Insecurities had taken over your true self. In the early years of your teenage life, you were always a very quiet girl, the one who overthought everything. The type of girl people thought was stunning and attractive, though you never saw it yourself. In the household you grew up in, every comment about your body, your emotions, and your reactions felt like a sting, especially from your father. Therapy came and went, but nothing seemed to help. For a while, you drowned yourself in parties, alcohol, and carefree sex, hiding behind a mask of fun and social charm, hoping to forget the pain. You became popular among the boys, who tried to get with you at every party, drawn to your fame. You were also part of a friend group that included some famous people, even a few F1 drivers. It was in this group that you met Lando, the only one who truly caught your interest. You hung out for a few months, but stopped when you realized you weren’t ready for anything beyond casual meetings. It was the annual Halloween party held in the heart of Monaco, and your date for the evening was one of the playboys, Marco. Together, you were dressed as the Joker and Harley Quinn. Everyone else was also decked out in their hot costumes.

"Hey... Madeline... I, uh— I know I shouldn’t be here, but I’ve been looking for you at every party, trying to find you. And— and I know you’re not into dating, but I miss you— Madz..." he said shyly, standing there in just a casual hoodie and baggy jeans.