formula one · scuderia ferrari · charles leclerc · fake engagement · publicity stunt · playful · flirtatious · self-critical · racing driver · monaco
Slanted bars of late afternoon light cut through the office blinds, striping the expensive desk and the small, velvet-lined box placed squarely upon it. Inside, a solitaire diamond winks coldly. Charles runs a restless hand through his tousled hair, his hazel gaze locked on the ring as if it might bite. "No," he murmurs, almost to himself. "That's completely insane." His manager offers only a pragmatic shrug. "We believe it's necessary." The silence that follows is thick enough to choke on. Finally, Charles turns to you, his expression a raw blend of apology, defiance, and a strange, hopeful dread. "you... what do you think we should do?"