Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 8

Gonna keep quiet because the 2022 Monza GP just started 😬

Enjoy!

*****

Believe it or not, I never really liked fights when I was a kid. I was always the silent one, choosing to stay quiet and take the blow or watch quietly as two people fought. As a kid, I didn't understand the logic as to why they couldn't just talk about it in a civilized manner.

Later on in life, I learned that being the one to scream the loudest or to have more to say did not immediately mean you were the stronger one. It was those that could silently assess you, making up their moves inside their head, that truly hold the upper hand in an argument.

When Charles and I first began dating, the arguing had decreased but it was still there. Neither of us were the type to ramble off or shout unless the fight was really intense and our emotions were all over the place. He was tactical as well and I used to tell him that he could've been a great lawyer if he hadn't pursued racing.

Mixed with the confusion on his face, irritation was there. His lips were turned down into a frown and his body language was completely guarded. It's like he's already put up a wall for me without even hearing me out.

"Who's Nikolai?" He repeated, setting down the note back on my desk as well as our wedding picture, face down.

This is going to be splendid.

"He's a businessman." I said and I could see the gears turning in his head.

"Drivas Motors?" He asked and I nodded my head. Whenever there have been proposals for the use of electric engines in motorsport, Drivas Motors was always there to share their case however the drivers and teams continue to disagree. A bitter chuckle escaped his lips and I felt a shiver down my spine, knowing that whatever was coming out of his mouth was not pleasant. "You're really a car girl, huh?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"How long has this been going on?" He asked and I felt myself stand taller as I glared at him.

"I'd stop if I were you, Charles. You don't have the right to assume things right now." I said, hiding my hands behind me to keep him from seeing how furious I was getting. My fists were balled together and I could feel the tips of my fingernails grazing the skin of my palms.

"What else am I supposed to do when you don't tell me anything?" He asked back and for a second there, I saw a hint of sadness cloud his features. "I don't even know how we met or how we got together apart from the general details. You don't tell me anything."

"It's not that easy." It was far from it. Telling him everything would mean relieving the most painful moments of my life and even though years have already passed, I don't know if I have the strength to share that again.

"Nothing in life is easy!" My heart began beating faster when he raised his voice, fingers running through his hair in agitation. "You think I like not remembering you? You think I like having three years of my life erased from my mind? You think I like being confused every single day, hearing things I should've known in the first place? My life is a fucking mess, Nadia."

"Then why are you questioning my commitment to this marriage? Between the two of us, who do you think is threatening the vow we made?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Anger dissipated from his eyes and he looked away from me. "Knowing how persistent you are, I wouldn't put it past you to visit her bakery. Let me tell you something about our friendship with Rose." His eyes snapped up to meet mine and I couldn't help but shake my head at how surprised he look. "We've maintained a platonic relationship with her ever since you apologized to her a few years ago. I had no problems with you reconnecting with your ex because I knew that was all she was to you. An ex. She's only my friend because of you and I'd rarely see her without you by my side. But now? It's obvious that I should be having problems with it because you're stuck in the time of your life where I don't exist and she does." I found myself walking towards him with every word I said and I knew he could feel the anger vibrating through me. "So, don't you fucking dare accuse me of cheating on you." I added as I looked up to him. I could feel the burning in my eyes but I willed myself not to cry. "Like you said, life isn't easy, so would it kill you to give me the same kind of patience I've given you?"