He waited until Marcus finished the call.
“What’s the word on Lucas?”
Marcus turned, face grim. “He got out under his own power—looked innocuous on the replays. But he was complaining about his shoulder in the medical car. The old Barcelona injury.They’ve taken him straight to hospital for scans. The docs are worried it might need another reconstruction. Recovery timeline isn’t overnight. He’s looking at missing at least half the season, minimum.”
The words landed like a heavy weight on Jax’s chest. Lucas—two-time champion, the relentless benchmark who had pushed him harder than anyone—was sidelined. The Constructors’ battle had just turned brutal. And with Lucas out, the entire development direction, the points haul, the pressure… it all shifted.
Jax stared at the floor for a long moment, letting it sink in. He’d wanted number one status. He’d wanted the team to lean on him. But not like this. Not because his teammate and friend had been taken out by a failure that could have happened to any of them.
Marcus clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You’re the lead driver now. We’re fast-tracking a reserve, but the car’s built around you. The points, the strategy calls, the development direction—it’s yours to lead. The pressure’s on, but you’ve got this.”
Jax nodded slowly, the reality settling deeper. This was what he’d been fighting for all winter. The chance to prove himself without anyone else carrying the load. Yet the victory felt hollow knowing it came at Lucas’s expense.
Aria found him later in the quiet back room, eyes soft with worry. She stepped close without hesitation.
“You okay?” she asked gently.
He managed a half-smile. “Yeah. Just… processing. Lucas is tough—he’ll come back swinging. But the team… it’s a proper blow. And now everything’s riding on me.”
She reached for his hand, fingers threading through his. “You can do this. You were unreal out there today—P2 from P4, fighting for every single position. That wasn’t luck. That was you. The car’s finally listening, the team’s behind you. You’ve got the talent. You always have.”
He looked at her—really looked. Something in his chest eased, just a fraction. The warmth in her voice, the steady way she held his gaze… it cut through the noise in his head.
“You think?”
“I know.” She squeezed his hand tighter. “I’ll be here to steady you when I can.”
The words slipped out before he could stop them—quiet, edged with old doubt. “Min-Jae might need you more.”
She stilled. Then she shook her head, voice soft but firm. “That can wait. You were there for me when I needed it. Least I can do is be here when you’re carrying the weight.”
She stepped closer, rose on her toes, and pressed a slow kiss to his mouth—gentle, steady, like a promise. When she pulled back, her eyes were bright. “You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.”
He exhaled—long and shaky—and pulled her against his chest, arms wrapping tight around her. He wasn’t sure what this was between them anymore. But right now, with her warmth pressed against him, it was enough.
???
Aria
The team motorhome felt quieter than usual after the race—muted voices, soft footsteps, the faint smell of champagne andadrenaline still hanging in the air. Jax had already changed out of his race suit into a team polo and jeans. Aria stayed close in the quiet back room, her hand wrapped around his, thumb brushing slow circles over his knuckles.
She could feel the unspoken weight between them, humming like static just beneath the surface.
Jax let out a long breath and squeezed her hand. “I should go check in with Marcus quickly about the reserve driver situation. Won’t be long.”
Aria nodded, offering a small smile. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”
Once he stepped out, she pulled out her phone. Messages from Mia waited.
Mia: Hey. Lucas is at the hospital now for shoulder scans. He’s cracking jokes with the nurses but I know he’s scared. How’s Jax holding up?
Aria typed back quickly, keeping her tone steady and warm.
Aria: He’s processing everything quietly. The team’s leaning on him hard now, but he’s strong — he’ll step up. How are you doing, love? This must be terrifying for you. I’m here if you need to talk or vent or just sit in silence. Whatever you need.
Mia: It is. I’m trying so hard not to fall apart in front of him. He hates when I worry, but I can’t help it. He’s been through this before and it nearly broke him last time. You and Jax looked tight after the race though… I’m really glad you’re there for him.
Aria: I’m glad I’m here too. But right now I’m more worried about you. Lucas is tough, but you’re the one holding everything together for him. If you need me to come over lateror bring you anything, just say the word. You don’t have to do this alone.
