𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟, sᴇʙᴀsᴛɪᴀɴ ᴠᴇᴛᴛᴇʟ

eleven

THE Belgian Grand Prix had arrived, and the atmosphere in the paddock was charged with anticipation. The usual pre-race buzz was interrupted by an underlying tension between Sebastian and Inés. Though they were together, an unspoken distance loomed between them.

Inés walked through the paddock with Sebastian by her side, their fingers lightly interlocked. They exchanged no words, their silence only amplifying the weight of their recent fight. Inés glanced up at Sebastian, but he kept his eyes forward, lost in his thoughts.

As they passed by various teams and drivers, Inés spotted a familiar face. Daisy, an elegant woman with a confident stride, was chatting animatedly with a group of people. Inés's heart sank when she realized who Daisy was—Sebastian's former lover. The recognition was instant and painful.

Inés's breath caught in her throat. She felt Sebastian stiffen beside her. Daisy's presence seemed to cast a shadow over their already strained relationship. Inés tried to focus on the surroundings, but her mind was consumed by the sight of Daisy.

Sebastian stopped walking abruptly, forcing Inés to pause as well. He glanced over at Daisy, his expression unreadable. Inés could feel the tension radiating from him, and it only deepened her sense of discomfort.

Daisy noticed them and gave a friendly wave. "Sebastian! Long time no see!"

Sebastian gave a curt nod. "Daisy."

Inés watched as Sebastian's demeanor changed. He greeted Daisy with a forced politeness, his body language stiff and guarded. Daisy's eyes then shifted to Inés, assessing her with a curious gaze.

"This must be Inés," Daisy said smoothly, extending her hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

Inés forced a smile, shaking Daisy's hand briefly. "Nice to meet you."

The brief exchange was charged with unspoken tension. Daisy's gaze lingered on Sebastian, a subtle smirk playing at her lips. Inés could feel her cheeks flush with discomfort as she sensed the history between them.

Sebastian cleared his throat and turned back to Inés. "Let's head to the hospitality area," he said tersely.

Inés nodded, trying to mask her hurt and disappointment. They walked in silence, the air between them thick with unspoken words. Sebastian's cold demeanor only added to her frustration.

They reached the hospitality area, and Inés sat down at a table, trying to compose herself. Sebastian took a seat across from her, his expression still distant.

"Sebastian, can we talk?" Inés asked softly.

Sebastian avoided her gaze, staring at the table. "Not right now, Inés. I'm not in the mood."

Inés felt her heart ache at his words. She wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap that had formed between them, but his silence was impenetrable.

As the day wore on, Inés and Sebastian barely spoke. The racing events and the crowd's excitement did little to lift the heavy atmosphere between them. The hours seemed to stretch endlessly.

Sebastian ended up getting the podium and Inés stood with Christian at the podium ceremony, she watched Sebastian with heart eyes, because even though he was being an arsehole she still loved him.

The after-party in the Red bull hospitality was a lively affair. The atmosphere was electric with laughter and celebration, but for Inés, it felt like an overwhelming contrast to the tension she had been experiencing with Sebastian.

Inés had chosen a cute, simple party dress for the evening—a fitted, knee-length piece in a soft pink that complemented her radiant smile. Despite its understated elegance, the dress made her feel self-conscious as she watched Sebastian from the sidelines, his attention elsewhere.

Sebastian, still annoyed from their earlier argument, maintained a distance. As he mingled with other drivers and their partners, Inés noticed Daisy, making her way over. Daisy slid into the seat next to Sebastian with a friendly but overly familiar smile.

"Congrats on the win, Sebastian!" Daisy said, leaning in close. "You were fantastic out there."

Sebastian gave a polite nod, but his attention remained with the group he was talking to. Daisy's hand rested on his arm, and they began chatting animatedly. Inés, sitting across from them, felt the sting of Sebastian's coldness and Daisy's presence.

After a while, Inés couldn't take it anymore. She excused herself quietly from the party, her heart heavy with sadness. She made her way back to the hotel, leaving behind the noise and flashing lights.

At the hotel, Inés was too upset to climb into bed. Instead, she curled up on the couch, her thoughts swirling as she tried to find some comfort. The tears she'd been holding back finally fell as she drifted off to sleep.

Sebastian, still wrapped up in the celebration, returned to the hotel late. Seeing the dim light from under the door of the hotel room, he opened it quietly and found Inés sleeping on the couch. His guilt surged as he looked at her, a pang of regret hitting him hard.

He carefully lifted her, carrying her to the bed. He tucked her in with tender movements, his remorse evident in his gentle touch. As he sat on the edge of the bed, he watched her sleep, his thoughts a jumbled mess.

Inés stirred as Sebastian sat beside her, her eyes opening to see him watching her. The hurt in her gaze was palpable.

"Sebastian," she whispered, her voice soft and vulnerable.

"I'm sorry, Inés," Sebastian said, his voice thick with regret. "I shouldn't have treated you like that."

Inés sat up slowly, her emotions still raw. "I felt so alone tonight. It seemed like you didn't even care."

Sebastian reached out and took her hand, his touch filled with sincerity. "I was being stubborn. I let my jealousy and frustration get the better of me."

Inés nodded, her eyes searching his. "I understand you were upset, but it was so hard to feel like I was being pushed away."

Sebastian pulled her closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I should have talked to you instead of shutting you out. I didn't handle it right."

Inés looked into his eyes, her expression softening. "I appreciate that. I just want us to be able to talk things through without it getting so bad."

Sebastian nodded, his gaze fixed on her. "We'll get through this. I want to make things right."

Their conversation was punctuated by a tender kiss, their lips meeting with the kind of softness that only deepened as they lost themselves in each other. The kiss grew more passionate as the tension between them dissolved, leaving only warmth and affection.

After their kiss, Sebastian pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her. Inés snuggled against him, feeling the safety and love that had been missing. They spent the rest of the night talking.

As dawn approached, Inés traced patterns on Sebastian's chest, her heart full. "I'm really glad we talked things through."

Sebastian kissed her forehead, his voice tender. "Me too. I'm sorry for everything."

Inés smiled, her eyes shining with affection. "I love you, Sebastian."

Sebastian looked at her, his voice sincere. "I love you too, Inés."

They shared one final, lingering kiss before falling asleep in each other's arms.