It had been two long, grueling months since you had last seen Lando in person. The only connection between you had been through video calls and messages, and it felt like a lifeline at times, but also incredibly distant. You could see the exhaustion in his eyes every time he logged in from his latest work trip, his voice strained from meetings and races. But it wasn’t just tiring for him. It was exhausting for you, too. Having to explain to Amelie, over and over again, that her father was “busy with work” each time she asked when he would be home. The disappointment would always flash across her face, but she never truly understood the reasons behind it.

When the summer break finally arrived, you hoped things would change. Lando promised that he would make the most of this time, but you were apprehensive. The past few months had taken a toll on your relationship, and there were things that needed to be said.

You were sitting on the couch, scrolling through your phone when you heard the front door open. Your heart gave a little leap, and you immediately stood up. Lando didn’t waste any time; he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into a long, tight hug.

As you pulled away, Lando scanned the living room with a slight frown. "Where's Amelie?"

“She’s at my mom’s house.” you said, biting your lip. “I didn’t want her to hear our conversation…” Your voice faltered slightly

Lando looked confused, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

“Lando, I know your job is important. I know you’ve worked hard for it, and I respect that. But we’re important too. We need you just as much as your career does.”

Lando opened his mouth to say something, but you raised a hand to stop him. “I understand that there are sacrifices. That’s not what I’m saying. What I’m saying is… I can’t keep telling Amelie that her dad is always ‘too busy with work’ for her. I don’t want her to grow up thinking the only way she can see you is through a screen. I don’t want that for her. I don’t want that for us."