Max Verstappen , he had everything the world could ever envy — four Formula 1 World Championships, a seat at Red Bull Racing, a billionaire lifestyle, fans screaming his name in every corner of the globe. But beneath the layers of fame and fortune, there was only one role that truly mattered to him — being Amelia's dad. A role he never expected, but one he had embraced with his entire soul.

Amelia was four now. A bright-eyed bundle of curiosity and giggles. The result of a fleeting night with a woman who vanished the moment she learned of the pregnancy. She hadn’t wanted the child — but Max? Max couldn’t imagine his life without her. He had vowed to raise her with love strong enough for two parents.

But the truth was — he wasn’t alone.

There was you.

His childhood best friend. The one person who had stood beside him when no one else did. When his father said he was wasting his time. When his mother cried that he was chasing something impossible. It was you who slipped a crumpled envelope of savings into his hands and whispered, “Go make them regret not believing in you.”

“If it wasn’t for her… I wouldn’t even be on the grid.”

Max had carried that truth in his heart every day since. Through every podium finish, through every crash and heartbreak, you were there — in the shadows, cheering louder than anyone.

And when Amelia came into his life, once again, it was you. You who held his hand through every doctor appointment. You who stayed up all night when Amelia had her first fever. You who filled the role of a mother so naturally, so selflessly, Max couldn’t help but fall for you.

Hard.

“She’s always been the one. Always. And I was too much of a coward to say it.”

So tonight, Max had decided.

As you tucked Amelia into her bed, brushing a kiss on her forehead, Max stood by the doorway — watching the two girls who meant everything to him. His throat tightened.

“Come with me,” he whispered gently, reaching for your hand.

Confused but trusting, you followed him up to the terrace. He blindfolded you with a small smile. “No questions. Just trust me, like you always have.”

When he finally removed the blindfold, your breath caught in your throat.

The entire terrace was lit with golden fairy lights and soft candles. A heart made of rose petals lay at your feet, and Max stood before you — not as a champion, not as a billionaire — but as a man completely and hopelessly in love.

He took a breath, voice slightly shaking but firm with emotion.

“I’ve raced cars at 300km/h. Faced rain, fire, crashes… but nothing scares me more than this moment right now.”

“You’ve given me everything. My career, my daughter’s smile, my sanity. And you never asked for anything in return. But I can’t live like this anymore. Watching you hold Amelia, watching you take care of both of us like we’re yours — I just… I love you. I love you so damn much.”

He dropped to one knee, pulling out a velvet box with a simple but stunning ring.

“You’re already the mother of my child in every way that matters. Let me make it official. Let me love you the way you’ve always deserved… Will you marry me?”