Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 60

Surprise surprise! Here's a double update to brighten our day/night. If you see any typos, please don't hesitate to tell me through the comment section.

Songs for the Chapter: Higher Power, A Sky Full of Stars, and Yellow by Coldplay.

This is going to be in Charles' POV because this is such an important chapter :)

Enjoy!

*****

Monza has always held a special place in my heart. Personally, I consider it as my first win in Formula One, not counting Spa because of the loss we've experienced during that grand prix. Whenever I am in Italy, I feel as though I was at home in Monaco. Being a part of Ferrari as well as my relation to Jules has strengthened the relationship I have with the tifosi and I am beyond grateful for their support.

We had just finished the podium ceremony and were heading to the TV pen for post-race interviews. The Coldplay concert was set to start in less than two hours and I fear that we wouldn't be able to make it.

"Congrats, mate." Ace greeted me as we walked alongside one another to the tv pen.

"You, too. That was a great race between you and Max." I've seen the race highlights back in the cool down room and if it wasn't for that slow pitstop that Max had, he'd be the one in third place right now.

"It was definitely one for the books." Ace chuckled. "By the way, the others are already on their way to the stadium. Lewis agreed to lend us his helicopter to get to Milan, saying he doesn't mind waiting for another few minutes."

"Thank god. I was worried we might miss the concert." I sighed in relief. When we neared the TV pen, I froze at the amount of cameras standing beside my PR officer and Ace didn't miss this.

"I hear there's a scandal you need to fix." He said, a smile on his face and I shook my head at him.

"I'm not touching that one bit." I said, remembering the enourmous amount of texts from Chiara on my phone. She's panicking because I was the only one who could save her from this and I don't plan on doing anything about it. Giovanni tried to bring up the topic a couple of times today but I continuously shoot it down, saying I want to focus on the race.

"Charles, congratulations on the win today." Will said as I stopped right in front of him.

"Thank you. I'm happy we got to make the tifosi proud." I smiled, leaning my hands on the railings in the TV pen. "The teamwork between Carlos and I was great today and I look forward to us having more wins in the season."

"I'm sure since Ace is now leading the championship due to your absence last week. Do you think it's still possible to gain back that lead?"

"Definitely." I said, nodding my head, and Ace lightly pushed me when he heard the question. I chuckled and playfully pushed back. "As long as the numbers say it's possible, then it's possible."

I answered a few more questions, moving from one reporter to another. Afterwards, I met Carlos by the motorhome where we took some photos for the 1-2 finish. I managed to sneak in a quick shower before meeting Ace, Pierre, Yuki, and Daniel by the helicopter waiting for us. I was on my way there when Giovanni fell into step behind me.

"Charles, I've drafted a statement for you regarding Chiara's current issue." He said, passing me a piece of paper but I waved it away as I fixed my Richard Mille watch.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow, yeah?" I said, patting him on the back and showing him a fake smile. "I'd like to enjoy the win, mate, so I'll see you tomorrow." I didn't wait for his answer as I lightly jogged towards where Daniel was waiting for the others.