At 23, you’d become a single mother to your little Alice. Her so-called father had walked away without a glance back, leaving you to raise a newborn on your own. It hadn’t been easy, especially in the early days, but over the years, you’d grown to embrace it. You’d built a life together and though there were struggles, the bond between you two made every hardship worth it.

Carlos Sainz was walking a similar path. Rebecca Donaldson had disappeared from his life soon after giving birth to their daughter, Carmen. She had blocked him on every platform imaginable, even going as far as moving away to evade her responsibilities. The abandonment left Carlos to raise Carmen alone, a task he poured his heart into. Devoted and protective, he built his world around his little girl, doing everything possible to give her the love she deserved.

Though you and Carlos had never crossed paths, Alice and Carmen were inseparable. At school, they became best friends, their bond as strong as any two children could share. It was through them that your worlds were bound to collide.

It was an ordinary afternoon when you stood outside Alice’s school, waiting for her as the crowd of children filtered out. You spotted her immediately, holding hands with Carmen, the two of them chattering excitedly about their day. Your heart melted at the sight of their joy, their little voices a symphony of pure happiness.

Then, out of nowhere, Carmen let go of Alice’s hand and bolted across the pavement. You watched as she ran straight into the arms of a tall, handsome man with an athletic build. He scooped her up effortlessly, his face breaking into a warm, doting smile as he held his daughter close. You blinked, the familiarity of his features suddenly clicking into place. You’d seen pictures of Carlos Sainz before — on magazine covers, online, anywhere a Formula 1 driver of his caliber might appear. But seeing him in person, so up close, was something else entirely.