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Charles Leclerc and I had been together for three years.

To everyone else, we were the perfect couple.

Our families adored us.

Our friends couldn't imagine one without the other.

The Formula 1 paddock loved teasing us.

The drivers joked that Charles smiled more whenever I was around.

The fans called us one of the most loved couples in motorsport.

No one ever expected it to end.

But two years ago...

It did.

The breakup was quiet.

No interviews.

No social media posts.

No public explanation.

Just two people who chose different paths.

Somehow, the rest of the world refused to accept it.

For two years, every family dinner ended the same way.

Charles' mother would smile at me and say,

"You know, the seat next to Charles is still empty."

My mother would simply shake her head.

"I've never seen either of you as happy with anyone else."

Our friends were even worse.

Marta and Jacob had stopped pretending their invitations were innocent.

Movie nights.

Barbecues.

Boat trips.

Weekend getaways.

Every plan somehow included both Charles and me.

"It wasn't on purpose," they'd insist.

It always was.

Even the drivers joined in.

Whenever I visited the paddock, Lando would grin the moment he saw me.

"So..."

He'd glance toward Charles.

"...should I leave you two alone?"

Carlos wasn't any better.

"I still have photos from your anniversary party."

"I can delete them if it hurts."

"I won't," he'd add with a laugh.

"The fans were the most persistent of all.

Every time Charles posted a photo, the comments were filled with:

"We miss you two together."

"The paddock hasn't been the same since the breakup."

"Please tell us there's still hope."

Every interview seemed to include the same question.

"Are you still friends?"

"Have you spoken recently?"

Neither of us ever answered.

Then came Marta's birthday dinner.

Everyone was there.

Our families.

Close friends.

Several drivers.

I arrived a little late.

The only empty chair left at the table...

Was beside Charles.

I looked at Marta.

She smiled far too innocently.

"Oh..."

"I guess that's the only seat left."

Charles looked up at me.

Then around the table.

Every single person was watching us.

Waiting.

Hoping.

As if they all believed the same thing.

Maybe the only two people who didn't think Charles and I belonged together anymore...

Were Charles and me.*