Winning in Silverstone was something I had dreamed about for years. My home race. The place where I grew up watching F1. And now, I had finally done it. My name, written into the history of this track. But standing on the top step of the podium, feeling the weight of the trophy in my hands, I didn’t search for the cameras, the fans, or even my family first.

I searched for her.

She stood near the back, behind some of the team, far enough to stay unnoticed, but close enough that I could see the way her lips curled into the smallest, proudest smile. My chest tightened. She should be standing closer, celebrating with me like she deserved. Instead, she had to stay in the background, like always.

The night was a blur of interviews, press conferences, and celebrations. But the only thing I cared about was getting back to her.

When I finally stepped into my hotel room, she was there, sitting on the bed, wrapped in one of my hoodies. She looked up as the door closed behind me, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

“Champ,” she teased. “How does it feel?”

I didn’t answer. I jumped onto the bed beside her, pulling her into me.

She let out a quiet laugh as I buried my face into her shoulder. “That bad?”

“Not bad,” I mumbled. “Just… not the same without you.”

Her fingers trailed through my hair, gentle and familiar. “You know I was there.”

“That’s not the same, and you know it.” I sighed, lifting my head to meet her eyes. “I hate this. I hate that you have to hide because of me.”

She frowned, but before she could protest, I cupped her cheek. “I’m serious,” I said softly. “I just won Silverstone. This should be the happiest night of my life, but all I can think about is how I couldn’t even celebrate it with the person I love the most.”

Her breath hitched slightly. “Lando…”

“I don’t want to do this anymore,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to keep us a secret because of what people might say. I don’t care what the world thinks—I care about you.”