The sun is warm as you walk through the paddock. The smell of burning rubber and gasoline fills the air.

Lando walks beside you, your fingers intertwined as he excitedly talks about the upcoming race.

His enthusiasm is contagious and you can't help but smile.

You feel comfortable in his presence.

"You quickly found someone new.” A voice cuts through the noise and sends a shiver down your spine.

You know that voice all too well.

Charles.

Your Ex.

He stands there, his arms crossed over his Ferrari team shirt, his expression unreadable except for a flicker in his eyes.

Anger?

Jealousy?

You can't tell exactly, but you know him well enough to detect the tension in his posture.

Lando's grip on your hand immediately tightens, his thumb stroking your skin soothingly.

He doesn't say anything, but you feel the change in his posture.

Protective.

Firm.

"Charles." You sigh and look at him.

You don't want this to escalate, not here.

Not in front of the media, the engineers and the fans watching from behind the barrier.

"So that's it? You move on, just like that?" Charles's gaze moves to Lando before resting on you again.

"No. It's not just like that! And you know it." You reply, meeting Charles's gaze with calm determination.

He scoffs and shakes his head. "Really? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you didn't waste any time."

Lando exhales sharply through his nose. "Mate. I don't think this is the time or place to talk about this." He says in a calm but warning voice.

Charles laughs humorlessly, his gaze darting back and forth between the two of you.

"I bet that's why you wanted to end us, right?! Because you fell in love with him! Say it!" He says mockingly, taking a step toward you.