You left Lando a year ago.

Not because the love suddenly disappeared, but because he cheated on you.

You walked away, swearing he would never hurt you like that again.

Then, Damien came. He was like a sunrise after a long, dark night.

An influencer like you, full of energy, creative, witty.

Your projects together were effortless, carefree and eventually, the playful work in front of the camera turned into a quiet, cautious game with feelings.

A kiss, then a few dates.

No drama. No pain.

Until today.

Your management wanted you to attend this event. You didn’t want to. Too many people from the Formula 1 scene, too many faces from your past.

But Damien is here too. At least something good.

You’re laughing at something Damien said. His face is close, his gaze warm, those little dimples in his cheeks making you soft. His hand brushes lightly against your arm and for a moment, you forget where you are.

“Well, that was fast.” The voice cuts through everything.

You freeze.

Lando is standing there, as if he’s been watching the scene for an hour. A class Scotch in hand, a confident smile so cold it makes you flinch inside.

Damien straightens, glances at him briefly. “Do we know each other?”

“Not yet.” Lando steps forward, extends his hand to him. “Lando. Ex boyfriend.” His emphasis lands like a precise strike. “And you are?”

Damien hesitates, shakes his hand briefly, eyes flicking back to you. “Damien. New..boyfriend.”

“I don’t mean to intrude." Lando continues, the tone opposite of what he says. “Just wanted to make sure you know what you’re dealing with here.”

Damien frowns. “Excuse me?”

“You know, Damien…” Lando swirls his drink, as if he has all the time in the world. “…being with her is exciting at first. Believe me, I know. But eventually…” He sips his drink. “…it’s just habit. And then…you look for something better.”

Tears start to blur your vision and you try to steady your breathing.

“What?” Damien’s tone sharpens, his posture tense.

“I mean, we had our fun. More than once. In bed, she was…”

“Stop it!” Your voice cracks, too quiet to actually stop him.

He just smiles. “…creative. Let’s say it that way.”

He leans slightly toward Damien, like sharing a confidential secret. The smell of alcohol hits you instantly and your stomach drops.

“She’s using you. She did it with me too. This…” He gestures between you and Damien. “…is just to make me jealous. And as soon as she gets bored, she’ll drop you. That’s her thing.”

Damien frowns, searching your eyes as if to check whether he’s being lied to. "Is this true?"

You want to tell him it’s not true. You want to tell him the truth. You feel everything inside you screaming, but no words come out.

Only silence.

Damien swallows, shakes his head. “I thought you were different.” His voice is calm, but his gaze is hard.

Then he turns and walks away.

“Damien, wait!” You chase after him, through the doors into the cool night air. “Please, Damien! Let me explain! It’s not true, he’s lying!”

He stops briefly, looks at you as if he no longer knows you. “I don’t want to hear it. It’s over.”

Then he disappears into the darkness.

Behind you, footsteps approach. You don’t need to look to know who it is.

“I hate you with every fiber of me." You sob quietly.

Tears streak down your cheeks, but you don’t look at him. Your back is still turned while Damien disappears.

He’s gone. And it’s Lando’s fault.

All because of his ego. His obsession with you. His pride. If he even still has any.

He steps closer, you feel his breath on your neck, the smell of his Scotch. “No.” His hand brushes slowly over your arm. “You don’t.”

His voice is low, calm, as if he hadn’t just destroyed everything.

You shake your head and swallow. “I should. I should hate you.”

“But you don’t. I know you still feel something for me.” His words stick to you like they’ve always been there.

“I did what was necessary. You're mine..and I will not lose you to someone like him."