you safe, keep you happy." Charles leaned down to gently kiss his little girls forehead "I love you, my beautiful Ava."

"And this will be your room, I mean, when you’re a little older of course. I know, it’s nothing special. It needs colour, decoration, maybe even different furniture… but I wanted to have the nursery ready before you were born… we change that, don’t worry, pretty girl." Charles cradled his daughter to his chest, standing in the middle of the plain, white nursery. It looked sterile. Cold. He knew it. He just didn’t have the time to change it until now "You’ll sleep in my bedroom for now anyways… here, I show you…" he walked outside the nursery, down the hallway, through the door at the end "This is where we sleep, how do you like it?" he looked down at the sleepy baby girl, chuckling "It’s not like you’re going to answer, right? I guess your silence means you love it…"

"I hate it, I want my own bedroom, daddy!" Joris' high pitched voice behind him made Charles roll his eyes "I thought you’re a millionaire, why do we have to share a room?"

"Ha-ha, very funny…" the Ferrari driver turned around, glaring at his best friend "Before she’ll move into her nursery, I need to make it homely first. Worthy of my little princess." his eyes softened as soon as he looked back down into the baby’s face.

"You still got time, don’t worry. For now, you should enjoy the next couple of days with her, before leaving for Baku…"

"I can’t believe that I’m saying that, but I don’t want to race, I want to stay here with her, I don’t want to miss anything she’s learning, or doing for the first time!" the new father sighed.

"I know. But let’s face it, Ava is only 3 days old, she won’t do much besides sleeping and pooping…" Joris shrugged his shoulders.

"Watch it, Trouche, or I’m rethinking my choice of making you her godfather." Charles turned slightly, smiling at his best friend.

"Wha-… are you-… are you serious? M- me? Godfather?" he stumbled over his own words, eyes wide as he stared at the young father with his daughter in front of him.

"I’m serious, yeah… I mean, obviously only if you wa-…"

"Yes! YES! Of course! I just… I didn’t think you would choose me? Lorenzo? Or Arthur… but… wow. WOW!" Joris stepped closer, looking at the little angel in her father’s arms, his goddaughter "My beautiful Ava. I will try to be the best godfather, I promise!"

"And you know what? One of your first duties is to help me change her diaper… I did it the last days with maman’s or a nurses help… but now… I’m scared…"

"I mean, how hard can it be?" Joris chuckled and followed Charles to the changing table, where he gently laid down his little bundle of joy.

"Yeah, shouldn’t be that big of a problem." the new dad shrugged.

It was a problem. A big problem. And when ten minutes later the little girl was all fresh and dressed up, both young men slid down on the floor, leaning against the bed and drawer.

"I will have nightmares of this- this experience…" Joris mumbled and Charles nodded slowly.

"How can this precious, sweet little thing create such an atrocity?" he looked down at his daughter, who dozed off already, letting out the sweetest sounds.

"And now look at her! All cute and adorable!" Joris smiled and his best friend scooted over a little.

"Do you want to hold her?" he asked and looked at him.

"Umm-… sure. But you have to show me, I never held a baby that little!"

"I’ll show you, don’t worry…" Charles replied and showed Joris exactly how to held his little baby girl.

"Oh wow… oh wow… she’s so tiny…" Joris mumbled, looking at his goddaughter "She’s so cute…"

"She is perfect… I know that it won’t be easy, being here for her, taking care of her. My career. Keeping her safe from my crazy life. The media. My fans. I know the next months, maybe years will be pretty tough… but when I look at her? I just know it all will be worth it." Charles almost whispered, his gaze softening.

"I think you’re right… I mean, just look at her…" Joris replied, gently taking Ava’s hand in his much bigger one, inspecting her tiny fingers.

"I know this all was unusual. A drunk one night stand. Hiding her mother away from everyone. Keeping her a secret? But I would do it all over again, just to have her…"

Joris looked up at Charles, smiling at the way how his best friend’s soft gaze lingered on his baby girl. A content smile on his lips. His eyes full of love. He always knew that Charles would be an amazing father one day, the way he treated his little fans a clear indicator, but seeing it happening before his eyes made his own heart double in size.

"She’s your little girl."

"My little girl. My princess." Charles whispered, gently kissing his daughter’s tiny hand "My everything."

Baku 2023:

"Question for Charles, you only arrived today, everything okay? I’ve, and I’m sure I’m not the only one, noticed that you’re a little pale?" a reporter asked at the press conference and Charles picked up the microphone, clearing his throat.

"I’m good, thanks. I had to sort out something back at home, nothing bad, don’t worry, just a family- a private matter. It’s all good and I’m here, ready to race." he said it with a big smile on his face.

A smile he kept for the rest of the press conference. A fake smile. Leaving Ava behind after not even a full week hurt. It didn’t sit right with him. But he promised his team he would race. He promised him being a father now wouldn’t affect his career and he planned on keeping that promise.

"You’re alright mate?" Max asked when they left the press conference and Charles nodded "Everything alright at home?"

"Yeah, sure… it was just-… my mum. She was sick, nothing serious, but there were some things we had to take care off. Her hair salon. Stuff, you know?" the Monegasque was a horrible liar and he knew he had to improve in order to keep his secret under wraps.

"Okay-… well, I’m glad she’s good again?" Max replied.

"Hmm. Yeah. All good…"

"Alright. What do you think? Another pole this year here?"

"I much rather would start in P2 but actually win the race… but honestly? I’m not having much hope." Charles sighed, thinking about the weekend ahead, hoping for a decent outcome at least. And when Sunday came and he sat in the plane back home late at night, the smile on his face wasn’t just from being happy to see his daughter again, but also from a second place in the sprint race and a third place in the main race. His mood was only dampened by the fact that he would have too little time with his baby girl, considering he had to catch his flight on Thursday to Miami, but even if it would only be for 10 minutes, Charles would take the detour. Every single second with his daughter was precious.

"Hey my little princess…" Charles cooed at his little one, inhaling the unique newborn smell, sighing contently when he finally made his way back home "I’m back baby girl and this time I’m staying for longer than just a day!"

He thought back to last week when he made a quick stop over in between Baku and Miami, hating to leave her after only a day already.

"She was a perfect little angel." Pascale smiled, packing her granddaughters bag "Are you sure you want to drive home? You could stay here?"

"No, I really should go home. I have to get used to taking care of her alone…" Charles replied.

"Okay, here, I’ve got her a car seat." Pascale sat down the Maxi-Cosi and helped her son buckling in the little baby girl "If you need anything, call me, okay?"

"Will do. Thanks Maman, for taking care of her." Charles kissed his mother’s cheek, who gently squeezed his arm.

"I told you, we’re all helping you. It’s going to be fine. And now off you go. It looks like it’s about to rain soon…"

And Pascale was right, the moment Charles left the underground parking garage in his car the first drops fell and by the time he reached his own home it was already raining cats and dogs. But it was good like this. Not many people out in the streets. No one walking up to his car to take a picture. When he took Ava out of the carrier and laid her down in her crib he dialled his brother’s number.

"Hey Charles, how’s Ava?" Lorenzo asked and Charles rolled his eyes a little.

"What about me?" he pouted, gently stroking Ava’s cheek.

"You’re right, sorry! How are you? How is Ava?" his older brother chuckled.

"We are both doing fine. But I realised something today…"

"Yeah? And that’s what?"

"I need a new car. A bigger one. A safer one. With tinted windows. I can’t risk someone recognising me and then coming closer, taking pictures and spotting Ava. Chasing us…" Charles quietly left his bedroom, leaving the door a crack wide open.

"Okay, yeah that shouldn’t be a problem."

"Good… and now I have a week with my little one before I have to leave her yet again…" the young father sighed.

"Although I don’t know how you must feel, but let me tell you this. Formula 1 is your job, it’s been your life the past few years and you’re on a good way of finally making one of your biggest dreams come true… don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing your job, so it’s okay. And it’s not like you leave Ava all alone! You leave her with Maman who adores her!" Lorenzo said and Charles nodded slightly.

"You’re right… I know that… it just… it sucks a little…"

"Enjoy your week off with her for now, okay? The rest we’ll figure out! In the meantime I’ll check some cars out for you!"

"Thanks Enzo…"

"No worries little bro…"

Charles sat in his bed, Ava comfortably snuggled into his chest, watching the news about the weather in Italy.

"Looks terrifying, no?" Arthur said quietly, walking inside "I’m not even sure if we’re racing…"

"Yeah… and look at all the damage. Those poor people…" Charles sighed.

"Isn’t umm-… Alessia and her family aren’t they living in the Emilia Romagna region?" Arthur said hesitantly and by the way his brother’s head snapped up, looking at him he held up his hands "Sorry… I shouldn’t have said that…"

"You’re right. You shouldn’t have. I don’t know where they are. I don’t care where they are. I hope they’re safe, like everyone affected, but that’s it. I don’t know these people. I don’t want to know these people."

"I have food for you, from Maman…" Arthur tried to change the topic and Charles was more than happy about it.

"I’m starving…" he replied and his little brother nodded.

"I’ll go and fix a plate for you and then you can eat and I snuggle with my little bumblebee…" he left the bedroom and Charles looked down at Ava again.

She slowly opened her eyes, yawning and squirming a little.

"Hi my little princess…" Charles whispered, leaning down, kissing his daughter’s cheek "Did you have a nice nap, baby girl?"

He had to chuckle. He used to shake his head at people who exaggerate using a baby voice when tending to their babies. But now he was just like that, cooing at his little girl with a high pitched voice, waiting for a reply that wouldn’t come.

"Here you go… and now I want my little bumblebee…" Arthur sat down a plate on his older brothers night stand, looking at his niece, smiling when Charles gently laid her down in his arms "She’s so fu-…"

"Arthur!"

"- freaking cute! So incredibly, incredibly cute!" he cooed at the little girl in his arms.

"That she is…" Charles replied "I don’t want to leave on Monday… but it’s Imola, there is a ton of events Silvia couldn’t pull me out off, so I have to go…"

"I don’t want to leave either, staying here would mean no fu- messed up race weekend…" Arthur mumbled and Charles looked up from his plate.

"Don’t be too hard on yourself, Arthur…" he began but Arthur shook his head.

"4 race weekends, 8 races and only one P3… no win, no pole position, mostly finished out of the points, crashes here and there… I guess I’m just not good enough…" he sighed.

"Hey! Stop that! It’s only the beginning of the season, you need time to get used to an F2 car!" Charles sat down his plate, looking at his little brother "You wouldn’t have made it into F2 if you weren’t good enough!"

"Everyone is saying I only made it because of you…"

"What? Who’s saying that?" Charles was confused.

"Everyone. It’s everywhere, experts, journalists, they all say it. Or write it." Arthur replied, smiling at Ava holding onto his finger with a tight grip.

The older Leclerc brother grabbed his phone, opening Google typing in his brother’s name and to his shock, his little brother was right. He clicked on the first YouTube video, not wanting to believe that people would say things like that.

"… now let’s talk about his team mate, Arthur Leclerc…" the blonde woman said, looking at her two male co-hosts.

"Leclerc didn’t have the best start of the season and some people start wondering if he deserves a seat in F2 and of course how much his brother had to do with him having a seat." the dark haired reporter said, while the blonde haired guy next to him nodded.

"Don’t get me wrong. Racing is in the Leclerc brother’s blood. But I guess you can say, when back in the day their parents had to decide which brother could continue and which had to stop, they made the right choice."

Furiously he exited the app, locking his phone.

"Are you watching that?" he looked at his little brother who only shrugged his shoulders "If they can’t talk shit, they’re not satisfied."

"But they’re right, no? I’m not having a good season. I am not good enough…" Arthur mumbled "So yeah… I guess it really made sense that mum and dad put all their money on you instead of me…"

"It had nothing to do with who was better, Arthur! I was older, already further into my racing career. That was it. Nothing else." Charles said and Arthur sighed.

"If you say so." he shrugged.

Charles got off from his bed and sat down on the stool in front of his brother.

"This all, racing, it’s already tough enough without all that bullshit coming from so called experts and you know it! It had nothing to do with me, that you got your seat, Arthur! You had an amazing season in F3. You won the Formula Regional Asian Championship. That’s what got you your seat. You have proven that you’re good enough. Got it?" he said, looking at his younger brother intently who just nodded after a while, his eyes still trained on his niece "And now come on. I want to go for a little walk with her, and now that Enzo brought my new car, we can drive a little out of town to somewhere quiet. Let’s worry about racing and that all tomorrow again, okay?"

"Okay… but just so you know, I’ll sit next to her in the car, I just love looking at her…" Arthur smiled a little and Charles chuckled.

"Same, Arthur, same."

"It’s cancelled. You can go home." Mia said and Charles cocked an eyebrow.

"Really?" he asked.

"Yeah… I know you just arrived early this morning… but it’s official. You won’t race. You can go home." she smiled at him and it didn’t take Charles longer than 5 minutes to pack his bag and leave.

"Hey! You’re leaving?" Carlos.

Charles stopped dead in his tracks and turned around slowly "I thought we had this dinner with some sponsors later on? Discuss what we can do to help? Or at least that’s what Silvia said?"

He was right. Silvia told him about it, but also said that if the race got cancelled she would make Carlos attend alone.

"Yeah-… umm. I know… it’s just- there is a family emergency back home. I have to go." Charles lied and his team mate looked at him empathically.

"Oh shit, mate. I hope nothing too serious?"

"No. It’s, it’s not too bad, but I have to check in and make sure it stays that way."

"Alright. Do that. And take care, the streets are flooded at some parts and the re-routing isn’t working at all times…" the Spaniard clapped his back and Charles smiled at him.

"Will do, thanks. And sorry for leaving you alone with Silvia and the wolves…" he felt bad.

"Don’t worry, cabrón."

Charles slipped into his car, starting the engine, his mind already at home with his little one. He drove off the Ferrari premises and quickly made his way to the motorway, thankfully without any serious delays or issues. When he finally arrived back home in Monaco and parked his car he leaned back in his seat. Closing his eyes for a minute. He flinched when his phone beeped and he saw a text from his manager, Nicolas, coming through. A new brand collaboration. He sighed, closing the message and getting out of the car. Another gig would mean more time away from his daughter. Something he didn’t like.

Charles quietly closed the door behind him, slipping of his shoes, when he heard the soft voice of his mother, cooing at her. He stood in the doorway of his bedroom, watching his mother sitting in the rocking chair, his beautiful baby girl in her arms and his heart almost bursted.

"Look, little Ava, your papa is here…" Pascale cooed to the little girl and got up, walking over to her son.

"Hi my little princess…" he smiled at her and then kissed his mother’s cheek "Let me take a quick shower and then I’ll take her and you can go."

"Take all the time that you need." she replied, sitting back down in the chair "We are just fine…"

"I can see that." Charles chuckled and grabbed some fresh clothes, making his way into the bathroom, where he took a quick shower before joining his mother and daughter again.

"You look tired, Charles…" Pascale looked worriedly at her son, dark circles under his eyes.

"Driving late last night to Maranello, just an hour or two of sleep in the morning and then driving straight back home around noon? Yeah… I’m tired. But it’s okay. I would do everything for her…" Charles yawned, rubbing his eyes.

"Why don’t you eat something and I make Ava bed ready? Change her, feed her, take her to bed and then you can go to bed as well and take over from then on?" his mother gently rubbed his arm "There are some leftovers in the fridge."

"Sounds like a plan. A good plan…" he mumbled, walking out of the room to warm up the leftovers, eating in silence before returning to his bedroom where Ava was already sleeping in her crib.

"Look at this little angel." Pascal whispered.

"She is perfect." Charles replied quietly, disappearing in his bathroom, getting bed ready himself "You should stay here Maman, it’s late."

"I’ll be fine, don’t worry. You sleep now!" she kissed his cheek "Good night, Charles."

"Good night, Maman… and thank you."

"Not for that…"

The next days Charles spent in pure bliss with his little girl. He felt like he learnt every other moment something new about her, saw a new expression in her face, a new movement of her head.

"Look! It’s like she understands what I’m saying!" he exclaimed "You’re so clever, Ava! So, so clever!"

"She doesn’t understand you. She just recognises your voice!" Lorenzo chuckled but his younger brother didn’t listen "So- umm have you thought about what to do during the Monaco GP?"

"What do you mean?" Charles looked up from his daughter, cocking an eyebrow.

"Charles, you cross the street on any normal day and at least a dozen of people swarm you here. But this week? It’s going to be crazy! Your fans will even follow Maman around, as soon as they spot her somewhere, imagine how they would stalk her if they saw her with a stroller… and she can’t stay inside the entire week with Ava! Also, everyone knows that she’s always in the paddock in Monaco. If she’s not here this year, people will start talking, and when they talk, they will look even more for her…"

"Fu-… damn. I haven’t even thought about that… but you’re right. Oh god what am I supposed to do? I don’t want people to assume that something is wrong with Maman, first Baku and the mysterious family matter why I arrived late, then the dinner in Imola that I didn’t attend because of a family emergency… if she’s not here this weekend… some people would start looking for her..." Charles leaned back, ruffling his hair.

"So umm we- no Charlotte had an idea… when I talked to her about it. We weren’t really spotted together by anyone, so she’s kinda unknown, no one would connect her in any way to you… she could take care of Ava? Go for a walk here and there with her? Watch her at least enough for Maman to be at qualifying and the race?"

"And she would be okay with that? Didn’t you ask her to join you this weekend?"

"She wouldn’t offer it if it wasn’t okay, I’ll ask her to join me next weekend then." Lorenzo replied and Charles nodded.

"If it’s okay for her? She would definitely help me out big time."

"I’ll text her then…" he said and typed away in his phone, a reply coming through almost immediately "'I can’t wait to spend some time with the precious little princess'"

"She’s an angel, tell her that. Thank you! Like seriously. Next weekend in Barcelona, you book the nicest, most luxurious hotel for you two, take her to dinner to the best restaurant. My treat."

"Stop that. She loves to help out. Also, she loves Ava, I think we’re doing her a bigger favour…" Lorenzo laughed but Charles shook his head.

"Doesn’t matter. My treat next weekend."

"She’ll be delighted."

"It’s like this." Charles mumbled, shaking his head while leaving the garage with Andrea.

"You can still get up on top…" he replied but Charles scoffed "It’s not impossible! Just wait… and even if not, then you drive home and cuddle your little girl."

"Yeah. Holding her is better than lifting any trophy out there." the driver smiled.

"See? That’s the spirit." his athletic trainer bumped his shoulder.

"Yeah, I’m trying to…"

"Now come on. Let’s get home, eat something and relax, tomorrow is a new day."

And although Charles gave his best, he wasn’t able to make up any positions. He climbed out of his car, frustrated and congratulated Max on his win.

"Well done mate, congrats."

"Thanks man." Max clapped his back and smiled "Maybe next year you’ll beat the curse."

"There is no curse. Just me or my team not delivering." Charles mumbled and walked off.

He knew how everyone talked about his Monaco curse, but looking at it, it was always just a mistake by himself or, like last year, his team. After his weighing he made his way back to the Ferrari garage and prepared for the media pen.

"Hey Charles. Another year, another disappointing result for you. What went wrong?"

"I didn’t qualify good enough. In Monaco your starting position is crucial for the race outcome. And with the penalty, starting in P6, in the middle of the DRS train in Monaco? Yeah you will most likely finish in P6, like I did." Charles sighed.

"You complained about the stiffness of the car, do you think that will be an issue next week in Barcelona as well?"

"I don’t know. We will see I guess. If the car is like this next week… we have to wait and see…"

"It’s your home GP so now you go home, have a little time with your family and then off to Barcelona?"

"Yeah. Weekend debrief with the team now and then back home where my da-…" Charles stopped abruptly, eyes wide, thinking about what to say "Where my dance partners in crime wait for me." he scolded himself.

"Dance partners in crime?" the reporter cocked an eyebrow.

"Yeah after a race like today I need to dance it out, you know?"

"Okay… umm- then have fun and see you next weekend."

Charles could kick himself. He had to be more careful from now on.

"You covered that up quite well…" Mia whispered, seeing how tense Charles was "Sure it was a little… well it was different. Nothing people are used to from you but it’s okay…"

"Dance partners in crime? Dance it out?" he sighed.

"Yeah, I mean, after this weekend? Who wouldn’t want to dance it out." she squeezed his shoulder "Now come on, let’s make this quick and then you can go home, to your dance partner in crime."

"Very funny." Charles groaned and when he finally slipped of his shoes back at home, he couldn’t wait to see his daughter, knowing that she would make him forget the whole weekend with just one little smile.

"She was just a perfect little angel." Charlotte smiled at him when he walked into his living room "She watched her daddy race and then she fell asleep, just like a good little girl."

"There wasn’t much to watch today, no?" Charles mumbled, picking his daughter up from the sofa "But it’s okay… I’m here now…"

"You’ll come back stronger next week."

"I guess we’ll see."

Chapter 6 - Ladies and Gentlemen, baby Ava has arrived and she’s already wrapping EVERYONE around her tiny little fingers. Writing Charles as a dad is one of my favourite things and I can’t wait for you all to read more about him and his little girl.

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos @mariclerc @fangirlforever2000 @queensassybitchsworld

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 5

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Miss Americana

June 2023:

Rachel stood in front of the antique store, double checking the address before she took a deep breath, pushing the door open. It was dusty, the air smelled musty and the store was only dimly lit. She looked around for a counter and when her eyes made it out in the far right corner, she walked up to it, right when an older man stepped in front of her, making her flinch.

"Jeez! You scared the shit out of me!" Rachel squeaked, taking a step back, looking at the man.

"I’m sorry, dear, I didn’t mean to. Now, how can I help you? What brings you into Harry’s Attic today?" the man’s soft voice was soothing Rachel’s still pounding heart "I see. I give you a minute to gather yourself, again I’m really sorry… my wife always said that I should wear a bell around my neck, to announce where I’m coming from." he chuckled and Rachel laughed.

"A bell would’ve saved me from an almost heart attack." she said.

"Yeah… clever woman that was, my Winnie…" he smiled a little but then clapped his hands together "So? What can I do for you?"

"Oh- umm… I’m looking for Carl. Max Anderson sent me." Rachel repeated the words she got from Stuart.

"And what can I do for a friend of Max Anderson?" the old man, probably Carl, asked, looking around.

"I- umm… I need a new-…" Rachel paused, making sure as well that they were alone before she continued "I need a new identity, with everything that comes with it. New birth certificate, new drivers license, new passport, new social security number, new bank accounts. Oh and my college degree… I need that as well with my new identity."

"The whole package then… I see."

"Yeah… umm-the whole package." Rachel confirmed, nodding.

"Alright, I can do that. I need time until tomorrow to prepare everything…"

"Okay…" that was fast.

"Here, this is my price for everything." Carl shoved his business card over. Rachel looked at it, nodding, Stuart already told her how much it would cost roughly "Fill out these documents…" he shoved a clipboard her way and walked into the backroom.

Rachel looked at it and saw that it was basic things like her age, hair and eye colour, her height. But also about her school, when she graduated from what Highschool, what degree from what university. Rachel filled in the last question when Carl returned.

"I need pictures for your new documents…you want a make over? Change your hair colour as well?" he asked.

Rachel looked at herself in the mirror behind Carl, her long blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, down to her lower back. She dyed her hair since she was 13, hearing from one too many judges that with blonde hair she would’ve won way more pageants by now.

"Yeah. I think I’ll do that…" the, for now blonde girl, said, changing her hair colour on the documents she just filled out.

"Alright… I need your necklace…" he said, looking through the documents, checking that Rachel answered every question.

"My necklace? Why?" she stuttered, it belonged to her mother and she never took it off.

"If someone followed you, they would want to know why you were here, give me the necklace and you’ll get a receipt that you want to sell it to me, for now I’m only estimating its value… and if someone were to ask I would give them this exact answer…"

"Why do you assume someone could follow me?"

"Darling, you asked me for a whole new identity. A whole new life. Now why would you need that, if someone wasn’t looking for you? I don’t judge. I just do whatever you ask me to, but I also have to protect my business… protect me…" Carl began when the doorbell rang and a man walked in, looking at the girl and the man at the counter "Alright, now give me some time to research and estimate the value of it and then come back tomorrow to discuss the price I could give you for it. And then we’ll see, okay? Maybe sleep on it before you make your final decision if you want to sell it or not…" he said in a professional tone "I’m right with you, Sir." he nodded towards the man who looked through the shelves "So, what’s it going to be?"

"Yeah… here- umm… I come back tomorrow then." Rachel took off her necklace, handing it over.

"Sign here please, with your name…" he emphasised the word name, tapping the line on the last page of the documents on the counter and the girl understood, Stuart told her that she could choose her own name if she wanted to.

She had thought about it for a while and always circled back to her mother’s middle name. Having her mother with her, would be giving her strength, wouldn’t make her feel so alone. She took the pen Carl offered and wrote the name. She didn’t care what surname he would pick, only her first name was important .

"Alright, here is your receipt, I’ll see you tomorrow then." he handed the girl the receipt who mustered a smile.

"Thank you, Sir."

Rachel left the store as fast as she could, pocketing the receipt. She didn’t question how Carl would get her new documents and papers ready in this short amount of time, if Stuart said she could trust him, than she would do it, but she felt weird. Almost empty inside, knowing that her time as Rachel Lombardi was limited.

On the way back to her hotel, Rachel stopped at a drugstore, buying some hair dye and scissors, as well as something to eat. She didn’t want to leave her hotel room too often, still hoping and praying that no one was following her. Back at her hotel she dialled Stuart’s number with the landline phone, sighing happily when he picked up after the third ring.

"How’s Montreal?"

"Busy. Didn’t expect it to be this busy to be honest, but that’s good." Rachel replied, sitting down on her bed "I met Carl today…"

"Yeah? He can handle everything?" Stuart asked quietly.

"Yeah- umm he’s a little creepy, mixed with quirky, cute old man? Hard to explain…"

"Sounds like him. So everything is good then?"

"Yeah. I’m going to dye my hair, cut it… change my appearance…"

"Good idea."

"Yeah. Back to the roots…" Rachel chuckled bitterly, shaking her head "So what’s next? After I have my new identity? What’s happening to Rachel?"

A part of her still didn’t want to know what was happening, but then again, it was her life.

"A- umm let’s say friend of mine, we’ll call her… Isabella- Isabella will come to the hotel, and take care of it…"

"How?" curiosity got the better of her.

"You don’t want to and need to know."

"But it’s- it’s not something illegal?"

"Rach… you think getting a whole new identity is legal?" Stuart chuckled and was met with silence "Exactly. Don’t worry that pretty head of yours. It’s all being handled. And as soon as you have your new passport you can book a flight and get the hell out of here… have you decided on a destination yet?"

"No… I honestly don’t know. Somewhere where they speak my language would be a good start-…"

"So maybe England? Italy? You speak Italian fluently?" Stuart suggested.

"I don’t know… maybe. I’ll think about it." Rachel nodded slightly.

"Alright. Well for now just try to relax, it’ll be okay."

"Yeah. Thanks Stu. I feel like thanking you isn’t even enough…"

"It is Rach, okay? You think now where you’re heading off to. Have a good sleep and all will be good, you’ll see. Good night Rachel."

"Good night Stu."

Rachel read her mother’s letter, cradling it to her chest. The letter, her necklace and one photo album was everything she had left of her. She looked at the neat handwriting of her mother, one sentence catching her eye.

It’s enough for a fresh start, if you know what I mean.

She repeated the sentence over and over again in her head. Her mother wanted to tell her something with it. A fresh start. It was scratching something in the back of her mind, but she couldn’t puzzle it together, frustrated she switched on the tv, hoping to get her mind off it. The news came on, talking about how Montreal will be busier than usually in the next week, because of the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix, she rolled her eyes, not interested in a bunch of men racing in circles, when one of the news anchors mentioned the Monaco Grand Prix and it all made sense all of a sudden. A fresh start. In Monaco. Rachel’s mother told her years ago that if she ever had to choose a new home for them, it would be Monaco. After attending the Miss World pageant in 2003 there, befriending a local hairdresser, her mother loved the little principality. She always told Rachel that if she would ever need help and her mother wasn’t there anymore, she should contact Madame Leclerc. Rachel never understood why her mother would say something like that, she was too young to understand the dangers of the life she was living. She didn’t understand why she ever would contact a stranger if her mother wasn’t there anymore. Where would her mother be, if not with her? But with every year Rachel got older she understood. And now she would listen to her mother, who never guided her wrong. She might not just be safe in Monaco, she might also be able to start a new life. Start over from scratch. With a newfound motivation, the young girl got off her bed, grabbing her laptop, checking for flights and accommodations. She was ready for her new adventure, that would start in Monaco. Out of all places in the world where she could hide, at a place like Monaco, she thought her father and the Romanos wouldn’t look for her. How could someone like her afford a life in Monaco, home of the rich and the famous.

Rachel looked at her reflection in the mirror, her long, chocolate brown locks cascading down her shoulders. It was almost her natural colour, or what used to be her natural colour years ago, but now it looked foreign. Like the person who looked at her in the mirror was a stranger. She picked up the scissors and cut off a good amount of hair, watching in satisfaction as they were falling on the floor. It wasn’t really a haircut, nothing stylish, just shorter. It had to be enough for now. Putting on a white blouse, Rachel checked the time, realising that she had to be at the antique store in 15 minutes. She put her hair into a neat, high ponytail, slipped into her sneakers and grabbed her bag. On the way downstairs she fished her sunglasses out of her bag and put them on, leaving the little hotel in a hurry.

"Hello young Miss, what can I do for you?" Carl asked 15 minutes later when Rachel walked through the door of the antique store.

"My necklace…" she pressed out, a little out of breath and Carl cocked his eyebrow.

Rachel took off her sunglasses, putting the receipt down and then saw the penny drop as the man’s expression changed.

"Ahh! Of course, of course! Please come into my back office, I show you what I could find out about your necklace!" Carl waved her behind the counter and she followed him through a short hallway into a little room, the walls were full with ceiling high shelves, full with boxes, stacks of papers, figurines, books and what not "Have a seat." he pointed to a chair at the desk and Rachel sat down "Where do I have it…" Carl mumbled, opening a file cabinet, pulling out a manila folder "Here." he pulled out the chair opposite from Rachel and put the folder down, opening it "Birth certificate, social security number, high school and college diploma, bachelors degree. Also a new bank account, all your money transferred onto it, well not all your money. My payment excluded obviously..."

"How did you do that? Transferring money leaves a trail… someone could find the new account under the new name and…" Rachel interrupted but Carl chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

"My dear, I’ve been doing this for longer than you’re on this earth, I know how to not leave a trail…" he said reassuringly but seeing the worry on the girls face he sighed "I transferred you’re money in tiny little chunks onto offshore accounts all across the world. Then I transferred from other accounts, accounts that have no connection to your money, the amount of money that was left, after my payment, back onto your new account. You see? You’re safe. Who ever will follow your money will only be able to find hundreds of transactions to a bunch of different accounts and that’s it. I know how to do my job, dear." Carl winked, patting Rachael’s hand who slowly nodded.

"Sorry… I- I just needed to be sure that-…" she began but got interrupted.

"That you’re safe and no one can find you or follow you, I know. And please believe me when I say that you are… alright?" he looked at her questioningly and when she nodded again he clapped his hands "Alright… then let’s proceed, I’d say. I need to take a picture for the ID, drivers license and passport and you’re good to go, Miss Lauren Millner, born May, 26th 2001 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Parents Walter and Caroline Millner, deceased. No siblings or other living relatives. Graduated from Harrisburg High School with a high school diploma and later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing, with a bachelors degree in nursing. Specialised in paediatrics."

Rachel scooted closer to the table, looking at the documents in front of her, hesitantly picking up the birth certificate, inspecting it. Next the high school diploma.

"It looks so-… it looks so real?" she whispered, putting the two documents down, reaching for the passport, for now without a picture but still so realistic, that Rachel thought she had a real one in her hands.

"Well, that’s because they are real. Don’t ask questions, accept it. Now come on. Let’s take your picture and then I can finish up the rest."

Her new, smaller suitcase on the bed, filled with some new clothes. Her personal keepsakes, like her photo album, a big folder with her new documents and a notebook next to it. Ready to be packed into the small backpack. Rachel’s entire life in front of her. 22 years fitted in one small suitcase and a backpack. Even less than when she left Boston. A numbness spread through her body, something she couldn’t quite pinpoint, but she didn’t have the time to figure it out, when the phone rang and she hastily picked it up, the receptionist telling her that her taxi was waiting.

"I’m coming down." she hung up, finished packing and closed her suitcase and backpack.

One last look through the room to make sure she didn’t forget anything and Rachel put on her jacket, a thin scarf and new sunglasses, before leaving the room. Her whole insides were churning all the way to the airport and when she got out of the car and walked inside, she realised what it was that was making her feel this way. This was it. Her old life ended here. Her new one began. She took a deep breath, making her way through the crowd, irritated by the amount of young girls, screaming hysterically for the attention of some celebrity. The profile of the young man looked like he was a model, or maybe a singer? A member of the newest boy band maybe? She shook her head, not caring one bit and stopped in front of the check-in queue. When it was her turn she handed over her new passport with slightly shaky hands, something the lady at the desk noticed immediately.

"You alright Miss?" she asked and Rachel nodded "First time flying?"

"Kind of, at least for that long." Rachel replied nervously.

"And then all alone to Europe? You’re visiting someone?"

"Yeah… and old family friend…"

"Lovely. Have a safe trip then dear!"

"I will."

"First things first, you’ll need to buy a new phone when you arrive and then send me a text immediately. I need to know that you’re safe." Stuart urged "Don’t roll your eyes at me…"

"I didn’t-… how did you know?" Rachel replied, hearing her friend chuckle through the receiver of the pay phone at the airport.

"I know you now long enough. So… Monaco. I mean. It’s crazy to think that someone on the run, nonetheless a post grad nurse, would settle down in Monaco of all places. To survive there you have to be loaded… so yeah. Good idea! But then again, how will you survive Rach? I know your mom left you some money and you saved a fortune from your scholarship and working for Pete. But I know how expensive Carl was… you can’t have that much left…"

"Don’t you worry, Stu. It’s still enough, believe me. I can stay in Monaco for a while without worrying too much. And with Madame Leclercs help I hopefully get a job real soon and-…" Rachel began when she heard Stuart sigh a little "What?"

"Aren’t you a little-… umm aren’t you a little too optimistic? Rach your mum met this person once and wrote some letters over the years… but that’s it? Who says that she still works in that hair salon? I mean- did you check?" he asked but was met with silence "So you didn’t? Do you even know the name of the salon? Where it is? No? Nothing? Rach that’s risky-…"

"It will be fine. I have a good feeling about this, trust me, okay?" Rachel said reassuringly when her flight was announced to be ready for boarding "Oh, that’s me…"

"Alright. Then go. And remember, new phone, send me a text!" Stuart chided "And stop rolling your eyes, they might get stuck!"

"You and I both know that that’s just a lie we tell kids to not do it anymore…" the girl laughed "But I will get a new phone as soon as I’m in Nice. I’ll shoot you a text and then I go radio silent for a while. I’ll hide out in Nice, making sure that really no one followed me before I make my way to Monaco…"

"Sounds like a plan. Take care, Rach."

"I will…" she replied quietly, ending the call.

Rachel looked up at the screens above, in search for her gate. Finally spotting her flight to Nice. With every step she took closer to her gate, she felt the pit in her stomach grow. This was it. She left everything behind. No more fear of being dragged into a lifestyle she never wanted to be a part of. The moment she would board the plane her old life would end. The life of Rachel Lombardi would end. Once and for all.

Chapter 5 - no idea if getting a new identity is that easy? But I guess when you know someone who knows someone 🤷🏻‍♀️ anyways, we’re getting closer and closer to our two characters to meet 🤭 also: what a crazy race weekend 🙈 congrats Max! Amazing race! Also congrats Alpine! Damn!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos @mariclerc @fangirlforever2000

[jessicaloons]

T H I S 🙌

2022 Silverstone - Max: Damaged Car = Loss of Pace, Charles: Left out on Old Hards after safety car, finish P4

2023 Singapore - Max: Rocky's weakness Qualified P15, Finished P5, Charles: Team orders to open a gap for Carlos, finished P4 after George ends in wall

2024 Australia - Max: Brake Failure DNF, Charles: Team Orders protect for Carlos, finished P2

2024 Mexico - Max: rb20, 20 seconds in penalty, finish P6, Charles: LICO most of race after Carlos complained he was to close, literally told he's driving too fast, finish P3

Carlos literally can not win a race if Max doesn't have mechanical issues/penalties and Charles does not get team orders or Ferrari distasterclass for getting a 1-2. It's just fucking embarrassing.

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince

Chapter 4

Masterlist - Previous - Next

The Heartbreak Prince

November 2022:

"So it’s possible?" Charles asked his lawyer who nodded.

"It’s a lot of paperwork, but that’s what you pay me for, right?" she laughed and Charles looked at the ultrasound in his hand "I can start to set up all the documents as soon as possible or you want to take some time to think about it? Let it all go through your head once more? Or twice? More? You still have time… the baby won’t be born until April next year, so we can wait with the final decision…"

"No. Prepare everything… can you maybe talk to her? If she has a lawyer, and if not, maybe recommend one? I don’t want her to feel… I don’t want her to feel like it’s me against her and she is defenseless. If she has a lawyer of her own by her side, she’s not alone…"

"Of course Charles. I’ll talk to her, explain everything to her and then we figure things out. One step at the time."

"Thank you…" Charles smiled and got up, guiding his lawyer to the door "Let me know if you need anything from me."

"Will do, I’ll stay in touch. Have a nice day, Charles. And good luck for your race." she left his apartment and he sighed, leaning against the door.

His mind was racing, he had to leave for the airport in not even 2 hours, but he knew he first had to talk to someone. He couldn’t keep it a secret, the guilt would eat away at him. Back in his bedroom he threw everything haphazardly into his suitcase, calling Joris.

"Hey Joris, pick me up at my mums place…" Charles slipped on his shoes, checking that he had everything important in his backpack.

"Okay? Everything alright?"

"Yeah… I just-… I’m keeping the baby and have to tell my mum now…" Charles blurted out and the line went silent "Jo?" he asked after a minute of silence "Are you still there?"

"Yeah-… I just… umm-… I have to wrap my head around what you just said? You and Alessia are keeping the baby?" Joris asked cautiously.

"No. I am. She wants nothing to do with the baby… or me. She made that clear…" the Ferrari driver sighed, slipping into his sneakers.

"And what prompted this change of heart?"

"I saw it, Jo. And its heartbeat… in that moment I realised I would never forgive myself if I would give away my child. My firstborn. I can’t do it… that’s a piece of me. And I’m going to take care of it…" he left his apartment, waiting for the elevator.

"Okay. So Alessia will have the baby and then leave it with you and she’ll disappear? Not be a part in its life like you planned to? And you keep it? Take care of it, while travelling the whole world, racing in F1?"

"That’s exactly what’s happening, I mean… if Maman won’t kill me if I tell her now…" Charles put his suitcase in his car and got in, starting the engine.

"Good luck with that… maybe you’ll die today so thinking about the future won’t be necessary…" his best friend chuckled and under different circumstances Charles would’ve laughed too, but he knew that there was some truth in Joris’ words and when he stood in front of his childhood home 10 minutes later, ringing the doorbell with shaky hands, he wished he could’ve been anywhere else in the world but here.

"Charles! I didn’t think I’d see you before you leave. What a lovely surprise." his mother kissed his cheeks, pulling him inside "Arthur and Lorenzo are here as well…"

"They are?" Charles swallowed hard.

Maybe it was easier to say it only once, then 3 times to each one individually he thought, when he stepped into the living room where his brothers already sat.

"I thought we meet at the airport?" Lorenzo, his older brother asked, looking slightly confused.

"Umm- yeah, I just- I had to talk to mum first… and I guess now that you’re here, I’ll tell you as well…" Charles voice wavered and his brothers shared some glances before they looked at him.

"Is everything alright?" Arthur, his youngest brother asked right as their mother came back with some coffee and biscuits on a tray, putting it on the coffee table, already on her way back to the kitchen.

"Maman? Can you umm-… can you sit down, please? I need to talk to you… all of you." Charles voice was raspy and he cleared his throat, looking at his mother "Please. There is something… there is something you all need to know."

His mother looked worried, and as soon as she sat down between his brothers he pulled out the ultrasound picture, taking a deep breath. He felt his anxiety reaching its peek. The guilt settling in, in what a mess he had catapulted not only himself, but also everyone who was close to him. But he made his decision and now he had to own up to it. He took a deep breath, calming himself down.

"A couple of weeks ago I made a mistake. I did something stupid, reckless. But after crashing out at Paul Ricard I just wanted to forget. I drank a lot. And ended up in a girls bed… Charlotte and I weren’t dating anymore, we broke up almost a month earlier, we just kept it private, I asked her too, because I wanted to focus on driving and not on the gossip accounts speculating about my private life… that girl- she’s pregnant. With my child. And we had a deal, that she would get the baby and then we give it up for adoption to find it a good home… But I saw it. I saw my child. I heard its heartbeat and I can’t do it anymore. I can’t give it away. So I decided to keep it. Alessia, the mother, she wants nothing to do with it. Us. She doesn’t want a child. And that’s okay. But I have to do this. This is my child. My responsibility." he didn’t make any breaks, let it all out in one go and then put down the ultrasound picture in front of his family, all 3 looking at it wide eyed "This is a part of me…"

Silence. Complete silence. He couldn’t even hear them breathe. Charles looked at his brothers, the shock evident in their faces, then at his mother, an unreadable expression on her face. She picked up the picture, looking at it closely.

"Maman?" Charles almost whispered as his mother looked up from the picture in her hand "I’m so sorry! I swear it was an accident but I have to do this. I can’t just abandon my child… please understand me. Please… please don’t be mad at me…"

"You’re going to be a father?" was all she said and Charles nodded slowly, watching her getting off the sofa, slowly approaching him.

"Don’t be mad at me…" Charles breathed out again, feeling the tears stinging in his eyes, he held his breath when his mother stopped in front of him, looking him in the eyes.

When she raised her hand he almost expected her to slap him, closing his eyes, preparing for the impact. But the slap never came, instead he flinched slightly when she cupped his cheek, wiping away the tears that had escaped.

"I raised you right…" she whispered and Charles opened his eyes looking at her "Taking responsibility. You’re a good man…" she kissed his cheek, pulling him into a tight hug, her own heart almost shattering, hearing her son’s relieved sob "Seems like I’m becoming a grandmother then…"

"Yeah… you are…" Charles replied, feeling the tension and pressure falling off his shoulders. Relief flooding him.

"It’s going to be okay. We’re all here for you. We are all on your side." his mother whispered and Charles knew that with his mother’s love and support, he could do this right.

He could become the father his child deserved. A father like he had.

December 2022:

Annoyed. Indifferent. Disinterested. That would be the words Charles would use to describe the girl in front of him. The past weeks he tried to reason with her. Tried to talk her into co-parenthood. He wasn’t trying to force her, he just wanted to give her all the options. But as soon as he mentioned that he talked to his lawyer she asked for one herself. She made it clear that she didn’t want to have their child. Time and time again. Until Charles didn’t ask anymore. He accepted it. But what he didn’t have to accept was that the young girl sat at home. Alone. At all times. Only going out for short walks. Only texting with her best friend and brother. Talking to her parents from time to time. She needed to get out. Be around other people. And so he made a decision. It was a couple of days before Christmas when the driver sat in his second apartment in Monaco. The mother of his child on the sofa, he in the arm chair next to it.

"Thanks, but no thanks." Alessia rolled her eyes, not even looking at him.

"But why? It would do you some good, getting out of here, being surrounded by people, have a little Christmas dinner?"

"No. I don’t want to be surrounded by people. What do you even mean? We had a deal. No one knows about this. Who did you tell about it?"

"My mother and brothers, that’s who I meant. Joris could come as well. It will be f-…"

"I don’t want to play family, don’t you get it? I don’t want to meet your family, who all probably have the same stupid puppy eyes, looking at me, trying to make me rethink my choice… I don’t need that. As soon as I pressed this baby out it’s yours. Yours alone. I still don’t get why you would do that, it’s stupid. All alone. A demanding career. Having a child is just stupid for you, but that’s your decision. Your problem. I won’t be here to see the outcome of it all. I won’t see what happens to that child." her voice was cold.

Annoyed. Indifferent. Disinterested. Always the same.

"I just don’t want you to be all alone… it’s Christmas for fucks sake!" Charles groaned and for the first time in weeks there was a tiny hint of a smile on the girls face.

"Listen Charles. I really appreciate it. I do. All the little snack bags you leave on the doormat, all the delicious food you send over. You treat me right. You do, really. And now this. It’s really thoughtful. But I don’t want to meet your family. I want to be alone. Here. It’s my first Christmas without my parents. Let me have it the way I want it. Okay?" her voice was softer and Charles slowly nodded.

"But can I at least bring you some of the food? My mum is an amazing cook and you’ll love it. And you need to eat for two… so…"

"I would love to have some Christmas food…" Alessia smiled.

"Alright. I get you some plates fetched then…" Charles got up and made his way to the door, and when he passed the sofa the brunette grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently.

"Thank you. And-… merry Christmas…" she whispered and Charles took her hand in his, smiling at her.

"Merry Christmas to you too…"

Bahrain 2023:

Charles was nervously fidgeting with the many bracelets on his wrist, more than usually and his media assistant, Mia, put her hand on his.

"Okay, what’s going on?" she looked at him intently "The last weeks you’ve been more nervous than ever? Even at the end of last season you were super fidgety… what’s going on?"

He ran his hand through his hair, looking everywhere but the blonde woman in from of him. He had prepared a speech, thought long about how to explain what was going on, but he wasn’t sure if he had the courage to say it, so he shook his head, swallowing hard.

"Charles! I know you for more than 6 years now! I know that something’s going on, so come on. What did you do?"

"Why do you think that I did something?" he sounded offended and Mia chuckled a little.

"Because you look guilty. As if you have to confess something… so, confess…"

"Can you- umm is it possible to have Fred and Silvia here as well?" Charles almost whispered, saying it once would be hard enough, he didn’t want to repeat it a second time.

"Yeah? Sure… I text Silvia��. but now I’m really getting nervous…" Mia took out her phone, typing away, her eyes darting between her screen and the driver in front of her. After a few minutes of texting back and forth she nodded slowly, looking at Charles "They wait for us at Fred’s office…"

"Now?" Charles eyes widened.

"Of course now? Come on…" Mia got up and Charles followed her.

With every step they got closer to Fred’s office the young drivers anxiety got worse. Right in front of the door he stopped, taking a long, deep breath. Then he looked at the blonde and nodded. Mia knocked on the door and after a moment she opened it, Fred and Silvia looking at them, confusion written all over their faces.

"Charles. Mia. Come on in." the team principal got up, pointing to the sofa in the corner "So, Charles, Mia said you wanted to talk to us. To us all." he continued as soon as the driver and his media assistant both sat on the sofa, Silvia and himself on the armchairs in front.

"Yeah… umm-… there is something I have to tell you. It’s- it’s complicated. Something happened and I had to make a decision… and… well that decision, that umm-… it wasn’t easy, you know? Then again, it kinda was? I had to do it I guess?" Charles rambled, the speech he had so thoroughly planned out gone the moment he had opened his mouth.

"He really did it? He really approached you?" Fred mumbled, making the driver look at him confused "I mean- I do understand you, last year was crucial and Mattia missed out on establishing you as the clear number one when it was needed, when you were leading so clearly. But I hoped you would give me a chance, you know? Show you that I have a clear vision of your future in the team…"

"What?" Charles had no idea what he was talking about, he looked at Silvia, her usual scowl and pointed look gone, replaced by genuine sadness, then he looked at Mia, eyes wide.

"Christian approached you and I’m sure whatever he offered was more than generous, after all, he wants you in his team next to Max for years now… I’m really sorry that you lost all trust in our team after last season, but I understand. You want to be world champion and after being let down far too many times, you had to do what feels right for you… you signed for Red Bull next season." Fred’s voice was laced with pain, guilt. The sadness in his face visible, but when Charles looked at him and started laughing, it turned into confusion with a hint of anger "I don’t know what’s so funny about that…"

"I’m sorry. Really… just… give me a moment…" he wiped away a tear, taking a few deep breaths to compose himself, a grin still on his lips when he cleared his throat "I didn’t sign with Red Bull. And no one officially approached me. Was I asked, more in a joking way, yeah, but nothing serious…"

"You- you didn’t sign with Red Bull?" Fred repeated and Charles nodded "Oh- well… umm okay… good. Really good… then, well, say what you wanted to say."

"Yeah…" Charles sighed and closed his eyes for a brief moment, then he took a deep breath "I’m going to be a father… in around two months… it wasn’t planned. I’m not in a relationship with the mother and as soon as the child is born, I’ll have the sole custody and the mother is out of the picture. Forever."

Silence.

Big eyes.

Confusion.

"That wasn’t what I expected…" Silvia the first to break the silence.

"Now you wish I would’ve signed for Red Bull…" Charles halfheartedly joked, making Silvia’s eyes shot up at him "That wouldn’t be as much of a PR-nightmare for-…"

"Is it really your child? Did you make a paternity test?" she asked.

"We did… it’s mine. That night was a mistake, but the outcome is not. It’s my child."

"This conversation will never leave this room…" Silvia shook her head "You would be swarmed by the media. The Heartbreak Prince a single dad? Which of his short term lovers did he knock up? No. You and your child would never have any kind of peace for a long time. That’s not how a child should grow up! No one else in the team must know it as well. They are all too talkative. Someone would spill the beans accidentally. This is our secret. Understood?"

"Silvia, I think that’s Charles decision-…" Mia began but he shook his head.

"No. She’s right. It’s the best for us. The best for my child…"

"Okay. Umm- then… congratulations, I guess?" Fred got up, pulling Charles out of his seat, hugging him.

"Thanks." he mumbled and when his team principal let go of him, the two women did the same.

"You don’t want to know why I’ll be raising my child alone? Why the mother-…"

"No. You have your reasons. That’s all we need to know." Fred replied and Charles nodded slowly "So in 2 months? Around… Baku?"

"Will you take a break? Or what’s your plan?" Mia asked.

"I continue, like before. My mum and brothers will help me. I will spend as much time as possible at home during the races, so please, don’t make me attend too many sponsor events. Just the really important and necessary ones." Charles looked at Silvia who nodded.

"That can be arranged, Carlos can take over. And for the rest… we’ll figure it out. One step at the time." she said writing something down in her notebook, Mia and Fred nodding in agreement.

"We find a way to make this work."

"Thanks, I really appreciate it." Charles meant what he said.

He felt relieved that his team was taking the news so well and were keen to help him with his new task at hand. Maybe he could make it. Have it all. His career and his child. Become a world champion and a father.

22 April 2023:

A new life began at 3:27 in the morning at the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco. As Charles saw his daughter for the very first time he knew, he would do everything to protect her, no matter what.

"We’ll take her, clean her up and check her through. You can stay with your girlfriend." the nurse told him and he pressed out a smile.

Girlfriend. No, she wasn’t his girlfriend. She was the mother of his daughter. Not more. Not less. The mother who wished to leave the hospital as soon as possible. Leave her daughter behind and never look back although Charles had tried everything to make her change her mind. He took one last deep breath before he knocked on the door.

"Come in." after he heard the faint voice he opened the door and walked inside.

"She’s healthy. They’re cleaning her up and checking her through and then bringing her back down…" Charles said, looking at the exhausted girl "It’s not too late, Alessia. You can still-…"

"No. I told you I don’t want to see it. I don’t want to hold it. I don’t want it, Charles." Alessia groaned and he nodded "Are the lawyers here?"

"They’re outside."

"Bring them in. I want this to be over. Once and for all." she said and Charles nodded again, walking outside.

"You can come in." he said to the awaiting lawyers who followed him back into the room.

"Let’s get this over with." the new mother said looking expectantly at her lawyer.

"Right, as discussed, Miss Bonetti will hand over the sole custody of the child to Mr. Leclerc. He will be recorded as father on the birth certificate. The child will have Mr. Leclerc’s last name." the lawyer said, looking at his client who nodded.

"Further, as Miss Bonetti stated she wants nothing to do with the child, we’ve prepared a NDA for your client to sign." Charles lawyer said, looking at the girl and her lawyer "My client will sign one as well, agreeing to never contact or mention Miss Bonetti. No one will know that the child is hers."

"What’s a NDA?" Alessia asked.

"A nondisclosure agreement. With signing it, you’re not allowed to talk about this whole situation with anyone. You can’t mention that you had a child." her lawyer explained.

"We’ve gone a step further with our demands."

"A step further? This wasn’t discussed beforehand!"

"Your client asked for a compensation. Mr. Leclerc paid for all medical bills, accommodation over the past 7 months, living expenses, maternity clothing, everything. Your client still demands a compensation for her inconvenience of being pregnant. Therefore my client agreed to pay the compensation, but on our terms."

"What terms?" the girl asked and looked at the Ferrari driver.

"You said you don’t want her. You want nothing to do with her. You want to be out of here and never look back. You want me to keep quiet about you being her mother. I gave you many chances to change your mind, you declined. You want to walk out of her life. Fine. But then you walk out forever. I want you to agree that you also never contact me, us, mention me or her and most importantly never tell anybody about our night together. It never happened. You don’t want this. Then it never happened. You were never pregnant. You and I. We don’t know each other. Not in the past. Not now. Never in the future. Today will be the last time we ever see each other." Charles said, his voice wavering.

"This means, if you ever change your mind, you can’t reach out. You sign away your right to see your daughter ever again." her lawyer said looking at her "You might want to think about that again, you’re exhausted? Maybe too vulnerable to make this decision just yet."

The young mother sat up and leaned forward, taking the NDA together with the declaration of custody out of her lawyers hands and took the pen from the side table.

"Where do I sign?" she asked.

"Here. And here. And here. And on the last page." her lawyer showed her the dotted lines in the documents, all pre signed by Charles, who took the NDA from the girls lawyer looking at it.

"The notary will be here any minute. He will certify the documents and from then on, this all never happened."

Charles got up and looked outside, when it knocked, expecting the notary. But there stood the nurse from earlier, holding his little bundle of joy.

"How’s Mummy? She wants to hold her little sunshine?" she asked as Charles stepped out onto the hallway, closing the door behind him.

"No, she’s… she’s not her mother." he took the little girl in his arms, cradling her to his chest "I mean-… umm she is but… no. She has only me."

"Oh. Okay. Well, we umm… we’ll talk then to her, she needs to be fed in the next hour…" the nurse said and Charles looked at her.

"I have formula? She- she won’t breastfeed her."

"I talk to the moth-… I talk to Miss Alessia. She can pump the-… I’ll talk to her. Here. You can rest with your little one in here." she opened up the door across the hallway, switching the light on.

Charles followed her inside, sitting down in the armchair.

"One last thing. Newborn babys love skin to skin contact. She’s a little squirming around, that’ll help."

"Take my shirt off?" Charles asked and the nurse nodded, taking the little girl out of his arms and he did as told, before the nurse opened up the blanket, wrapped around the newborn.

"Here. Hold her like before, just on your bare skin. Lean back. And let her hear your heartbeat. I’ll be back with some milk. And something to eat and drink for the new dad, you look exhausted. My name is Claudia, if you need anything, push the button." Claudia smiled and left the room.

He closed his eyes for a moment, his emotions threatened to overwhelm him. He was a father now. A 25 year old single father, whose job it was to race around the world.

"Charles? It’s done. All documents are signed, the notary certified it all. They will bring Alessia to a different ward, she’ll stay here for 2 more days, so she can pump some more milk, then she’ll be discharged." his lawyer said, walking inside the quiet room.

"She will be gone? Forever? She has no right to ever contact me? Us? She’s only mine?" he asked.

"Yes. She signed away all her rights."

"How’s that even possible? She gave birth to her? She’s her child? How can she sign away everything?"

"I explained it to you. It works like at an adoption… she is her birth mother. Not more. Not less. By signing the NDA it’s like she never existed in your life. And vice versa."

"It’s just me and her?" Charles whispered, looking down at his most prized possession.

"It’s just you and her…" his lawyer nodded "In the coming days I’ll also take care of the hospital staff. It was only Claudia, the nurse, one of the doctors and the lady from administration, who filled out the birth certificate, who know that you’re involved in this. I’ll make them sign a NDA as well. No one will know about this unless you want to."

"Thank you, really. You thought of everything…" Charles mumbled, eyes trained on his daughter’s beautiful face.

"Yeah well, that’s my job… do you want me to call your mum? I’m sure she can’t wait to meet her granddaughter."

"Yeah… that would be good. Thanks." he still didn’t look up from his little angels face.

"Alright. The nurse will be back soon with a bottle for her." his lawyer was about to leave when Charles finally looked up at her.

"Is it enough? What I offered her? Will she be okay?" he almost felt guilty asking this question, like he paid the mother of his child to leave their life.

"You were more than generous, Charles. The amount of money you paid her is more than enough. She’ll be just fine." she smiled as she left.

He sighed and leaned back. In the quiet room, his precious daughter sleeping on his chest, he thought about his life almost a year ago, when he and his girlfriend of one year Charlotte broke up. It wasn’t like he didn’t love her. It was more like he didn’t love her enough, the way she deserved to be loved. She was a great girl. A good friend. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted an all consuming love. A love that made his heart beat faster, whenever he saw that special person. A love that made him crave for more and more. A love that would make him go crazy, in a good way. A love he knew would be his to hold dear and cherish for the rest of his days. That wasn’t Charlotte. And before her it wasn’t Marie. And before her it wasn’t Juliette. And before her it wasn’t Giada. The media didn’t call him the Heartbreak Prince for nothing. The Formula 1 driver who went through relationships like others went through their underwear. A messed up race and a drunk one night stand later, Charles knew they were right. But he also knew one thing for sure. This cycle was ending now. He had a daughter now. She would be his all consuming love. She would be the one he would hold dear and cherish for the rest of his days.

No more Heartbreak Prince.

Chapter 4 - Welcome on this planet, baby girl! Charles strikes me as the cutest girl dad 👉👈 I just had to make him one again 🙈

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos @mariclerc

[jessicaloons]

I’m reading invisible string and it’s so funny to me that you wrote that Charles won Baku and Oscar won Austin and then in reality they switched the races 😆

Hahahaha I had to check because I didn’t remember but yep. You’re right 😂

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 3

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Miss Americana

October 2022:

"… and then Miss Larimer said that we can pet the puppies…" Gabriel said excitedly, jumping up and down "They are so cute, Rach, I swear! I want one! Do you help me to convince dad to get me one? Pleeeaseee?"

Rachel only listened half-heartedly, reading the text on her phone while unlocking the car.

"Rachel! Please! I swear I’ll always eat my veggies, brush my teeth and go to bed when you tell me to, for the rest of my life! Please!" the little boy kept going but his nanny still didn’t react, her eyes still trained on her phone "RACHEL!"

She flinched looking into the rear view mirror at Gabriel who rolled his eyes.

"Sorry, what did you say?" she stuttered, trying to calm herself down.

"I said that Miss Larimer brought her puppies to school today and we could pet them and they were so cute and I want one! Can you help me to convince dad?" she saw her own set of puppy eyes in the mirror and laughed.

"Your dad is allergic to dogs, Gabe. You know that… are you buckled in?" Rachel started the car, driving off the parking lot, after Gabe nodded.

"That sucks…" the boy puffed out, looking out of the window, watching the boats and yachts in the harbour "One day I want to be a vet and then I can hang out with animals all day long."

"A vet? That’s an amazing idea, Gabe!" Rachel smiled and he nodded "And I’m sure you’d be an amazing vet!"

"You think so?" the blonde boy asked, making big eyes.

"Are you kidding me? Do you remember when we were at the zoo and you weren’t afraid to hold the snakes? Or touch the tarantulas! You even held up this definitely not cute looking lizard and cooed at it like it’s a sweet, fluffy puppy." the nanny recalled and Gabe smiled, thinking back to their trip to the zoo a couple of weeks ago.

"All animals are cute somehow." he shrugged and Rachel chuckled.

"See? You would be a perfect vet."

"You’re taking care of people and I’m taking care of animals. We’re both lifesavers!"

"Oh well, I’m not there yet. I only started my practical studies 6 months ago… as of now I’m not a lifesaver…"

"Yet. You’ll get there." Gabe chimed in and Rachel nodded.

"I will."

The rest of the car ride was spent in silence and when they arrived at home Gabe sat down at the kitchen island, starting with his homework.

"I’m back in a minute and then I make you a snack before we leave…" she said more to herself and walked out the back door, hastily making her way into her little studio.

She closed the door, pulling out her phone. With trembling hands she opened up the messages she got earlier.

I was at your university today.

According to your schedule you sent us you should’ve been there.

Where were you?

Also, isn’t it interesting that in the dormitory you’re supposed to live no one knows you?

Where the fuck are you, Rachel.

Tony. He was here. With trembling fingers Rachel dialled Stuart’s number.

"Hey Rach…"

"The app that’s blocking others from tracing my phone works, right?" Rachel cut him off and there was silence, the girl thinking her friends might’ve hung up on her "Stuart?"

"Yes. Of course? What’s going on?" her friend sounded concerned "Where are you?"

"At home. But-… they’re here. They checked in on me. But I wasn’t at university, because I didn’t update them on my new schedule… they won’t like that I specialised on paediatric… they were at my dormitory-…"

"Your dormitory? You don’t live here?"

"Yeah, but I didn’t tell them… I said that I was living at St. Julie Hall, they shouldn’t know that I saved a shit ton of money because I work and live outside of campus…" Rachel breathed out.

"Ignore it. You were at the hospital today. Answer tonight. Say that you moved to a different dorm and thought that you told them but must’ve forgot…" Stuart suggested.

"And what if they decide to come back?" her voice barely above a whisper.

"We’ll figure it out."

"They can’t find out about Gabe and Peter…"

"They won’t. Rach, they can’t track your phone. The only location they will get is the campus or the hospital, Marcus took care of it. You have a good excuse. It’s going to be fine, okay?" Stuart reassured Rachel, who took a deep breath.

"I have to take Gabe to his soccer practice now." she got up, checking herself in the mirror.

"Okay… take care Rach, and if you need anything, call, text, whatever…"

"Thanks Stu."

Rachel was tense and on alert the whole afternoon, looking around, searching the park and parking lot for someone from home, but thankfully she didn’t spot anything out of the ordinary. When she stood in the kitchen, preparing dinner, her phone rang and she took a deep breath, before she answered the call.

"Rachel?" her father.

"What’s up dad?"

"Don’t what’s up dad me! Where have you been? Why didn’t you answer your phone?" he was mad.

"What are you talking about? I just left the hospital when you called? I had a training shift today." Rachel lied, trying to sound confused and annoyed at the same time.

"You were at the hospital? Not on the campus?"

"No. I have more and more training shifts now, I’m getting my practical hours in now and I swear I love it." fake excitement.

"That’s good to hear, Rach… but Tony said it was weird that no one knew you in your dorm…"

"What? Why was Tony at my dorm?"

"He wanted to check in on you-…"

"Why? We had a deal! I’m allowed to finish my studies and not be bothered!"

"I don’t know, okay? He came over and told me that he visited you… something about checking in on their investment…-"

"Their investment? I’m here on a scholarship! None of you is investing anything in my education! I have a deal with his father. And I have no problem in calling him and telling him the deal is off the table if you lot don’t hold your end of the bargain!" Rachel was furious and didn’t even had to fake it.

"I don’t think his father knew that he was visiting you… Tony just stormed in here and told me that you weren’t at the campus and no one knew you at your dorm-…"

"Because I moved! When I came back after the summer a fellow student told me that there is an open spot at Fennell Hall, the dormitory right on campus. She knows the RA and so I got the spot. It’s a little more expensive but I only need 5 minutes to classes now. I told you that!"

"You did?" her fathers voice faltered.

"Yeah, right after my first week back. It’s a new term and when I came back I didn’t know most of the students in my old dormitory anyway, so I thought a change would be nice." Rachel said casually, when she saw Gabe getting off the sofa "Listen dad, it’s been a damn long day, I’ve been awake since 5 am. I just want to drive home, take a shower and sleep. Are we done here?" she fake yawned, hoping her father would believe her.

"Yeah… sure. Take care, Rachel." he said and Rachel thanked the universe for making him believe her.

"Will do. Good night dad." she hung up, right when Gabe sat down at the kitchen island, sniffling the air. She calmed herself down, smiling at the young boy.

"Smells good, what is it?" he asked.

"It’s a beef stew, here, have a taste." she scooped up some of the stew and blew cold air on it while Gabe walked around the island "Careful, it might be still a little hot."

The young boy chewed his food, making big eyes, swallowing his bite down.

"That’s good!" he exclaimed and his nanny smiled "Will dad be here to eat with us?"

"He said he will."

"Good. I want to tell him that I want to be a vet when I grow up."

"A vet? Where did that come from?" Peter walked into the kitchen, loosening his tie "What happened to rocket scientist?"

"As a vet I can hang out with animals all day long…" Gabe shrugged taking the plates from Rachel, setting the table.

"Well that’s true." his father laughed, squeezing his nanny’s arm "Are you okay, Rach? You’re a little pale?"

"I’m fine, it’s just a lot right now, everyone is starting to prepare for the exams…"

"Already? Wait? When are the exams?" he looked confused.

"We still got time, but yeah. Preparation is key, that’s what our professors love to say." Rachel rolled her eyes and Pete laughed, getting himself a beer.

"I can’t believe that in not even 8 months you’re done. God where do I find another amazing nanny just like you again?" he pouted, sitting down on a stool "A nanny that can cook like you!"

"Why don’t you stay with us forever?" Gabe looked at his nanny "I don’t want you to go."

"Believe me, Gabe, I don’t want to either, but when I’m done, I’m a nurse, I’ll have to take over so many shifts and I just wouldn’t have enough time for you." Rachel ruffled his hair a little.

"But you come visit us? Right?" he asked and she swallowed hard, nodding.

"Of course, little one." Rachel lied, feeling sick doing so.

The girl was quiet during dinner, listening to Gabe and his father, enjoying the family time. She knew that as soon as she graduated she would be gone. Telling Peter a half truth why she had to leave so fast, promising to stay in touch, knowing it would all be nothing but lies. She dreaded that day, over the past years she really grew close to the father son duo, loved them wholeheartedly. But she couldn’t risk them getting into harms way. And she wouldn’t do it. But she knew that leaving them behind would break her heart. And when she sat down with Gabe after dinner, all cuddled up on the sofa, watching cartoons, the first crack in her heart already formed.

"I’m going to miss you so much… you’re my best friend." Gabe whispered, making Rachel close her eyes, trying her best to not cry.

"I’ll miss you too, buddy, so damn much."

June 2023:

With her diploma in hand, Rachel walked off the stage, waving at Peter and Gabriel, the only ones to attend her graduation. After shaking some more hands and joining her fellow graduates for the hat toss, she walked over to Peter and Gabriel. The boy running up to his nanny, hugging her tight.

"We’re so proud of you Rachel!" Peter said, hugging her as well "Valedictorian. Wow. Amazing."

"Thank you for coming." the young girl blushed a little, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Are you kidding me? We would never miss this opportunity!" Peter smiled "And now, I’d love to take you out for dinner, if you haven’t planned anything yet? You didn’t say that you would celebrate afterwards so I reserved a table at La Chabelle just in case."

"Oh wow, Peter! You didn’t have to." Rachel blushed even more.

"You worked so hard over the last four years. You deserve a treat!"

"Okay…" Rachel began when she felt her phone vibrate "I umm- I just want to say goodbye to a few of my classmates and then we can leave."

"Okay, we’re waiting by the car." Peter and Gabriel walked off and Rachel took out her phone, reading the text.

"Rach-…" Stuart grabbed her shoulder, making her flinch "Hey, it’s me. Sorry! I didn’t want to scare you."

"I need to leave as soon as possible." she just said and Stuart looked confused "Here…" she shoved him her phone in his hands and he read the text.

"Next Friday? Didn’t you say that your graduation is on Friday?"

"They want me to come back immediately after. They’re sending someone to help me with my stuff… I have to play my part to make them believe I’m still here. They can’t know that I’m gone. They would send someone after me immediately. I should leave now. Yes. I’m leaving now."

"Okay, take a deep breath for me. Look at me Rach. I call my contact person and tell them you’re coming earlier than planned. But for tonight you’re going with Peter and Gabriel to La Chabelle, you’re enjoying your last night here. I’ll go to your place and start packing your stuff, we’ll figure it out okay?"

"But what will I tell Peter and Gabe? I have to tell Peter the truth. I planned it all out. Fuck this is ruining everything! But he has to know that I’m leaving. I can’t just disappear…"

"You will tell him tonight. It’s fine."

"Okay-… I- I have to go now, they’re waiting for me." Rachel looked towards the parking lot and Stuart nodded.

"You go, I take care of the rest. It’s going to be fine, you’ll see." he reassured the blonde girl and she nodded, then she pulled him in a tight hug.

"Thank you Stu, for everything. You’re a true friend…"

"It’s okay Rach, really. Now go."

With one last look she walked off, towards the sleek, black Mercedes of her boss, getting in as soon as she reached it.

"Ready?" Peter asked and Rachel nodded.

"Ready."

"Me too!" Gabe said from the backseat and they laughed.

"Then let’s go." Peter steered the car onto the busy road, driving across town and stopped in front of La Chabelle.

"Good night, buddy." Rachel kissed the young boys forehead, ruffling his hair while getting up.

"Good night…" Gabe mumbled, almost drifting off to sleep immediately.

The nanny carefully walked over to the door, quietly opening it before turning around once more, looking at the boy she took care of for the last 4 years. All the memories of the past years came to her mind. She felt her heart ache, not ready to say her final goodbye, although deep down she knew she had to. In order to keep Gabe and his dad safe, Rachel had to disappear. She took a deep breath and quietly closed the door, gathering herself for the conversation she would now have with her boss of the last 4 years. Peter was amazing. He paid Rachel more than well, took her and Gabe on little trips here and there. Always treated her like a part of the family, rather than a subordinate. She would miss him as well.

"Rach? Can we talk?" the girl flinched when her boss appeared out of nowhere in front of her, stopping her train of thoughts.

"Umm-… sure, I actually wanted to talk to you as well…" she gulped, following him downstairs.

"Yeah?" Peter replied and pointed to the sofa "You want a drink? Because I sure as hell need one…" he poured himself a glass of scotch, before looking at his nanny "Oh I forgot, scotch tastes like washing detergent, was it?"

"Yeah…" Rachel chuckled, accepting the can of coke her boss handed her "So- umm… about what did you want to talk to me?"

"Gabe and I… we’ll leave next week…" he blurted out, rubbing his neck, and Rachel tilted her head a little "Of course you’re free to stay until the end of the month in the studio, as we agreed on. But Gabe and I, we won’t be here until then…"

"You’re going on vacation?" the girl asked, although she was sure that she would’ve known if her boss had planned something.

"No. Not on vacation. Rachel, Gabe and I, we’re moving to Austin. I got a new job there…"

"Wow! That’s amazing!" a big smile spread on Rachel’s face, in Austin they would be safe "You didn’t tell me that you were looking for a new job? But I’m so happy for you!"

"Yeah, it was… well my boss contacted me out of the blue last week and offered me the job… they need me there as soon as possible… but this job, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, you know?"

"Sounds amazing and I think Gabe will love it, he can become a real cowboy then…" the girl laughed, looking at the man in front of her, a serious look on his face "It’s going to be fine, just don’t let him alone with a horse for too long or you have to buy it!"

"Yeah… probably." Peter smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

"Okay, what’s wrong?" Rachel asked, looking at him intently.

"Is it too rushed? I don’t know how Gabe will take it? All his friends are here? Tearing him away from everything familiar?"

"You know your son, he can deal with everything. He will find new friends in no time, don’t worry!"

"Yeah, you’re right…" he sighed a little, scratching his chin "And what is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Oh- umm… I wanted to say that some friends asked me if I wanted to join them on a little trip… we would leave in the next days, I don’t know when exactly. I know, it’s a little spontaneous, but yeah…" Rachel lied, smiling innocently.

"Sounds wonderful! You should go, Gabe and I will be fine… we need to get used to a life without you now anyways! Unless you want to join us in Austin?" he smiled, a tinge of hope in his voice.

"As much as I appreciate the offer, I already have some job interviews lined up here, so…"

"Understandable, but you know that you’re always more than welcome!" Peter said and the girl nodded.

"I know Pete, and I really appreciate it…" she got up "I guess it’s time for me to pack my stuff then, maybe Stu can come in tomorrow and help me with it, so I don’t have to worry about it after I come back and you’re long gone…"

"Right, yeah… will you help me tell Gabe tomorrow?"

"Of course!" she smiled and kissed his cheek "Good night, Pete. Best boss in the world…"

"Night Rach, best nanny in the world…"

She chuckled and left the living room, through the kitchen and out into the backyard, the light in her studio already switched on.

"Please tell me that everything is arranged?" Rachel asked as soon as she closed the door behind her.

"Everything done." Stuart replied and she looked around her room.

Her life fitted into 2 cardboard boxes, a suitcase and a backpack.

"That’s all?" she mumbled and her friend nodded "I can’t take the boxes with me…"

"I know… I put all your personal belongings, pictures, books and stuff like that in your suitcase… the boxes is stuff you won’t need anymore, also some clothes I don’t want to see you ever in again…"

"Ouch, thanks…" Rachel chuckled "When am I leaving?"

"Sunday morning."

Rachel looked out of the window, as the plane slowly made its way higher up into the sky. She looked back one last time at her home. She knew, would she ever return, it wouldn’t be by her free will, she would be forced. It meant they found her and she had to make sure that that would never happen. She leaned back, closing her eyes. She still felt her heart ache, thinking at Gabe’s tear stricken face, but she knew that what she did was right. In two days they would be gone as well. Far away from Boston. Gone. No one would know she ever worked for Peter Hastings. No one would ever bother them. No one would know she’s gone until next Friday.

And when they would try to figure out where she was, when they followed her trace, she’ll be long gone. All planned out by Stuart. Rachel didn’t know what would happen to her old life, she didn’t ask. She didn’t want to know. But one thing was for sure, as soon as she would land in Montreal the life of Rachel Lombardi would end.

Chapter 3 - Goodbye Rachel’s old life, this looks like the start of something new… I know I’m rushing a little through the timeline here with big time jumps, but this is all just backstory to prepare you and our characters for the main plot, so please, bear with me 😅

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 2

Masterlist - Previous - Next

The Heartbreak Prince

September 2022:

Back on the podium in Monza. Finally. The Tifosi were screaming for Charles as he lifted his trophy into the sky, slapping the Ferrari logo above his heart. He soaked in the atmosphere, waving at the fans. A second place was usually nothing he would be happy with, but after the last weeks and the development of his car stagnating, he was happy to be back on the podium.

Back to back to be precise after last week’s P3 in Zandvoort. He chatted with Max and George, before he left towards his garage, where his mechanics celebrated him. Charles was surprised seeing Joris nowhere, but he couldn’t think too much of it when Mia, his PR manager, dragged him towards the media pen and then the post race press conference. He was still buzzing and giddy when he returned to his team, ready to celebrate his podium a little when he finally spotted his best friend. By the look on his face, Charles’ good mood was gone in an instant and he walked over, pulling his childhood friend into a quiet corner.

"What happened? Is everyone okay?" the Ferrari driver asked, feeling his heart almost beating out of his chest.

"Please tell me you use a condom when you have a one night stand." Joris said and Charles took a step back.

"What the fuck did you just ask?"

"I asked you, if you use fucking protection when you have sex with a random girl…" Joris whisper shouted.

"Okay first off, you’re my best friend, yes, but there are boundaries to what we’re talking about still. And second, I don’t have one night stands, does that answer your question?"

"Okay, let me rephrase that. Did you use protection when you dropped off that cute girl from the club couple of weeks ago and then had sex with her roommate after the French GP?"

"What? Why? Of course I did? I mean-… I was drunk but yeah… I think I did…" Charles stuttered, trying his best to think back to the night 6 weeks ago.

"I sure hope so because that girl, Alessia is her name by the way, she contacted you, and when you didn’t reply, me, on Instagram…-"

"Why? What does she want? Does she have a STD?" the Monegasque driver panicked, ruffling his hair, looking around to make sure no one listens to their conversation.

"Well no… unless you want to call a pregnancy a STD a-…"

"WHAT?" Charles almost shouted and some heads turned his way "She’s lying, right? It can’t be? I mean… no. No! It’s impossible!"

"Well, I don’t know. She said she wants to talk to you. She needs your help…"

"How do we even know that’s the girl I had sex with? She could be just some random girl who saw me leaving the club with the roommate and now pretends to be her?" Charles was grasping any straw he could find.

"That was my first thought but she told me the story how you brought home her friend and then well you and her… I don’t want to go into detail here… it’s her Charles… and she wants to see you."

"When?"

"As soon as possible."

"Fuck. This is bad Joris. So freaking bad. This can’t be happening… I mean, why does she think that I’m the father? She saw me taking home her friend and still flirted with me and kissed me, had sex with me? What kind of friend does that? Who’s saying she’s not having a different guy every night?" he began to ramble, ruffling his hair only further.

"Charles…" Joris sighed.

"I know. I shouldn’t have said that… it’s not fair… but- fuck. This could destroy everything."

"I’d say you talk to her first, then we’ll see?"

"I need you to come with me, Joris, I can’t do this alone. Please. Please come with me…"

"Okay, I set up a meeting with her. It’s going to be fine. You’ll see."

"I hope you’re right."

It only took five minutes to turn total euphoria into total devastation.

Charles nervously tapped his foot on the floor, looking at the door of the little café in downtown Milan, his coffee ice cold by now.

"Stop it." Joris put his hand on his best friend’s thigh of his bouncing leg "You’ll make me lose my mind."

"Sorry…" Charles mumbled, fiddling with his cuticles, his eyes wandering between the door and his hands.

"And stop that too! How old are you?" Joris rolled his eyes and Charles groaned, putting his hands on the table, grabbing his mug.

"What if she’s not coming? What if that all was just a stupid joke?"

"Then we’ll leave, for now she’s only 3 minutes late, so relax…"

"Relax? Relax? How the hell am I supposed to relax Joris?" Charles hissed.

"Okay, maybe relax wasn’t the right word… calm down a little, okay? We’ll figure it all out." Joris tried to reassure him.

"Yeah? I honestly don’t see how. This is going to ruin my career. My life." the driver leaned back into his chair, closing my eyes "How could I be so stupid? I swear I’ll never drink alcohol again…"

"Are you done now? Because I think she’s coming…"

Charles sat up in an instant, looking out of the big windows of the café, the memories in his mind starting to replay like a film clip when he spotted the girl.

"Fuck… it’s really her." he mumbled and Joris looked at the door, when the bell rang and the girl walked in.

"It’s going to be okay, just breathe…" Joris squeezed his shoulder and got up, walking over to the girl.

Charles felt his heart beat outside of his chest, his breathing ragged and he felt the bile rise up his throat. With sweaty hands he grabbed the glass in front of him, gulping it down, hoping the cold water would fight down the urge to vomit. He could already see the headlines, the disapproving look of Silvia. But above all he could see his mother’s disappointed face. He felt hot, short breathed, the buzzing inside his head getting louder and louder. With one last look at Joris, who talked to the girl, he got up, almost running to the bathroom. He didn’t even lock the door, he just flung open the toilet lid, ignoring the clattering sound it made, when it smashed into the wall, and emptied his stomach’s content into the toilet bowl. He got up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and flushed the toilet, when there was a knock on the door.

"Charles? Are you okay?" Joris.

Charles shook his head, leaning against the wall, no, he wasn’t okay.

"Charles?"

"I can’t do it… I just-… can you talk to her? I can’t do it…" he mumbled, looking into the mirror, his pale self staring at him. Sweat beads on his forehead, dark circles around his eyes. Deep down he knew that he had to talk to her. It was his problem. He had to own up to it.

"Charles this is a conversation I can’t have for you…"

"I know…" Charles mumbled, taking a deep breath, rinsing his mouth, splashing cold water in his face "I messed up… I have to take responsibility…" he dried his face with a paper towel and opened the door "I’ll talk to her." he swallowed hard, following his best friend back to their table.

After confirming that she was indeed the girl he had slept with, they decided to do the talking somewhere more private. Out of earshot. This was nothing he wanted to be heard by anyone and then plastered around gossip pages. Back at his apartment he offered the girl something to drink and then sat down in front of her, Joris to his right. Charles listened to the girl, how she found out she was pregnant and how she immediately knew that it must’ve been his child she carried. How she was scared and alone because of her conservative, traditional family who would disown her if they found out about the pregnancy.

"You’re the only option that I have…" she whispered, looking down in her lap and Charles swallowed hard.

He almost felt numb, as if his mind was trying to disassociate from the situation. He didn’t know what to do, how he could help the girl, what she expected from him.

"Do you need money?" he asked after a moment of complete silence and for the first time she looked him straight in the eyes "To umm-… to get rid of it?"

"An abortion?" her eyes widened in shock "I can’t do that. I just-… my belief… I can’t do that. I can’t kill an innocent soul."

Cells. At this time there was nothing but a clump of cells in her stomach. No innocent soul. No baby. Just cells.

"So what? You want to have the baby? What about your family? I thought they would disown you if they found out?" Charles knew he was too harsh, too straight forward, but deep down he still hoped this was all just a bad joke. Or a nightmare from that he woke up any moment.

"I know. They will do it. Definitely. But-… I can’t terminate the pregnancy… but maybe-…"

Maybe what? You want me to marry you? Say we’re happy and in love and you carry the fruit of that love? Play pretend for your family to think that you did not have premarital sex? He wanted to blurt it out, thinking that this was, what was ending his career.

"Maybe you can help me? I just need a place to stay. Away from my parents, I’ll have the baby and then we can give it up for adoption. It’s gone. Forever. And then I can go back to my life and you can go back to yours?" her voice was thin, laced with emotion and Charles looked at her.

"How old are you?" he asked out of the blue, wondering about the girls age.

She looked younger than he remembered and for a moment he was scared of the answer.

"23? Why?" she replied and Charles let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in "Do you agree with my plan?"

"You think it’s that easy? Giving away a child you carried for 9 months?" he asked and she nodded.

"I don’t want a baby. Not now. And not with someone-… someone like you! I know who you are. I know that you have a new girl by your side every other week. That you are always away. Always rushing from one country to the next. You are not someone I would want to have as a partner and father of my child…" she let out.

"Didn’t stop you from having sex with me. After I dropped off your drunk friend." what she said had stung for some reason and he was feeling his hands start to tremble.

"Yeah well, you didn’t have to sleep with me either!" she spat out.

"Why not? You just said that I have a new girl every other week. Maybe it was time for the new one right then!"

"Okay stop. Both of you. Enough." Joris said loudly and they both looked at him "Look. It is what it is. You guys slept with each other. There is a baby. You Charles, you don’t want the media and basically everyone find out. You Alessia, you don’t want your family and well yeah also basically everyone you know find out. You both have the same goal. I say let’s work toward it. Together."

He looked at his best friend and then the girl his best friend knocked up, hoping he could knock some sense in them.

"I have an extra apartment in Monaco. It’s empty, you can live there… and when it’s possible and safe, I want a paternity test." Charles said after thinking about it for a moment and Alessia nodded slowly.

"If you insist and don’t trust my words…" she said, her voice almost malicious.

"I have to protect myself…" he began.

"Whatever. As soon as they can do one, I’m doing it." the girl rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in front of her, leaning back.

"See? Baby steps…" Joris smiled and then bit his lip, holding up his hand at the glares the other two just shot him "Sorry. Wrong wording… but we can figure this out. As long as you both are on the same side…"

"Okay…" Charles mumbled, looking at the girl.

"Yeah… okay…" she replied and he nodded.

"Then let’s figure out the rest."

October 2022:

Charles grip on the steering wheel was tight, his knuckles white. He looked around, checking every mirror constantly.

"No one is here, relax." Alessia groaned, opening the door.

"Wait! What am I supposed to do now?"

"Stay? Leave? I don’t know? I’ll text you when I’m done…" she slammed the door shut and Charles looked around one last time before he put on the baseball cap and the way too big sunglasses.

He got out of the car, following the girl into the doctor's office.

"Whoa! What are you doing?" she stopped, looking at him.

"I don’t want to wait in the car like a sitting duck!"

"Then go for a walk?" the girl was annoyed.

"And run into someone who recognises me? Yeah no thanks. Don’t worry, I’ll just sit in the waiting area…" Charles shrugged his shoulders, making his way towards the door, holding it up expectantly.

"Unbelievable." the girl muttered underneath her breath, following the driver into the doctor’s office.

Charles looked around. Everything looked sterile and clean, but still comfy. Tame colours, nothing too intimidating. It was bright and open and under different circumstances Charles would’ve liked it here. He sat down in the waiting area, watching the other people who were waiting. A young mother to be, sporting a prominent baby bump, reading in the newest gossip magazine. A slightly older woman, smaller baby bump and a toddler next to her, talking about his day at the elementary school, while his mother smiled at him lovingly. And a young couple, the man cradling a baby, not older than a couple of weeks, to his chest. The way he looked at his little bundle of joy, full of love and adoration, kissing his wife’s temple, whispering some sweet nothings into her ear, making her blush. Watching this young couple, obviously on cloud 9, made his heart ache. He always wanted to be a young father, to make sure he would be able to spend as much time as possible with his children. He always wanted to have his own little family, a loving wife or girlfriend who would support him as much as he would support her in anything that she would do. A bunch of kids, products of their love, running around. He always imagined how he would hold his first born child for the very first time in his arms, swearing to the little wonder that he would do everything to protect it from any harm coming its way. But none of that happened so far and now his first child would be born and given away, growing up without him, not even knowing that he existed. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind when he realised that Alessia walked towards one of the examine rooms and he sighed, as the girl shut the door behind her. Charles looked around, his eyes always returning to the little family. He would never even hold his first child in his arms. He got up, deciding to wait in the car, being in here made him sick, when the door opened and he froze. Valentine, his ex-girlfriend Charlotte’s sister, walked through the door, talking loudly with a friend, not noticing him for now and if it were for Charles, it could stay that way. Before even thinking what he was doing he followed Alessia through the door she had vanished through, closing it behind him.

"Ahh, Daddy made it in time, sit down and let’s have a look at your little one, shall we?" the doctor said and Charles turned around, watching how she looked at the screen searching for a trace of the baby.

Alessia looked at him with wide eyes, a mix of annoyance and something he couldn’t quite place when the doctor cheered a little.

"There it is. Look at this healthy, tiny human. And what a steady heartbeat, here, I’ll turn up the volume for you…" she began and Charles followed her look, watching on the screen where the doctor was pointing at his unborn child.

Charles stared at the ultrasound screen, his eyes widened at the rhythmic flicker of the tiny but strong heartbeat. Despite his initial reluctance of having this baby, his demanding job, constant travel, his fear of what the public would say, his team or his family. Something inside him shifted, his eyes darting between the screen and the young girl. She might carry his child, but that was it, there was no love, no feelings between them, nothing. He didn’t know what was happening, thoughts about how he pictured becoming a father for the very first time, and the steady, rapid pulse on the screen stirred something deep within him. This very moment changed everything. Right in this instant, he felt a profound, overwhelming love for the life growing inside the girl in front of him. It was as if the heartbeat echoed a promise of his new purpose. With his heart now full and resolute, he vowed to embrace the new challenge and be the best father he could possibly be for his precious child. He wiped away a stray tear, emotions threatening to boil over when he looked at Alessia. But what he saw in her face was the exact opposite of what he felt. She looked almost disgusted, hateful, at the screen. Her lips pressed into a thin line, hands gripping tightly onto the sides of the stretcher she was lying on.

"Alright. I’m going to print out your first picture of your baby and then you can go back to the reception and ask for an appointment to draw some blood samples to check that everything is alright with Maman and child." the doctor wiped the stomach clean, while the machine in the back rattled, printing the pictures of the little wonder. As soon as she was done, the girl sat up, pulling her blouse down, looking at her feet.

"Here you go." the doctor handed her the pictures and she took them, not even looking at them "Take your time." she left and the girl threw the pictures on the stretcher next to her.

Charles got up, picking them up with shaking hands, looking at his unborn child.

"We need to talk…" he began and the girl looked up.

"About what?"

"This-… this changes everything… I don’t want to-… I want to keep it. I want to keep the baby." his voice more steady with every word "I know how it happened, it’s all unconventional… but I don’t want-… no I can’t give away my child, knowing that it will grow up somewhere without me?"

"We had a deal, Charles. I’ll have the baby, we give it up for adoption. We’ll never talk about it ever again. We’ll never see each other again. What happened between us… it never happened!" she jumped off the stretcher, looking at him "I don’t want to be a mother. I don’t want to fake a relationship for the child’s sake… no. I don’t want it."

"Then I’ll keep it. You follow through with our plan…"

"What? Are you even listening to yourself? You’re crazy!"

"No. I just-… I can’t explain, okay? But to think that I won’t be a part in my own child’s life? I can’t do it, Alessia."

"Yeah well then good luck as a single father, because I’m not staying out of guilt or whatever. I don’t want this child. You want to keep it? Let it ruin your life? Do it. But without me." and without another word she walked out, leaving Charles behind.

He looked at the ultrasound pictures in his hand, feeling almost overwhelmed with the utter love he already harboured for the little creature.

"I won’t give up on you, little one. You’re mine."

Chapter 2 - … and that was Charles first chapter 🙈 the cat’s out of the bag, there is a little one coming soon. Dad Charles for the win 🤗 I would love to hear from you how you liked it.

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos

[jessicaloons]

Everyone out there who wants to read something awesome, here it is: KING OF MY HEART!

KOMH is honestly such an incredible story and deserves waaaay more love and attention and interaction, did I say love already?!

Kyle and Romy had my heart the moment I first read about them in Gold Rush and now with their own story, we get to know them even better and it’s such an amazing story, you shouldn’t miss it!

Now get yourself a cold (or when you’re in a cold place a warm) drink, make yourself comfortable and jump right into this story. I promise you, you won’t regret it!

R E A D I T ! N O W ! ! !

King of my Heart - Masterlist

Summary : Kyle Dawson would never be more than a childhood crush to Romy Schumacher and she had made her peace with that fact a long time ago. But when a drunken night leads her waking up next to him, new and old feelings come back to the surface and what started as a mistake quickly becomes an habit. Even if she swore to herself that she would never fall again for the world champion, her heart has other plans. After all, the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing.

If you want to be part of the taglist, please drop a message and I'll be adding you 🥰

Part One: The Alchemy

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18

If you want to read more stories talking place in the same universe:

Cruel Summer Gold Rush

Other stories:

I Can See You (Charles Leclerc x Reader)

[jessicaloons]

INVISIBLE STRING: FROM THE VAULT

Part 2

Masterlist - Part 1 - Part 3

And another little something from the vault 🤭 this one I wrote when Charles had some issues with his car last season and he couldn’t drive in FP1? FP2? I honestly don’t know, but it was during a time where he had quite often some issues here and there with his car and I thought about how Lizzie would want to calm his nerves, be there for him, distract him maybe…

The door opened and I hastily pulled my fireproofs over my head, smoothing the fabric down.

"I just met Lizzie…" Andrea said as he walked in, closing the door.

"Yeah, she was here…" I said happily and looked for my boots.

"She cheered you up a little?" he asked and I had to chuckle.

"That she did…" I picked up one boot from under the sofa as Andrea handed me the second one.

"That’s good." he smiled, sitting down on my sofa, happy that my bad mood was gone, and oh how far gone it was.

"Oh yes, more than good!" I almost cheered and sat down on the chair, slipping in my boots "So damn good…" I whispered underneath my breath but Andrea caught it, cocking an eyebrow.

He watched me lacing up my boots, whistling happily. Thinking about how Lizzie practically melted away under my touch just moments ago, how I slowly picked her apart. All the little sounds she made, the taste of her skin intoxicating my senses.

"Charles?" Andrea interrupted my train of thoughts.

"Hmm?" I looked up, grinning like crazy, I couldn’t contain the giddiness.

"You’re really happy? Like… awfully happy?" he said and my grin only got wider, I even blushed a little.

"I mean… what’s there not to be happy about, right?" I chuckled, taking off my watch.

"Did you… in here? Like… did you do… it? Here?" Andrea‘s eyes widened, too stunned to speak properly.

"Umm? I don’t know what you’re talking about?" I said with the biggest grin, looking at the sofa, relishing in the memory.

Andrea followed my look and jumped off of it.

"On there? I’m never sitting on that again!" he exclaimed and I laughed, picking up my cap and opening the door.

"There are so many spots where you no longer can sit down then anymore… here… at home…" I laughed and left a shell shocked Andrea behind, walking outside before I turned around one last time "My car…"

"Your-… which one?" Andrea’s eyes widened.

"All of them."

———————————————————————

Taglist: (if you don't want to be tagged for this, please let me know!)

@itsjustkhaos @eugene-emt-roe @sunny44 @silkenthusiasts @glitterquadricorn @aundercover @kakorrhaphiphobia @alittlebitofbooksandmagic @ru-kru @shimmermotorsport @janeh22 @kahhorri @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @harrysdimple05 @skynel09 @fangirlforever2000

New story, out now:

🩷 Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince 💜

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 1

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Miss Americana

May 2019:

"And you’re sure you can handle it? I mean working here and college?" Peter Hastings was a nice, middle aged man, looking for a new nanny for his 6 year old son, Gabriel.

"I’ll wake him up at 7:15. Make breakfast and get him ready for school, drop him off at 8:30 and go to my classes. At 3 I’ll pick him up. Help him with his homework. Soccer on Monday and Wednesday. Piano lesson on Tuesday. Prepare dinner. Make him bed ready and then you’ll take over. Monday till Thursday. Fridays I’ll pick him up at 12. We’re going to the park, museum, zoo whatever. Have lunch and I’ll bring him home by 4, where you take over. And if you need a babysitter on the weekends, you’ll call me." Rachel repeated the schedule Mr. Hastings had presented her with, hoping he would hire her.

"Impressive. Well your report looks great, I understand why you’ve got a scholarship for the MCPHS. I’d say you’ve got the job." Mr. Hastings smiled at the girl.

"Thank you, Sir! Really!"

"Gabriel liked you, you have strong ambitions. I think you’re perfect. Now let’s talk money, shall we?" he clapped his hands and Rachel nodded.

With a full scholarship and a well paid job that still gave her enough time for her studies, she could start saving up money to get the hell out of Woburn, after graduating from college with her nursing degree hopefully.

"I know this was not what you applied for, but I’ll ask anyways, if you say no, you’ll still keep your job starting in fall!" her new boss said and she looked up "My current nanny, well she left, family emergency, so I would need someone from now on, during the summer until you’ll take over at the end of August. I know, you just graduated and probably already planned your summer, but I thought I ask anyways. Again, feel free to say no, the job is yours regardless. It’s only one more month of school and then it’s… well a full day job, I’m off for the entire August, but before that I’m loaded with events here and there…"

"I’ll do it." Rachel said immediately, every reason to leave Woburn earlier was a good reason.

"Yeah? You sure? I mean like I said, you don’t have to!" Mr. Hastings said but the girl shook her head.

"No it’s fine. Really. I have nothing planned. And like this I can get used to Boston."

"You can stay here. Our old nanny has her own studio in the backyard. That way you don’t have to drive every morning from Woburn to here."

"Are you sure? It’s no problem for me to drive!"

"With traffic in the morning you’ll be in the car for an hour or longer. That’s ridiculous. Come on I’ll show you the studio. You could even stay there when you start college. Thinking back to my college times? The dorms weren’t the nicest place to stay." he laughed and got up, leading the young girl outside through the kitchen.

"I mean. I haven’t seen my dorm yet… but from what I’ve heard, yeah, not the nicest place to stay indeed."

The studio was clean and modern. A kitchenette, a table with two chairs. Sofa, TV and a bed. A little bathroom. It was definitely more quiet and private than any dorm at her college.

"Are you sure it’s okay?" the girl asked.

"100%. It’s yours if you want it. Free of charge. You just have to keep it clean yourself. And if you want to bring friends over, just give me a little heads up."

Free of charge. The money she would safe. Only paying the tuition fee. The rest of her scholarship could go into her savings as well. She could leave home earlier than planned. It couldn’t get better than this.

"I guess I’m moving in then."

November 2021:

Rachel always dreaded driving home. The rare occasions over the past 2 years where she had driven home were all proof why it was better to stay away. But something in her father’s voice when he asked her if she would come home for his birthday gave her the chills. When she parked her car in the driveway of her rundown childhood home, she felt the pit in her stomach grow. Calming down her nerves she opened up the door, walking inside. The house smelt rancid. A mix of liquor, smoke and bleach.

"Dad?" the girl walked inside the dark living room when suddenly the light got switched on. She flinched looking at the man sitting in the armchair facing her.

"If it’s not Miss Americana fresh off of college." Tony.

"Where’s my dad?" her voice not as strong as she hoped.

"Come." he got up and dragged her outside with him.

"Stop. Tony! Let go of me!" Rachel tried to get away from him.

"Get in the car. You can do it on your own or I’ll make you." his jaw clenched.

The girl got inside. Shaking.

"Where’s my dad?" she repeated.

"Your dad… he pissed off a lot of people… he was a capo once… but his drinking? Mamma Mia… he became useless the day your mother died… fallen from capo to soldato… and now? A shame really…" he sneered.

"What did he do?" Rachel asked with a shaking voice.

"Oh bella, you know I can’t tell you. Otherwise I’d have to kill you. And I really don’t want to kill such a pretty girl." he laughed and the girl swallowed hard "Just know that he owes a lot of people a lot of money…"

They drove to Winchester and the girl knew immediately where they were going.

"When was the last time you were here? When your mother died?" he asked, although he didn’t sound one bit empathetic "A long time ago… then again, it’s never a good sign if you have to go to Winchester… our family parties are usually held somewhere else…"

The driveway up the hill to the dark manor made Rachel’s insides churn.

"Get out." Tony parked the car and she did as told, following him inside.

"Oh Rachel! Mia bellissima ragazza! Look at you! What a beautiful, beautiful young lady! You should look for a girl like her, Anthony, not the skanks you’re going for." Rosaria Romano pulled Rachel in her arms, before kissing her cheeks "The last time I saw you was before you left for college and now look at you! You’re skinny! Don’t they feed you well at college? All the money they take and then not feeding their students? Che cavolo! You’re staying for dinner! Anthony, tell your father I’m feeding this sweet girl first, before he can talk to her!"

"Mamma! She’s not here to eat!" Tony grabbed the girls arm, but he shrugged away under the cold, hard gaze of his mother. He rolled his eyes, walking away, cursing in Italian.

"Now come, mia ragazza, you can help me with dinner." Rosaria lead her into the kitchen where already a handful of women were cooking away "Here, put that on. We don’t want your beautiful outfit to get stained with pomodori!"

The next hour Rachel cooked together with the ladies, told them about college and how her life was going. She knew all too well that she couldn’t tell them everything. Giving away too much was dangerous, so she lied mostly.

"And what about the boys at college? Someone special there for you?" nonna Viola asked right as Tony came back.

"She’s coming with me now." he grabbed Rachel’s arm, pulling her with him. A muscle ticked at his jaw. His hold on her arm made her whimper in pain.

"Anthony! You hurt her! Stop! Don’t make me swing my mattarello at you!" nonna Viola raised her rolling pin and Anthony let go of the girls arm "There you go, stupido!"

"Come." he glared at the girl who took off the apron, handing it Rosaria.

"When the men have finished whatever their having to talk about now, we’re finishing our conversation, Rachel." she smiled and Rachel nodded.

As she followed Tony down a long, dark hallway the bad feeling she had, since hearing her father’s voice on the phone earlier that day, only intensified.

When they stopped in front of a big oak door Tony pushed Rachel hard against it, caving her in. His nose rubbing down her cheek. His breath reeked of smoke and liquor.

"You won’t like what’s happening next and let me tell you, I understand you. But then again… mhhh look at you." he whispered in her ear, making the girl shudder "My mother wasn’t that wrong, I should go for a girl like you…"

"Anthony?" Don Vito’s cold voice rang out through the door.

"We’re here, papa!" Tony said with a sadistic grin.

"Bring her in then. We have a lot to do."

January 2022:

"Miss Lombardi? Miss Lombardi!" the screeching voice of Professor Cullers made Rachel flinch "Ah great. You are with us again… well, do you know the answer, to Miss Edwards question?"

"I- umm… I don’t. No." the girl looked at her professor "Sorry."

"Maybe stop daydreaming then and start listening to what I’m teaching you."

"Yes, ma’am." she nodded.

The rest of the class Rachel kept writing down everything Professor Cullers said, listening carefully and when the bell rang she was one of the last to leave.

"What’s going on with you?" Stuart asked, waiting at the door for her.

"What do you mean?" they walked side by side to their next course.

"You’re absent. Pretty often. For weeks now…"

"It’s nothing. I’m fine. I promise." Rachel faked a smile and Stuart sighed.

"Ok, cut the crap. What’s going on? Since you left for your father’s birthday a couple of weeks ago, you’re acting strange… what happened at home Rachel?" he looked at her and she took a deep breath, shaking her head.

Stuart was the only friend she made in college, he didn’t talk much, but there was a sense of understanding between the two after she accidentally overheard a conversation between him and a stranger behind the cafeteria one day. Rachel since knew that their backstory was similar and that he broke off all ties to his old life. He would understand her, if she told him what happened. But then again, she knew that she might endanger him if she told him too much.

"How hard was it? Leaving everything behind? Cutting off all ties to your family?" she asked instead and Stuart contemplated his answer for a moment.

"It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. But I had to do it, so I powered through…"

"But I mean… how did you do it? Where did you get your new identity from? What happened to your old one?" the blonde girl pressed.

"I know a guy who knows a guy… but it costs a lot… also, starting a new life somewhere new isn’t for free either."

Rachel thought for a second, all the money she saved from her scholarship so far, because she only had to pay for the tuition fee and work materials. All the money she saved from working for Peter, which she barely had touched. It was a nice little sum and should keep her afloat for a while.

"Why are you asking me all this? What happened?" Stuart asked again and Rachel sighed "You can tell me, Rach. Nothing you can say will scare me away… I know how you grew up… I know how it is… so come on, tell me."

"I need to leave. Like for real… I always planned on moving to Boston after college, but they won’t let me… I only have time after graduation and then my old life will catch up with me again… I will be pulled into this mess that my life is if I don’t run away." Rachel almost whispered and her friend looked at her wide eyed "They wanted me to leave college immediately but I managed to convince them that a nurse with a degree and all qualifications is more helpful, more useful for them, so they agreed, but as soon as I graduate they will take me back to Woburn or rather Winchester… I can’t go back, Stuart…"

"And you shouldn’t have to go back, but Rach this is a dangerous thing to do? Killing off your old self, start a new life… it’s going to cost you more than just money…" Stuart said and Rachel nodded.

"I’m willing to do whatever it takes…" the young girl said determined.

"Then I’ll help you. But it won’t be easy…"

"Everything is better than staying here…"

"I need to make a few calls, then we’ll see." Stuart smiled at her.

"Thanks Stu. You’re a good friend." Rachel squeezed his hand.

"I’m currently your only friend… so that’s that."

"True…"

April 2022:

"Rachel? There’s a letter for you!"

"Thanks, Peter!" the girl took the letter from the counter, while stirring the pasta sauce "Waterman and Krieger? What is that?" she asked when she saw the sender of the letter.

"They’re a law firm. Inheritance law if I’m not mistaken." Peter looked up from his newspaper.

"Inheritance law?" Rachel ripped the envelope open, unfolding the letter. She went silent, staring at the letter, the pasta sauce bubbling.

"Rach? Hey? Rach?" Peter grabbed the sauce pan and shoved it off the stove top "What happened?" he looked at the girl worriedly.

"My- umm… my mom… she left me some money…" Rachel said slowly, looking at Peter "They write that mom set up a trust fund for me before her death. I have access to the money when I turn 21. Which is in three months."

"Oh wow…" Peter squeezed her shoulder "Do you need a moment? I can finish up dinner and I’ll send Gabe to get you when it’s ready?"

"Is that okay?" the brunette asked and he nodded "Thank you."

Back in her studio she looked at the letter and saw that there was also another smaller envelope inside. She knew the handwriting immediately.

My sweet Rachel,

when you read this letter it means I am no longer around to gift you with my last treasure.

Every money I earned from winning beauty pageants and later from working and that wasn’t needed, I put aside for you.

I know you’re a smart girl and every college would offer you a full scholarship, but just to make sure that if not, we have the money.

I never told your dad about this money, I was too afraid that he would use it. Your father is a great man and I love him dearly. But he’s surrounded himself with the wrong people, they poisoned his mind. And over time he had to drink more and more to forget what he had to do daily for Don Vito.

Please don’t tell him about the money. Keep it to yourself. It’s enough for a fresh start, if you know what I mean.

I’m sorry, that I couldn’t be by your side for longer. That I couldn’t give you the home that you deserved.

Promise me to live a good life. Go live your dreams. But please never forget that I love you, my little Miss Americana.

Love always,

Mom

Rachel leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. When her mother died, she felt lost, didn’t know how to move forward, didn’t know how to continue with her life. Her father lost himself in alcohol, maybe even drugs. He disappeared for days, just to be laid down on the front porch by some of the men he worked with and for Rachel to get him inside, making sure he wouldn’t choke on his own vomit. She knew what he was doing. She knew who he worked for. From the day she was born she was part of a world she never wanted to be in, as she later realised. Movies and pop culture didn’t do this life justice. It wasn’t glorious or mysterious. It was scary and dark. Where other kids her age went to school and made new friends Rachel always had to stick to the kids from the family. To make sure she wouldn’t spill anything about her father’s work. Her mother had to fight hard with her husband to allow her to take Rachel to beauty pageants, after the little girl watched her mother getting dolled up for numerous pageants herself and wanting to be just like her when she was older. Rachel was talented, just like her mother. Her beauty apparent from a young age and it didn’t take long for her to win her first pageant. She loved competing in pageants. But what she loved even more was the time she spent with her mother. She was always so carefree and happy at the contests, a stark contrast to her usually quiet and almost depressed personality at home. She was always trying to not show Rachel how sad and worried she really was, but unfortunately it didn’t work out and Rachel had asked her more than once what was going on and why she was so sad.

"It’s nothing, my little Miss Americana, grown up stuff, nothing to worry about for you, my pretty girl." she had always said, followed by a kiss on Rachel’s forehead and a "I love you, my Rachel."

But with every year she got older she figured out more and more why her mother was so sad. And why the only times she was happy, careless and free, was when they went to pageants together. Because for a short while she could forget in what danger she was living with her daughter. What her husband did for a living. And the fear of the day where she, or worse Rachel, would have to pay the price of her husband’s job.

Ultimately she paid the price. After Rachel won the Miss Teen USA pageant in September 2016, and she had floated on cloud 9, her mother decided she deserved a treat and on the way home from Boston, where the pageant was held, she stopped at a little diner.

Rachel remembered how her mother ordered a strawberry milkshake and fries, she herself got a chocolate milkshake and fries and as soon as their food had arrived her mother looked around, a big grin on her lips before she nodded.

"No one’s watching… go!" she chimed and began dipping her fries into her milkshake.

Rachel laughed but did the same. Her father was always grossed out when his wife and daughter did that, laughing at them for their craziness, saying they better watch out or the food police would arrest them.

They were so happy that evening, her mother saying a million times how proud she was of her and what amazing and exciting times were ahead now for Rachel. But that happiness was gone in an instant when 2 men entered the dinner and her mother’s face turned to stone. She stopped laughing and looked at her daughter, shaking her head. To not draw any attention to them she silently held up her hand when the waitress looked over to them, signalling for her to come over. Paying in silence Rachel’s mother took her by the hand, guiding her outside, back into the car where she locked to doors immediately, starting the engine. She remembered how her mother called her father, telling him that two of Volkov’s men were at the diner. But before she could say anything she looked into the rear view mirror, her face turning pale when she told her husband that they were being followed. It didn’t take long for her mother to speed down the main road leading into Woburn, faster than ever before in her entire life. On speaker Rachel’s father telling her that their men were already on the way. But it was too late. She felt her mother grab onto her hand, clutching it tightly in her own, when the car was hit with something and soared through the air. She closed her eyes, holding onto the grab handle, listening to the sounds around her, when a searing pain shot through her left thigh. The pain was mind numbing and she tried her best to not focus on it. She tried to listen to the sounds around her but after a short while she only heard her own blood rushing into her ears. Then she felt her mother squeezing her hand and she opened her eyes, her first look was on the bright digital watch in the dashboard, then her mother squeezed her hand again and Rachel turned her head a little, looking at her.

"I’m so sorry, my beautiful Rachel. I love you so much." her final words as Rachel later had to find out.

After that night her father was never the same again. After that night Rachel was never the same again. She had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days, the doctors all confident that with the right care the wound on her right thigh, caused by an open break of her femur, would heal without leaving a big scar, so she could still compete in beauty pageants. But to her it didn’t matter. Without her mother she didn’t plan on continuing. And because of her not responding to any of the calls, mails or letters from the Miss Teen USA committee, regarding her upcoming tour through the United States, they stripped her off her title 6 weeks later, appointing her runner up, Caitlyn Summers, as new Miss Teen USA 2016.

Rachel absentmindedly rubbed her thigh, feeling the scarred skin through the thin fabric of her leggings. A reminder of the night that changed her life forever. That destroyed her life forever. She had to blink away tears, wiping her cheeks when Gabe knocked on the door, making her flinch.

"Rach! Dinner is ready!" his happy voice sounded through the door and the young girl cleared her throat.

"I’m coming in a minute Gabe!" she replied and listened to the sound of his steps on the gravel.

Rachel got up and looked into the mirror, wiping away the last remaining tears. It had been a while since she thought back to that night. The memories still too hurtful and real. After a minute of composure she followed Gabe back into the main house trying her best to not show the emotional turmoil she was feeling.

When Rachel went to bed that night she felt exhausted, drained, but also determined. Determined to escape her life in Woburn. Or Winchester. Escape her family. Live a happy life, just like her mother wanted her to. She would honour her mother’s last wish, give her all to do so. No matter what.

Chapter 1 - and that’s it. First chapter done. I tried something new this time, writing this story from a third-person perspective and also switching between Miss Americana/The Heartbreak Prince centred chapters. I hope you like it! Let me know what you think! 🩷💜

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Prologue

Masterlist - Next

Dear beautiful people, here it is. The prologue of my next story. I can’t wait for you to meet the characters! Now enjoy reading and let me know how you liked it!

Miss Americana:

Smile. Wave. Walk. It was almost the same drill like at the beauty pageants she competed in when she was younger. Just that this time her mother wasn’t there to smile at her. Cheer her on. No one was there. Not even her father. She didn’t expect him to be here. But it still stung. She waited at the stage stairs for her name to be called, knowing that she finally had made it. She could leave this hell hole for good.

"Rachel Lombardi."

She walked up the stairs, took her diploma from principal Brown, shook his hand, smiled and waved to the audience, looked into the camera as she moved the tassel from the right to the left and then walked off stage.

"Yo Lombardi! Come on, let’s take some pics before we’re outta here!" Josh said, waving her over.

"You coming to McKnights party?" Amelia asked her as soon as she stood next to her.

"Not so sure yet. Gotta look for my dad first, as you can see he’s not here…"

"He’s at Moretti’s, like always when you look for him." Josh shrugged "Why bother?"

"Because he still has a job and a life…" Rachel rolled her eyes.

"You can just be glad that you’ve got a full scholarship for the MCPHS…" Amelia sighed, lighting up her blunt.

"Ames! Not here! Jeez!" Rachel ushered her away.

"Relax, Rachel, it’s not like they can kick us out anymore! We’re done. We graduated!" Matty slung his arm around her shoulders, taking the blunt from Amelia, holding it out for Rachel, who shook her head "Oh come on, Rach, on our last day here you stop being a bad girl?"

"No no no, I’m a bad girl, our little Miss Americana here is a bad, bad girl." Amelia laughed "Come on, Rach! It’s our last day! Let’s have some fun!"

"I have to get to Moretti’s. What if the cops stop me? Forget it. Not risking that!" Rachel shook her head "I’ll see you later at McKnights!" she waved at her friends and walked off to her car, knowing full well that she wasn’t planning on going to the party.

"Look who it is, Rachel Lombardi. What a surprise seeing you here!" Tony leaned casually against her car, throwing his cigarette away.

"Huge surprise, considering this is my car…" she rolled her eyes, slipping off her robe and cap "What do you want Tony?"

"Your father. He passed out again, pick him up and get him home." so he was indeed at Moretti’s.

"I was already on my way." Rachel said, walking around her car, Tony at her heels.

"So, congratulations, our little Miss Americana graduated." he sneered pushing the young girl against her car, brushing his knuckles down her cheek "Ready to conquer the world?" he skimmed his hand further down, grabbing her waist harshly.

"Tony, stop. You’re hurting me!" she said, trying to push him off.

"Oh come on, you like it, baby." he pulled her closer, his grasp on the young girls waist getting even tighter.

"Tony please! You said I have to pick up dad, let me go." Rachel whimpered.

"Mhhh, I like the sounds you make." his hot, liquor induced breath fanning over the side of her face "But you’re right. You have a job to do. Maybe later." he grabbed her chin making her look at him "I see you at McKnights party." he walked off and the girl got in her car.

Rachel took a deep breath when she started her engine. Tony Romano, youngest son of her father’s boss, Don Vito Romano, always found new ways, to make her shiver. While putting her car in reverse, she looked into the rear mirror, slight bruises on her chin already forming. Not the first she would have from Tony and his brute grip, not the last one either. Rachel took another deep breath, driving off. The streets of Woburn were quiet. On days like this she loved her hometown. A small town, where almost everyone knew everyone. Kids playing out on the street, neighbours having barbecues together on the weekends. The perfect suburban. But not for her. The white picket fence, one dog, one cat, typical American dream wasn’t Rachel’s life. It used to be, or at least from the outside it looked like it. A nice house. Her dad leaving in the morning for work, her mother taking care of the house before she left for her own part-time job. It looked perfect from the outside, and even for people who knew in what world they were living it looked perfect. Her father a respected member of the Romano family, her mother a former Miss USA, now secretary at the mayors office. Rachel herself competed in beauty pageants until the age of 14. Winning Miss Teen USA in her first year of competing. She would remember the moment she got crowned for the rest of her life. Her mother’s eyes shining with pride and love, watching her daughter on stage. Rachel won many pageants before, but this one was special. She thought she would float on cloud 9 for days, maybe weeks. But it only took 3 hours 27 minutes and 9 seconds to turn her whole life upside down. To make her hate her life in Woburn. Make her hate the town. The people. Everything. After that day she hated every single second of staying here. More than anything. The day she could finally leave this place, was the one she knew she might’ve been happy again. Maybe. She rolled onto the parking lot of Moretti’s and switched the engine off, getting outside. The familiar parking lot almost empty. Rachel looked around, sighing. She couldn’t get out of here fast enough.

"Rach, hey! Congratulations!" Lucia smiled at her when she walked inside.

"Thanks, where is he?"

"His usual spot." the middle aged woman sighed and Rachel nodded, walking into the back of the restaurant, the bar area, where her father sat on a stool, passed out. How he managed to stay on top without falling would always surprise her.

"Rachel." Marco nodded "His tab is still open. From today and the last days…"

"How much?" she took out her purse.

"250 bucks." the bartender said and Rachel sighed, the money she earned this week, already gone. She fished out the bills and put them on the counter "Thanks. Tell him when he sobered up, that the Don wants to talk to him."

"Will do." the young girl pinched her father’s arm, no reaction. Next she slapped his arm. Only a grunt. "Come on dad!" she shook him, but he didn’t wake up "Marco." she sighed and the bartender understood, pointing the soda gun at him "Fire away."

"What the fuck!" the drunk man sat up, spluttering and coughing "Fucking hell, Marco!"

"Dad, let’s go!" Rachel grabbed his arm and he looked at her, bloodshot eyes narrowing down, thinking for a moment.

"Rachel? Shit, what time is it?"

"It’s 6, come on. Up you go." she replied waving at Marco, guiding her dad towards the exit.

"6? Shit! Your graduation." he muttered.

"It’s okay. Wasn’t that important." the girl lied, halfway through the door.

"Rach! Wait! Here!" Lucia handed her a large paper bag "Just a bit of Lasagna, salad and garlic bread." she kissed the girls cheek "And Tiramisu for you, you should celebrate at least a little!" she winked and ushered the girl outside.

"Thank you, Lucia." she smiled at her, dragging her father to her car.

"Get in, come on dad."

"You’re a good girl, I don’t tell you often, but you’re a good girl. You remind me of her, you know? A lot. I miss her. Everyday.” he mumbled before he passed out on the passenger seat.

"I miss her too, dad." Rachel whispered, wiping away a tear "I miss her so much."

The Heartbreak Prince:

"Another year, another girl. Charles Leclerc back on the market." Joris read aloud and Charles groaned.

"Why are you even reading this shit?"

"Because it’s fun. And it’s everywhere. Mate you peaked. This season really made your popularity go through the roof."

"Yeah but for all the wrong reasons…" the Ferrari driver sighed, thinking back to the last weeks, the season had started out amazing for him and his team, but after his mistake at Paul Ricard two weeks ago, nothing seemed to work out anymore.

"Oh come on. You still have 9 races left after the summer break…" Joris tried to cheer on his best friend since childhood days.

"Yeah… and I wanted to focus on racing and not on stupid tabloids, talking about my private life! I don’t even know why Charlotte confirmed that her and I ended things? I asked her to keep quiet until the end of the season and she agreed."

"Oh umm-… well I guess you can thank her, because you were seen, leaving the club with a cute blonde after the French GP… that was definitely not Charlotte and people called you a cheater… she just wanted to make clear that you’re not a cheater, that you guys are no longer dating, for some weeks now." Joris read through the post and Charles groaned.

"I love my fans, I really do, but fuck is it annoying that there always seems to be one around wherever I am…"

"Could’ve been a paparazzi as well…"

"I’m not that famous that paparazzi would follow me around everywhere I go…"

"Did you have fun at least? With the girl? She looked cute?" Joris wiggled his eyebrows and his best friend threw a pillow at him "Alright… sorry…"

"I actually just brought her home… she was super drunk." Charles sighed, leaning back into his couch.

"Oh what a gentleman…" Joris rolled his eyes and the driver chuckled.

"Her friend who stayed at her place tho… she wasn’t drunk…"

"Charles Leclerc… look at you…" his friend laughed.

"I’m not proud of it… I was drunk myself, and I actually just wanted to use the bathroom… but when I walked out she stood there… half naked because apparently it was so hot in the apartment… yeah well. I’m only human." Charles shrugged, not proud of his decision two weeks ago.

"Not gonna argue with that." Joris laughed, leaning back "So, what’s next?"

"Next?"

"Yeah, will you see her again? Or will you just enjoy the single life for a while?"

"Single life. I’m sick of relationships that don’t go anywhere… it’s tiring." Charles sighed, closing his eyes.

"No more Heartbreak Prince then?" Joris laughed and the Ferrari driver nodded.

"I'll focus on my career now. That should’ve been my top priority to begin with…."

"I guess you just have to stay away from pretty girls then… or rather they have to stay away from you… so you don’t get tempted." Joris chuckled.

"Yeah. From now on it’s only me and racing. Everything else? Hard pass." Charles said determined.

He felt like he lost himself a little in the last weeks, his good results, finally challenging Max in a what looked like a competitive car on paper, it all brought a lot of attention to him. He gave his all. Fought and trained harder than ever before. Spent countless hours in the simulator for the one goal. Winning the championship. But as the season progressed, the car showed deficits where there shouldn’t be some. The development of the car stagnated. He could feel the tension within the team. The reliability issues of the car were heavy on everyone. The French GP was the perfect opportunity to bring the lightness and hope from the beginning of the season back to the team. Prove everyone that he was the number 1, after his win in Spielberg two weeks prior, that he can lead the team, but he screwed up. He pushed too hard. Wanted too much. His race ended in the wall, after leading comfortably. His blood still ran cold when he replayed the memory in his head, his blood froze thinking of the scream he let out. When he had climbed out of the car he knew that this was it. He wouldn’t challenge Max for the title. Maybe he’ll never do.

"Earth to Charles?" Joris snipped his fingers in front of his face "Are you okay?"

"Yeah… sure. For now, I just want to enjoy my summer break. Have fun with my family and friends. Reset. Charge the batteries…" Charles sighed, leaning back in his seat "For the next days I only want to be me and not Charles Leclerc, Formula 1 driver for Ferrari. Just Charles. Nothing else…"

Prologue - that was it for now… I hope you’re intrigued to read more and are just as excited as me to meet our new characters!

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince - Chapter 1, out on Sunday, 6th October 2024!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos

[jessicaloons]

INVISIBLE STRING: FROM THE VAULT

Part 1

Masterlist

Here is the first little something for you…

When I wrote it I had no idea where to put it, when it would fit into the timeline because their life was so thoroughly planned and all. Then I forgot about it for a while and when I one day found it in my drafts it was too late, Arlo wasn’t a little puppy anymore so I had to keep it to myself… well not anymore. Here it is:

I walked back into the bedroom, Lizzie all cuddled up with Arlo, gently scratching his ears.

"Look at you, my cutie pie." she cooed, kissing his nose.

"You’re still in bed? Lizzie we have to go! Come on now!" I said, grabbing my phone from the nightstand.

"You are the cutest!" she nuzzled her face into his fur, completely ignoring me.

"Lizzie!" I said a little louder, Arlo turning his head, scrambling over the blankets to jump up at me, barking a little.

"Bad Daddy!" Lizzie joked and I groaned, when Arlo began licking my hand.

"Arlo. Stop. We really have to go!" I said, scratching him behind his ears, before he turned around, jumping back into Lizzie’s open arms "Cara mia please! We’re late!"

"Don’t listen to that old grump, my pretty boy." she kissed his head multiple times.

"I thought I’m your pretty boy…" I pouted and Lizzie looked up.

"You’re both my pretty boys. But he’s the pretty boy who’s not making me hurry while doing something important!" she joked and I laughed, plopping down next to her in the bed.

"We’re not going to make it to that dinner, are we?" I chuckled, when she pulled me close.

"Nope, our baby is more important." she kissed me, Arlo barking and pressing himself between us, nuzzling into the crook of Lizzie’s neck, when I leaned back down to kiss her again, Arlo put his paw on my mouth, pushing me away.

"Hey! You listen here now, buddy! That’s my girlfriend, got it?" I grabbed him, scratching his belly.

"But she’s my mummy. That’s what he’s thinking right now." Lizzie laughed when Arlo began to scramble out of my grasp.

"I give up. You can have her." I sighed dramatically, letting myself fall back into the pillows.

"Go to daddy…" Lizzie whispered and the next moment Arlo curled himself up on my chest, tilting his head adorably, looking at me "See. You both can have me." she whispered, cuddling up at my side, gently stroking his head, while he yawned a little.

"Yeah… looks like it."

——————————————————————

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