Then Luca’s voice called from inside, nervous and excited, and we both knew what was coming.
And just like that, the spell was broken.Henri recoiled back into himself, taking a step back.
“Showtime,” he murmured.
“You saw the ring too?Hiding it in the guest room wasn’t exactly a genius idea.”I knew Henri had stayed with them while his kitchen was under renovation last month.
“Who knows?Maybe you’ll be able to join them soon.”Henri nodded toward Ollie, who was chatting up Éliott at the makeshift bar.
I bristled at Henri’s implication.“Ollie and I are just friends,” I said coolly.“And it’s none of your business anyway.”
Henri held up his hands in mock surrender.“My mistake.I just thought, with him being your date tonight and all…”
“He’s not my date,” I snapped, perhaps a bit too sharply.“Georgia invited him.That’s it.”
Something flickered in Henri’s eyes.Relief, maybe?But he masked it quickly with a shrug.“Just be careful with that one.”
I frowned, turning to face him fully.“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shook his head, setting his glass down on the coffee table with a little more force than necessary.“Nothing.Forget I said anything.”
The balcony door slid open.“So sorry to interrupt,” Ollie said brightly, laying easy fingers at the small of my back.“Georgia needs you both.”
Henri’s hand dropped from the rail.I didn’t see his expression.Didn’t let myself look as we walked inside.
As if on cue, Luca clinked a spoon against his glass, drawing everyone’s attention.He stood in the center of the room, Georgia beaming at his side.“Thank you all for coming tonight,” he began, his voice warm with affection.
His eyes shone with love and adoration as he gazed at Georgia.“I wanted to gather our closest friends and family here to celebrate something very special.Georgia,amore mio, you’ve been by my side through every triumph and challenge.Your unwavering support, your fierce determination, and your boundless compassion inspire me every single day.”
Luca reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.Georgia’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise.
He dropped to one knee, opening the box to reveal a stunning diamond ring.“Georgia Dubois, you are the love of my life, my partner in every sense of the word.I can’t imagine my life without you—without your laughter, your love, your constant support.You’re my best friend, my soulmate, my everything.Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”
Tears streamed down Georgia’s face as she nodded.“Yes!”she exclaimed, her voice trembling with joy.“Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”
The room erupted into cheers and applause as Luca slipped the ring onto Georgia’s finger and swept her into a passionate kiss.
Friends and family swarmed the happy couple, offering their congratulations and excitement.Making my way over to Georgia, I pulled her into a tight hug.
“I’m so happy for you,” I murmured, my voice thick with emotion.
She squeezed me back, her eyes shining.“Thank you, Lil.”
I shook my head, smiling.“You two were made for each other.I’m just glad I got to be here to see it happen.”
Ollie was in the kitchen, chatting with a few of the other drivers.I made my way through the hallway, only to bump my hip into Henri.In trying to move away, his arm brushed mine, and we both awkwardly tried to avoid the other’s gaze.
I stepped back quickly, breaking contact.“Sorry,” I muttered, ducking my head to hide the flush creeping up my neck.
Ollie and Éliott materialized behind us.“Well, I daresay everyone in the room saw that proposal coming.Too bad they’ve ruined this for the rest of us,” Éliott laughed.
Ollie raised an eyebrow at Éliott’s comment.“Ruined what for the rest of you?”
“Let’s just say, some people aren’t too keen on their drivers dating each other.It worked for Georgia and Luca, but I don’t think the top bosses of other F1 teams want to risk their drivers sharing secrets.I’ve heard rumors of morality clauses starting to make their way into contract renewals.”
“My Rennen contract has one.Apparently, my sponsors don’t want any media circus around any potential relationships,” I sighed.
“You have a morality clause in your contract?”Ollie seemed genuinely surprised.
