The One Who Stayed | CS55
Plot: Y/n is Charles' ex but their families have been friends since even before they were born. Arthur is attached to Y/n like a brother and is not happy with his brother and his new girlfriend. After a few family events Y/n couldn't bear the uneasy atmosphere with the new couple and the hate by Charles fans, so she distances herself from them and finds herself a new man who treats her right.
Pairing: Carlos Sainz x girlfriend!reader
Type: Angst, Fluff, SMAU.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
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CARLOS' APARTMENT, MONACO - MAY 2024
Things with Carlos had been going really well. He was a gentleman, attentive, kind, and always present in the ways that mattered. Y/N couldn’t help but notice how different this relationship felt compared to her previous one.
Charles had known her since childhood, but he never really made the effort to understand her as the woman she'd become. To him, she was still the same Y/N from their younger days. He believed he was the only one with a packed schedule, expecting her to always be there for him like everyone else in his life, yet rarely offering her the same in return.
Carlos was the opposite. He listened. He noticed the little things. He carved out time for them, even when he was busy. He was everything Charles never was and everything Y/N had been longing for.
The smell of freshly cooked carbonara filled the air, crisp and warm against the soft clatter of Y/N’s fingers on her keyboard. She was working on Carlos’ kitchen island with a plate of cake by her side while reviewing a company's project objective file.
Behind her, in the kitchen of his sleek Monaco apartment, Carlos stood in a navy t-shirt and joggers, stirring the carbonara sauce with a relaxed ease that only came with confidence and practice.
“I swear,” she muttered, not looking up, “if I read another line that says ‘elevate the brand experience’ I’m going to start screaming into the void.”
Carlos laughed from the kitchen. “I don’t know what that means and I never want to find out.”
“That’s because you drive cars for a living,” she replied dryly, highlighting another paragraph in pale yellow.
He peeked around the kitchen island, brow raised. “And yet, here I am, making my you infamous carbonara while you” he waved the tongs at her playfully, “ignore me for some corporate shit. I deserve a reward.”
“You’ll get a Michelin star before you get my full attention during a client week,” she teased.
Carlos set the pan aside and walked over, resting his hands on the back of the couch behind her. He leaned down, lips brushing her temple. “Then I’ll settle for your mom’s approval. That’s harder, no?”
She smiled and twisted slightly to look at him. “Speaking of…” She hesitated, clicking her laptop shut. “She asked if you’d want to come to family dinner on Thursday.”
Carlos tilted his head. “Right before the race weekend?”
She nodded. “It’s sort of tradition now. My parents, Leclercs. The usual group.”
“Charles will be there.” He didn’t say it like a question.
She pressed her lips together. “Yeah. And his girlfriend.”
Carlos didn’t flinch. He just nodded, as if he expected it. “I’ll be there.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, watching him carefully. “I don’t know how he’s going to be...”
Carlos sat on the edge of the couch, facing her fully. “You think I’m worried about Charles?”
“I think I’m worried about Charles,” she corrected gently. “I don’t want to cause more drama, especially not in front of our families.”
He reached out and took her hand. “He moved on a month after breaking up with you. A month, cariño. He doesn't get to have opinions now.”
“I know,” she said, softer. “It’s just… It’s weird, isn’t it? Like, I’ve been around their family for years. This isn’t just me bringing a new guy to the family table. It’s his teammate and one of his best friends.”
Carlos squeezed her hand. “That’s not your weight to carry.”
She looked down at their hands, thumb brushing across his knuckles. “Lorenzo and Arthur might corner you.”
Carlos grinned. “Let them.”
“I mean it,” she said, half-laughing, half-wincing. “Arthur especially. He’ll try to make you uncomfortable. And ask a lot of questions.”
“Well,” he said, pretending to straighten his posture like a nobleman, “then I’ll give them a very noble and honest answer. ‘I’m dating your sister because she makes my life easier to breathe in.’”
She flushed. “Don’t say that. They’ll never let me live it down.”
“Fine. I’ll say it just to you,” Carlos said with a smirk, brushing his thumb under her chin. “You think I’m scared of your brothers? Y/N, I’ve handled Ferrari strategy meetings. Nothing is scarier than that.”
She laughed then, a genuine one she forgot how to for a while, and leaned into him, resting her forehead against his shoulder.
“I just don’t want this to feel like… I don’t know. Like we’re taking jabs at him by existing.”
Carlos’s voice was calm, sure. “We’re not jabbing anyone. We’re just living. If he can’t handle seeing you happy, that’s on him. Not you.”
She took a deep breath. “Okay. Family dinner it is.”
He stood again, walking back to the kitchen. “You’ll see,” he called over his shoulder. “I’ll charm the whole family. I know they already love me but...” He casually shrugged.
“You’re too confident.”
Carlos just grinned and plated the pasta. “No, I just have the best reason to be.”
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CARLOS' APARTMENT, MONACO - MAY 2024
The sunlight poured into Carlos’ apartment in golden streams, soft and diffused through the linen curtains.
It was early, maybe too early for the way they'd stayed up the night before, laughing under the covers, whispering about everything and nothing between sleepy kisses, his hands constantly tucked around her waist like she was something he wasn’t ready to let go of.
Y/N woke up first. Carlos was still tangled in the sheets, one hand resting open against her side of the bed, the other tucked under his cheek like a boy.
She smiled, brushing a bit of hair from his forehead before slipping out from under the duvet. He barely stirred, just pulled the pillow closer and let out the softest breath.
She padded barefoot across the cool floor, his oversized shirt hanging off her frame. The apartment was quiet, except for the low hum of the city waking up outside. Y/N tied her hair up lazily and headed to the kitchen.
Phone tucked between her shoulder and ear, she stirred batter slowly in a mixing bowl, a half-empty milk coffee by her elbow on the counter.
“Wait. You stayed in?” her best friend’s voice crackled through the speaker.
Y/N rolled her eyes fondly, flipping a whisk in her hand. “Of course I stayed. You act like this is a crime.”
"How was it?" her best friend replied.
Y/N chuckled under her breath. “We haven't reached that stage yet. We fell asleep talking about his new contract offers. He is also considering to be a professional golfer at this point.”
There was a pause. “Of course he did.”
Y/N was mid-laugh when she felt familiar arms slide around her waist. She glanced over her shoulder as Carlos pressed a slow, lazy kiss to her shoulder, then another just below her neck.
“Morning,” he mumbled, voice still heavy with sleep.
“You’re awake,” she said, smiling as she muted the call briefly. “You were snoring when I left.”
“I don’t snore,” he murmured against her skin, tightening his hold just a little.
“You kind of do.”
He looked at the phone in her hand. “Is that who I think it is?”
Y/N unmuted the call. “He says hi.”
“Hola,” Carlos said clearly toward the phone, smirking, before walking around the counter to grab a piece of banana from the cutting board.
“Tell him to keep his mouth off the produce and get real food,” her best friend replied dryly.
Carlos raised a brow. “Rude.”
“She loves you,” Y/N said casually. “She’s just territorial.”
After she ended the call, Carlos reached for her coffee and took a sip. “Mmm. Tastes like shit. How do you even like this. It's so sweet...” She rolled her eyes. He leaned back against the counter. “Also, Lando’s coming over.”
Y/N blinked. “You invited him?”
“His call woke me up. He's probably bringing Albono as well.”
“I just wanted some us time. Your side chick had to interfere." Y/N huffed and turned back to the bowl, grabbing the flour again. “Fine. I’ll double the ingredients.”
He came up behind her again, pressing another kiss to her temple. “Triple it. You know how much those idiot eats.”
“I should’ve stayed in bed,” she muttered.
“You should always stay in our bed,” he whispered softly, so close to her ear she stilled for a second before being giggly.
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CARLOS' APARTMENT, MONACO - MAY 2024
Pancakes were stacked high on ceramic plates, golden and soft, fresh off the pan.
Carlos came up behind her, slow and quiet, keeping his phone aside on the counter. Before she could speak, he turned her toward him and kissed her.
It started slow but she should’ve known it wouldn’t stay that way. It never did with him.
He lifted her effortlessly onto the kitchen counter, her legs parting to accommodate his body between them, one arm bracing her back as the other slid under the shirt she borrowed from him, riding just above her thighs. His palm met the warm skin of her waist and his touch was so certain, so proprietary, like he knew she belonged there.
“Carlos,” she breathed, head tilting back as his mouth trailed down her neck. “They’ll be here soon.”
“He'll ring the bell,” he mumbled against her collarbone.
His kisses turned feverish, hands gripping her thighs as her fingers tangled in his hair. She wasn’t sure when the edge blurred — the taste of him, the way he kept whispering her name like it was a confession, the sound of her soft gasps echoing between them — but the world had narrowed to just this moment.
Until the front door clicked open.
And someone coughed. "I. um had the spare key..." Lando muttered. They jolted apart like teenagers caught red-handed.
Y/N’s heart froze mid-beat as she registered the trio standing at the threshold of the kitchen, Lando, Alex, and Charles.
Lando’s expression was a mix of sheer awkwardness and panic, while Alex tried to respectfully stare at the fridge. But it was Charles who looked like someone had just punched the air out of him.
He stared. Eyes sharp. Jaw clenched. She couldn’t tell if he was breathing.
And then he lunged at Carlos, “Charles, no!” Y/N yelled, but it was too late.
Carlos barely got a word out before Charles tackled him against the wall, fists colliding into his shoulder and side. Y/N was shoved aside in the chaos as ceramic plates shifted on the counter. She scrambled up from where she hit the ground and grabbed at Charles’ shirt, trying to pull him off.
“Charles, STOP!” she cried.
Carlos cursed in Spanish, trying to hold Charles back without hitting him. Lando and Alex finally dove in, one grabbing Charles' arms, the other trying to get between the two of them.
Breathless and furious, Carlos shouted, "What the fuck is your problem?!"
Charles spat back, voice shaking, “My problem?! You invited me here to give me this show, huh! Kissing my ex, for revenge like its my fault ferrari dropped you!!”
“She’s not yours, Charles!” Carlos barked.
“You’re my teammate! And you—” he pointed toward Y/N, face twisted in betrayal, “What the hell is wrong with you?!”
Y/N stood there, chest heaving, hair wild, heart pounding in her ears and something snapped. She stepped forward. “No what the fuck is wrong with you!” she hissed, her voice low but venomous. “You don’t get to explode in my life like this. After you fucked everything up.”
Charles froze mid-breath. She kept going.
“You left me. You didn’t fight for me. And you moved on. One month after we broke up, you were all over the internet with her like I never mattered. I stayed quiet. I respected your choice. I even distanced myself from MY family because of you and your pathetic girlfriend's insecurities.”
Her voice cracked but she didn’t stop. “You can parade your new life around but the second I find someone who makes me feel again, who actually treats me like I’m worth staying for, this is what you do? You fight him in his own kitchen like you’re entitled to something you threw away?”
Charles blinked, jaw locked, lips parted slightly, speechless. “This isn’t about Carlos trying to take revenge because of what your team is doing to him,” she added, her voice softer now, firmer. “This is about the fact that for the first time since we ended, I’m happy. And you can't see me happy, Charles.”
Silence. Lando let go of Charles’ arm slowly. Carlos exhaled, finally looking up with Alex next to him holing his shoulder.
Charles stood still for a moment. Then something in his eyes broke. shame? anger? regret? Maybe all of it. Without a word, he turned and stormed out the door.
Y/N stood there, frozen. Her chest was rising and falling like she’d just run a marathon. Carlos stepped toward her slowly, hands tentative like she might break. But she didn’t.
Instead she walked straight past the three into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
Carlos stood outside it for a minute, maybe more, just listening to the muffled sound of her sobs. They weren’t loud anymore, not the sharp, broken cries from earlier, but that kind of deep, aching weep that came from someplace far beyond anger. It was grief. And exhaustion.
He didn’t knock. Just quietly turned the handle and stepped in.
She was curled up on the bed, her face buried in the pillow, shoulders trembling. Her fists were tight near her chest like she was holding herself together.
Carlos’s chest ached. Wordless, he sat on the edge of the bed and gently touched her back before sliding his hand under her head and lifting it onto his lap. Her face was damp and flushed, skin warm from the crying, but she didn’t resist.
She melted into him like her body remembered safety in his arms.
The sobs didn’t stop immediately. But they slowed. Her breathing began to steady into deep, ragged inhales. He threaded his fingers through her hair again and again, occasionally pressing his palm flat between her shoulder blades rubbing it softly. He didn’t say anything. Just held her while she fell apart.
After a few minutes, he leaned down and whispered, “C’mere,” gently pulling her upright and into his lap.
Y/N folded into him without hesitation, her arms locking tight around his neck, her entire weight leaning into him like he was the only thing keeping her from collapsing again. She didn’t even try to speak, she just held him, her face buried in the crook of his shoulder.
Carlos rested his chin on her head. “Look at me, baby” he whispered, inhaling slow.
She let go, just slightly, when his hands came up to frame her face. Her eyes were glossy, her lashes clumped, her cheeks flushed red.
Carlos wiped under her eyes with his thumbs and held her jaw gently, steadying her.
“Oh, Mi Amor., estoy aquí” he said quietly. [My love, I'm here.]
She tried to smile, but it quivered. He leaned forward and kissed her shyly.
Then he reached beside him for a glass of water from the bedside table. “Drink,” he murmured.
She took it, sipping slowly, her hands held the glass like a child does.
Just as she finished drinking, there was a light knock on the door. Then it opened a crack.
“Hey,” Alex Albon said, stepping halfway in with a tray, “I brought your plate. Thought you might want to eat in here but… no pressure.”
Y/N sat up straighter, blinking hard. “Thanks, Al.”
Carlos helped her shift off his lap as she pulled the hem of the oversized shirt lower. She cleared her throat, still a bit hoarse. “We’ll come eat outside.”
AMAZONICO RESTRAUNT, MONACO - MAY 2024
The restaurant was quiet and elegant, tucked into a discreet street in Monaco.
Carlos and Y/n drove to the venue together. Since people in Monaco recognised Carlos and y/n individually, them arriving together would cause people to record and gossip was sure to follow. Even tho they chose private entry, Y/n saw people recording them during the ride there.
The table was set for eleven in private rooftop setting, the lighting warm and the conversation already flowing when Y/N and Carlos arrived.
Y/N’s parents were already seated across from Arthur and Jade, sipping wine and laughing at something Lorenzo had just said. Charlotte was beside him, one hand looped loosely around his arm, her expression relaxed and content.
Arthur raised his eyebrows when he saw them approach, eyes flickering between Y/N and Carlos. She met his gaze and gave him a quiet nod. Arthur offered Carlos a short smile, nothing overly enthusiastic, but not cold either.
Carlos pulled out Y/N’s chair before sitting beside her, resting his hand for a moment on the back of her seat. It was subtle, but grounding. She smiled softly at the gesture.
Dinner began with an effortless rhythm. Conversation bounced between weekend plans and racing logistics, with occasional laughter when Jade made dry observations about their group dynamic. Carlos held his own easily, engaging in relaxed small talks with Y/N’s father.
Just then, the energy shifted. The server pulled back the door slightly, and Charles entered with Alexandra. They were late, but not enough to call attention. Still, every eye turned.
Charles gave a tight smile. "Sorry we’re late. Traffic."
"In Monaco?" Charlotte quipped lightly. Lorenzo elbowed her.
Alexandra greeted Pascale and Charlotte with polite kisses, then made her way around the table. She paused slightly before Y/N and Carlos. “Hi,” she said with a smoothness that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Hey,” Y/N returned, offering a small smile.
Carlos gave a nod, polite but unreadable. "Bonsoir."
The seating fell into a strange rhythm, Charles, Alexandra, then Charlotte and Lorenzo, with Jade, Arthur, Y/N, and Carlos forming the opposite arc.
Alexandra seemed to struggle to join conversations. The girls tried, genuinely, to include her but the replies were clipped.
Meanwhile, Carlos and Y/N settled into their own easy rhythm. She passed him her plate when the picked out mushrooms piled in the corner of her plate. She looked at him like a pleading child for him to take it away off her plate.
He scooped the mushrooms without question. “More for me.”
She leaned in, eyes soft. “You’ll eat anything.”
He nudged. “Hey!” and teasingly brought a forkful of mushrooms near her mouth making her cringe.
They whispered between themselves, exchanging inside jokes. When dessert came around, Y/n had finished hers quickly and now kept stealing spoons from Carlos’s crème brûlée.
“You know,” he said around his fourth stolen bite, “you could just order another.”
She grinned. “Yours tastes better. And You shouldn't be having this, I'll tell Gigi."
"You wouldn't" His unoccupied hand lingered its way on her thigh.
"you bet!" She chuckled wiping her mouth with a tissue paper.
Eventually, the check came. The server approached discreetly, and Charles reached into his pocket for his card at the same time Carlos stood to do the same.
“I’ve got it,” Charles said flatly.
Carlos didn’t miss a beat. “Appreciate it, but it’s mine tonight.”
“You're the guest. I'll get this one” Charles looked up, tone cool.
Carlos gave a neutral smile. “Come on mate. Let me get this o.”
The server stood awkwardly between them. Y/N sipped her water slowly.
“I insist,” Charles said again, more firmly.
Carlos leaned slightly forward, still composed. “So do I. Unless we want to split the bill in front of everyone.”
Arthur raised a brow, glancing between them. Y/N’s mother cleared her throat. “Boys.”
Charles eventually leaned back in his chair. “Fine.”
Carlos nodded and handed over his card without another word.
The walk out of the restaurant was less tense. The tension had been aired out, silently. Alexandra walked slightly ahead of Charles, who still hadn’t said much. Meanwhile, Y/N walked closely beside Carlos, her arm brushing against his as he reached for her hand casually.
Outside, Pascale pulled Y/N into a soft hug. “You look good together, mon coeur.”
Y/N smiled against her shoulder. “Thank you, mamam.”
Arthur stepped up beside Carlos as they waited for the cars to be brought around. “You handled that well.”
Carlos glanced over. “I didn’t come for a fight.”
“No,” Arthur nodded, looking over at his brother. “But you got one anyway.”
Carlos offered a half smile. “Worth it.” Arthur and jade bid their farewell. Carlos got inside after opening the door for Y/n and drove off.
yourusername
story 2 caption: Alcohol Menace
f1wagsgossip
Liked by gossipgirlf1, wagsofficialtea and others
f1wagsgossip Carlos Sainz and Y/N L/N spotted in Monaco heading to the Leclerc–L/N family dinner tonight
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formulawtf1 Not them actually making it official with the family 💀
carlossimp_55 The way he looks at her 🫠 I’m just here melting.
username1 ngl carlos and y/n look happy as hell. can't be mad at that.
charlesbabyy16 Wait wasn’t this supposed to be a LECLERC family dinner???
paddockconfessions Someone check on Charles 😭
alexafan98 Why does she always steal attention at everything? This wasn’t even about her.
wagsofficialtea Girl served us with a lbd while he comes in an puma tee 😭
sainz55fever Carlos driving her there like a proper husband. My Roman Empire 🥹
leclercsuniverse No because imagine the tension. Pascale must be exhausted.
alexaloversclub She's trying to get Charles back by fiddling with is teammate and friend. Such a despo....
CARLOS' APARTMENT, MONACO - MAY 2024
The bedroom was dim, just the low amber glow of the bedside lamp pooling on the sheets and the soft hum of the city muffled beyond thick windows.
Y/N lay nestled beside Carlos, her leg draped lazily over his and her cheek pressed into his chest. His fingers stroked idle patterns on her arm, occasionally slipping into her hair.
They had been quiet for a while. Comfortable in the kind of silence that only came when you knew there was nothing you needed to say to be understood.
Then Carlos spoke, voice low but steady. “I don't even know how I want tomorrow to go.”
Y/N shifted her head slightly to look at him with her eyebrows scrunched.
He shook his head once. "The team will make me defend Charles if I overtake Piastri. A part of me wants to overlook and try to win myself.”
She didn’t say anything immediately. She just reached up and gently brushed her thumb over his cheekbone. “That would be a bad idea, Chilli. I am not saying this with regard to Charles but a lot could go wrong if you mess with him, You could get out of the race or fall behind because He doesnt really like you right now. I don't want this to affect your race."
Carlos sighed and she propped up on her elbow to stabilise herself while his hands still coddled her, "You okay?” She ran her hands over his torso to ease his anxiety.
Carlos gave a small smile. “Honestly? I don’t know yet.” He sighed. “I'm kind of glad to leave now. Couldn't stay much longer losing my potential to cater to their prince.”
She nodded. “What have you thought about the next season?”
He turned slightly to face her better. “I got a few offers.”
That made her eyebrows lift. “Already?”
He nodded. “ Williams offered first and I almost took it over Kick Sauber. But I got a call from Flavio, last Monday. I am really confused now. Caco is running around the offers.”
Y/N blinked. “What are you leaning toward?” she asked.
He hesitated. “I don’t know. Sauber’s tempting, good money, Audi coming in. Alpine is desperate for leadership, is what I've perceved from my call with Flavio. Papa thinks it's a risky business with him. Williams… they’re still building. But they’ve got James Vowles now. And Alex is doing solid work.”
She propped herself up slightly, resting her chin on her hand as she looked down at him. “Williams has potential. They’d invest good in you.”
Carlos looked at her, eyes scanning hers thoughtfully. “That’s what I was thinking. James wants a long-term lead driver. It wouldn’t be a top car next year… but maybe by 2026, it’s a different story.”
She nodded. “That’s the thing. Short-term might sting a little, but you’d be building toward something. And I agree with your father, I don't have a good feeling for Alpine.”
Carlos ran a hand through his hair. “Anyways, Did your boss initiate the promotion after the meeting?” he asked lightly, but something in his voice made it clear he meant it.
She smiled. “I was going to tell you after the race tomorrow. We had a meeting regarding this and they have a few spots where I can fill in. They want to open an office here in Monaco and want me to look after it.”
"When are you moving?"He asked absently while thinking.
It was getting colder so Y/n pulled up the blanket over them, " End of the quarter. They're yet to finish the interior of the office."
"Umm.. Do you have your own place here?"
"I lived with mama and dad till high school, then I moved out for university, I only come back for vacations so It didn't feel necessary to get my own place." She shook her head.
"Cariño, I don't want to sound too forward and it's okay if you say no because it's too soon, but will you consider moving in here? with me?" She moved closer over him, thinking for a while.
"Are you sure? I mean I don't want you to feel obligated."
"Baby, I want you here with me." He caressed her head.
"I'll have to have a talk with my parents first. I don't want the to think it otherwise." He excitedly rolled over and onto her, kissing her face.
He looked at her for a beat, then pulled her into his arms again, exhaling slowly like her answer had settled something in him. “Gracias, cariño.”
“For what?”
“For being here with me. For everything.”
He pressed a kiss to her collarbone. “Thank you Carlos, You've made a lot of things easier for me. I wouldn't even consider moving back if it wasn't for you, mama and dad.”
She knew she had a lot of people here supporting her but she didn't want her past to pull her back again and again. and she was delighted by Carlos' offer as it provided her with the mental space she wouldn't have much at her parents' place and the security she would be skeptical about living alone.
He shifted himself slightly so that he was leaning over her face now, his hand gently stroking her jaw.
“You’ve made the last few months bearable, you know?” he murmured. “When everything else was noise, you felt like peace.”
She smiled, brushing her fingers through the ends of his hair. “You give me peace too. And chaos, sometimes. But mostly peace.”
He laughed softly. “Tomorrow’s your first Monaco GP cheering for me.”
“I’ve always cheered for you and Ferrari,” she said quietly. “But yeah. Tomorrow, I’m solely with #55.”
His eyes glinted. “You were always fast to pick the winning team.”
“I pick you, not teams,” she said seriously. “And if Williams ends up being that, I’ll still be there.”
Carlos grinned and leaned in to kiss her, slow and soft. When he pulled back, he pressed his forehead to hers.
"Let's get some sleep, Shall we?" She ruffled his hair as he plopped next to her and pulled her closer.
kymillman
Liked by y/nstyledaily, cs55fanclub and others
kymillman Y/N L/N in the paddock today for the Monaco Grand Prix with @/scuderiaferrari.
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sainzysgirl Monegasque queen energy.
username1 Anyways where’s Carlos tho 👀
y/n.nation She's BACKKKK !!!!!!
teamalexandra Girl got no self respect 🫡 and what's with that outfit 🤮
gridicons Girl!!! We missed you sm 🥺
y/nstyledaily Slayed corp girlie look ❤️
username2 Not a fan but she’s not hurting anyone. Let the girl live.
charlesbabygirl13 she’s literally his EX can we stop giving her main character energy
cs55fanclub Power couple content when?
username3 girl if I broke up with my ex and started dating his teammate I’d just stay home ngl
GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT, MONACO - MAY 2024
The paddock buzzed with a kind of chaos only Monaco knew how to host. The Ferrari suite was polished, exclusive, and tense for the race.
Y/N walked in alongside her mother, both elegantly dressed—Y/N in a tailored waistcoat and trousers with a handbag perched up her arm.
As she entered, Pascale turned with a soft smile. “Ma chérie, you look beautiful.”
“Merci, Pascale. You too.” Y/N kissed both her cheeks warmly, then greeted Lorenzo, Charlotte, and Arthur, offering a gentle hug to Jade who was at his side.
“Hi, babe,” Y/N greeted Jade. “You look amazing.”
“You too,” Jade smiled, then lowered her voice. “Hey, has Charlotte been weird with you too, or just me?”
Y/N glanced up just in time to see Charlotte whisper something into Alexandra’s ear before both of them giggled and turned away.
“Hmm,” Y/N murmured. “You're not imagining it.”
After a short round of greetings, she excused herself and made her way toward Caco, Carlos’s cousin and manager, who was fiddling with one of the headsets on the side table.
“Buenos días, hermana!” he grinned, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.
“Buenos días, Caco. How's everything looking?” Y/N smirked.
He laughed. “P3 is ours but if the strategy plays right we might be looking at p2, Sólo si se centran también en el chilli.”
He reached over to the staff holding another headset. He handed her one with a knowing smile. “This is for you. Connected to Carlos’ radio.”
Y/N blinked, touched. “Thanks Caco.”
Across the room, Charlotte leaned into Alexandra’s ear. “She has a headset? Seriously? Technically you should have one...”
Alexandra narrowed her eyes. “She’s not media. Not family either.”
Charlotte hesitated. “Technically, she’s been around longer than I have.”
“But she’s not dating Charles anymore.” Alexandra crossed her arms. “That headset’s inappropriate.”
“Wanna say that to Caco?” Jade said from behind them, a cold edge in her tone. “Or do you just prefer whispering and making people uncomfortable from a distance?”
Charlotte turned, caught off guard. “Relax,” Alexandra muttered. “We were just surprised.”
“Well, don’t be,” Y/N said, approaching with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Caco cleared it. But if there’s a line I’ve crossed, please, submit it in writing.”
“Y/N,” Charlotte said tightly, “don’t make this into something it’s not.”
“Oh? You’ve been ghosting me since christmas. And backing up someone who's get my seconds.”
Charlotte’s face flushed.
Jade, behind her, whispered to Arthur, “God, I love when she gets spicy.”
Caco laughed under his breath.
Before things could escalate further, Carlos’s engineer’s voice crackled through Y/N’s headset. “Radio check.”
Carlos followed, voice crisp. “Radio check, loud and clear. Let’s have some fun today.”
Alexandra rolled her eyes and stormed off with Charlotte following close behind. But not before Charlotte gave Y/N one last unreadable glance.
Y/N watched them leave, shook her head and focused on the race.
Charles had gotten the start of his life. The entire pit wall erupted when he held the lead into Sainte Dévote. Y/N smiled, a strange mix of pride and bittersweet ache threading through her chest. He deserved this. This was his home. And as a monasgasque she would feel proud of one winning the home race.
But her heart belonged elsewhere now, in the red blur chasing from P4. Carlos had been calm on the radio all day, never too aggressive, never too safe. By Lap 23, he overtook Norris with a clever undercut that had the crowd on their feet.
“Oscar’s holding strong,” Arthur muttered beside her.
Y/N nodded, eyes glued to the screen. “He’ll finish second if nothing goes wrong.”
“And Carlos?” Jade asked.
Y/N allowed herself the smallest smile. “Podium. He’s driving smart. He knows what he’s doing.”
The final few laps were pure tension. Charles still led, and Monaco’s tight walls refused to betray him this time. Y/N watched as he pulled ahead through the tunnel — smooth, surgical — like this win had always belonged to him.
As the chequered flag waved, the world around her erupted. “Charles Leclerc wins the Monaco Grand Prix!”
She exhaled like she’d been holding her breath for five years.
Beside her, Arthur pumped his fist. Lorenzo and Pascale were in tears. But Y/N… Y/N had already started moving. She pushed past the cluster of engineers, her credentials flashing as she weaved through the paddock and made her way toward Parc Fermé.
She reached just in time to see Carlos pulling himself out of the car, helmet in hand, curls damp with sweat. His eyes swept the crowd, and then landed on her.
“Y/N!” he called through the noise, a breathless grin breaking across his face. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before he was rushed to the cooldown room.
After a while the podium was arranged and Carlos came in followed by Oscar and Charles.
She was filming, her phone shaking slightly in her hands as she captured him receiving the trophy.
Once the podium ceremony was over, and the champagne had been sprayed, and the chaos had melted slightly into soft celebration, Y/N finally made her way to him.
“You were amazing,” she breathed, stepping into his arms.
Carlos didn’t hesitate. He dropped his cap somewhere between their feet and pulled her in tightly, kissing her without a word, his hands cradling her jaw like she was the only real thing left after the blur of the race.
Her laughter burst between kisses. “You’re sticky and you smell like champagne and engine oil.”
“Sexy, no?” he teased, his lips grazing her cheek.
“The sexiest,” she whispered.
She didn’t even realise they were being recorded until later, one of the paddock media cams zoomed in at just the right (or wrong) moment. The camera caught the curve of her smile, the tilt of Carlos’ head as he kissed her again, slower, deeper.
And it caught Charles in the background.
He was still in his race suit, still holding his helmet. There had been joy in his eyes a second ago. Pure, childlike joy that only winning Monaco could bring.
But the moment he saw her wrapped up in Carlos like nothing else in the world existed… it cracked something.
His smile faltered. Not dramatically. Just enough for the world to notice.
Carlos didn’t see. He was too focused on her. Whispering things against her hair, thanking her for being there, for believing in him when everything else in his world felt like it was shifting.
Y/N had noticed, though. She had seen Charles, standing not ten feet away, eyes dark with something he didn’t voice. And for the first time, she didn’t feel guilty.
Because this man in her arms, this podium they’d just shared in their own quiet way was hers. And she was his.
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carlossainz55 P3 never felt this good.
→ yourusername 😘
landonorris that’s MY spicy man you’re posting about 🫡
→ yourusername In your dreams 😏
ynupdatesdaily We are fed.
carlosonoros Vamos 🥳🌶️
username1 Imagine cheering for your ex’s teammate. The audacity 😭
blancasainzv Let's go chilli ❤️
y/nstylediary My roman empire is Y/n filming Carlos' podium while in tears
username2 She didnt even spare Charles a glance.
cs55fanclub Mama Papa??
angelalexmleux She’s never gonna be the first lady of Ferrari 🤷🏻♀️
→ cary/nfc Former Ferrari First Lady, To be William's baddie with Lily 🫶🏽
→ the55girl Jokes on you, She did it first
scuderiaferrari #55 podiums are the best!!!
→ yourusername Every time 🤞🏼
carlosstyles Girl how did you survive when he winked at you while holding the trophy?
charleslecwife16 She was the curse! They broke up Charles won Monaco.
dramalamaf1 Girl knows the sport. Ask Alexandra if she knows what drs is 😂
leclercupdates She refused to get the family pic with Charles while her parents did 😞
wagsofficialtea Went to see the race. Came back traumatised from Charlotte dp ganging sides with Alexandra and leaving jade alone before y/n came. How fast can people you know since long can change colours 😭
CARLOS' APARTMENT, MONACO - MAY 2024
Carlos was standing shirtless in front of the bathroom mirror, still slightly damp from his shower, trying to make his hair behave. A brown t-shirt hung off the hook while he ran gel through his curls with serious concentration.
From the bedroom, Y/N peeked in, already wrapped in a plush towel with one eyebrow raised. “Are you… styling your hair for a club where everyone’s gonna be too drunk to even see straight?”
Carlos dropped the gel and grabbed her waist, spinning her around so fast she squealed.
“Put me down!” she giggled, legs kicking slightly. “I have eyeliner to fix and you’re messing with my process!”
“You’re perfect already,” he said, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. “But I’m still winning the ‘Best Dressed’ award tonight.”
She snorted as he finally let her go. “with those pants? never” She pointed to the cream coloured lightly stripped pants.
"My style is iconic, Girls swoon over me for that.” He said dramatically.
“You once wore socks with tiny jamóns on them to a formal dinner.”
Carlos didn’t even blink. “Exactly. Iconic.”
Back in the bedroom, Y/N stood in front of the floor-length mirror, now in her shimmery dress, attempting to clasp the tiny gold necklace around her neck.
Carlos walked by, pausing mid-stride. “Wait, wait, no. Turn around.”
She obeyed. He gently took the necklace from her fingers, leaning down behind her as he fixed the clasp with care.
“You smell like vanilla, Is that a new perfume?” he mumbled.
She smirked, glancing at his reflection. “Yeah, Kika got it a while back. I almost forgot about it. Is it good?”
Carlos kissed her neck once before pulling away. “So good that we might not make it to the party.”
She chucked at his antiques and shuffled her hands inside her makeup bag, “Red or pink?” she asked picking up two lipsticks.
Carlos frowned like it was a life decision. “Pink. It goes with the green of your dress.”
Y/N applied the soft shade in the mirror. Carlos, already dressed and in his shoes, leaned against the door frame.
“You’re gonna make everyone be jealous of me,” he said sincerely, striding towards her slowly.
She looked up at him, knowing his intentions stopped him with her palm. “Stop. I just wore the lipstick!”
They kissed anyway, slow, laughing between kisses, makeup be damned.
Just then, her phone buzzed. A message from Lando: Tell loverboy to hurry up, the suite is getting packed.
Carlos peeked over her shoulder. “Tell him I’m doing important pre-party rituals.”
Y/N smirked. “Like getting kissed breathless?”
He kissed her one more time and offered his arm. “Shall we?”
“Lead the way."
JIMMY Z, MONACO - MAY 2024
The rooftop party buzzed with upbeat music and pulsing beats. Monaco shimmered below like spilled diamonds under the night sky. Inside the VIP suite, the who's who of motorsport danced, mingled, and celebrated.
Y/N had just walked back in from the balcony when she noticed Charlotte and Alexandra breaking off to the side with Martha, Charles’ friend’s wife.
"Hey, Y/n." She hugged the newcomer, "It's so good to see you. How's everything going?"
"Amazing. Works going great, Life's good too. How's our little Chiara doing? "
Martha was cradling a cocktail in one hand and showing off a baby photo on her phone.
“Chiara’s so big now!” Y/N beamed as she approached, placing a gentle hand on Martha’s shoulder. “Last time I saw her, she could barely hold her head up.”
Martha laughed. “She's a little devil.”
Y/N chuckled. “Tell her aunty Y/N sends kisses.” She squeezed Martha’s hand lightly before offering the other two a tight-lipped smile. “You ladies enjoy.”
She turned and left them there, not bothering to wait for Charlotte’s obligatory half-smile or Alexandra’s passive stare.
Across the suite, Jade was at the bar scanning the room until her eyes lit up. “Finally! I’ve been abandoned for five minutes and it’s already too long.”
“I was doing my social duty,” Y/N smirked, grabbing her by the arm. “Come on, let's dance.”
The girls made their way to the dance floor where Lando Norris had fully claimed the DJ booth, laughing into the mic with his longtime friend Marvin. Bright lights bounced off the marble walls as Kika joined them, dragging Y/N and Jade into a chaotic, joyful spiral of dancing.
They danced like no one was watching, arms in the air, shoes in their hands, drinks forgotten on a nearby ledge. Kika took her phone and filmed her friends having the time of their life.
Eventually, sweat-kissed and laughing, the girls retreated to the lounge tables where their boyfriends and friends had claimed a low booth. Kika and Jade had to return to where their boyfriends were, same booth as Charles.
Caco, Teto, Carlos, and Lando were seated, half-focused on the food and half-watching Y/n approach.
“Jesus,” Lando muttered, watching the trio walk toward them like the final act of a runway show. “You didn’t have to eat us alive like that.”
Y/N dropped into the seat next to Carlos, her hair tousled and her cheeks flushed from dancing. “You’re just jealous you can’t handle this level of energy.”
“I DJ’d for an hour,” Lando protested. “I handled enough.”
Carlos wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “tired?”
“Mm. a little tipsy too. went all in with the tequila.”
He grinned, reaching over to grab a few fries from the basket in the center of the table. “Here. Eat.”
She opened her mouth obediently as he fed her a fry. “Mmm. This is the love I deserve.”
Carlos chuckled and pressed a kiss to her temple. “You'll get everything you deserve. I'll spoil you rotten.”
Teto smirked. “You two are either really cute or really annoying, I can’t decide.”
“You know what I miss?” Lando piped up, “Your best friend.”
Y/N smirked mid-bite. “Why? She's my bestie!”
“She ghosted me,” he huffed. “That’s violence.”
“She has taste,” Y/N deadpanned.
The table cracked up. Carlos laughed so hard he had to lean into her, burying his face into her shoulder. She wrapped her arm around him lazily, nuzzling the top of his head.
“I missed this,” he whispered.
She looked down, meeting his eyes. “Lando getting burned?”
“No,” he murmured. “Us.”
For a moment, it was just them, city noise fading under the soft music playing now. Champagne bottles popped somewhere behind them. Monaco’s magic was alive, and so were they.
And just as Y/N leaned in to kiss him again, Lando groaned loudly, “Alright, PDA time’s over. Let’s all remember I’m single and traumatized.”
Y/N threw a napkin at him without looking. “Get back to your mixer, DJ boy.”
Carlos laughed again, cheeks aching from how much he’d been smiling all night. “You’re dangerous, mi amor.”
She closed her eyes and sighed. “Mhmm, Be scared.”
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tagged: @/jadedistinguinn, @/kikagomez, @/carlossainz
CAFE DE PARIS, MONACO - MAY 2024
The sun was soft over the cobbled streets of old Monaco, casting long shadows and warm light through the café’s wide glass windows.
Y/N slid into the outdoor corner table first, sunglasses perched on her nose and a latte already half done.
Arthur arrived first, yawning behind his hand. “You look too alive for someone who danced like a lunatic last night.”
Y/N smirked, pushing a coffee toward him. “I’m built different. And what do you think the sunglasses are for?” She ordered for all three of them, knowing Arthur and Jade's choice.
“I’m barely built at all,” he muttered, sipping gratefully.
Jade bounced in, oversized tote bag over her shoulder and curls still damp from the shower. “What's the tea?”
“God, not drama,” Arthur groaned.
“No drama,” Y/N said, then corrected herself, “Okay, a little life shift.”
Jade’s brows lifted. “You’re pregnant?”
Arthur choked.
Y/N burst out laughing. “Oh my god, no! Why is that the first guess?”
“I don’t know!” Jade shrugged. “You and Carlos were quite... into each other, last night. Not exactly very subtle”
“I’m moving back,” Y/N said, smiling now. “To Monaco. next month.”
Arthur blinked. “Wait—what?”
Jade’s eyes went wide. “You’re moving back? As in, permanently?!”
Y/N nodded. “My boss offered me to supervise the new office here, as a promotion. And honestly…” She hesitated for just a second, “I miss this. The people. You guys.”
Arthur blinked a few times. “So, like… you’re really coming back?”
“I already told my parents,” she smiled. “And that I'll not be staying with them anymore.” she hinted, waiting for one of them to catch.
Jade practically bounced in her seat. “You’re moving in with Carlos?”
Y/N’s smile turned a little bashful. “Yeah. I’ll still be working remotely,” Y/N added, “but I won’t be attending many GPs. My calendar’s full with clients and a few long-term contracts. Might try to make it to Barcelona though, just to surprise him.”
Arthur shook his head. “Wow. You guys are not even together for half a year and you have your life planned. Oh mon Dieu, je suis tellement heureuse pour toi, ma sœur.” [Oh my god, I'm so happy for you, sister.]
Y/N reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “You’re stuck with me.”
He tried to play it cool but his grin was too big. “Good. About time.”
Jade leaned forward. “Does Pascale know?”
“I think my mom told her,” Y/N said.
Jade’s eyes widened with realization. “Wait. Wait. If you go to Barcelona, are you meeting his parents?”
Y/N’s spoon clinked against her cup. “I mean… I already met them before."
Jade grinned, eyes lighting up. “So this’ll be the first time you meet them as his girlfriend?”
Y/N nodded slowly, swirling her coffee. “Yeah.”
Arthur tilted his head. “Are you nervous?”
She paused. “A little. I mean, they've known me as their son's teammates girlfriend and now I'm their son's. It feels weird.”
Jade tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Do they know he’s serious about you?”
Y/N gave her a soft smile. “Apparently his mom keeps asking when I’ll come visit properly. And his sisters are active on my Instagram so...”
Arthur blinked. “Oh. That’s, serious serious.”
“It is,” Y/N agreed. “But it doesn’t feel overwhelming. With Carlos, everything just… makes sense.”
Arthur leaned back with a smug little smirk. “So when are you dropping the wedding bombshell?”
Y/N threw a napkin at him. “Arthur! We're just moving in together. We're in an early phase of our relationship.”
Jade, dramatically: “For now.”
Y/N buried her face in her hands. “Why do I even tell you two things?”
Arthur winked. “Because you love us.”
“Unfortunately,” she groaned.
jade_distinguinn
story 1 tagged: @/yourusername, @/arthur_leclerc
story 2 caption: Mother
CARLOS' APARTMENT, MONACO - JUNE 2024
The doors to Carlos’s apartment were wide open, letting in the warm breeze and the distant hum of the harbor below.
Y/N stood barefoot in the hallway, a bag slung over one shoulder, hair up in a loose clip, holding a cardboard box filled with her old work stuff.
Carlos leaned against the doorway, arms folded, watching her with a smile that was more proud than amused. “You know,” he said, voice warm, “for someone who’s technically lived here half the time, you still move in like it’s your first day here.”
She gave him a pointed look. “Excuse me. I had to donate half my stuff for them to fit in your tiny house.”
No, Carlos' apartment or rather his penthouse, with 3 bedrooms, a home gym, his office room and a huge, spacious balcony in the master bedroom was anything but tiny.
“Why do you live like you're living on rent.” She nudged him with her elbow as she passed, her bag thumping onto the couch.
"Well, now you can the house decorate however you want. I don't mind." He took her luggage and kissed her on the cheek.
While she was working on the living room, adding her books to the empty shelf, and made a list of things they needed to get.
"Need new cutlery, pantry boxes, nice candles, throw pillows, Plants, Vase, frames and paintings, side table. Carlos, do you know how empty your couch looks?"
Carlos peeked his head out from the hallway, toothbrush in his mouth, smirking.
"I thought minimalism was in."
"You’re not minimalist. You’re underfurnished."
He shrugged, brushing past her to grab one of the open boxes. “I never needed much. Just a bed, espresso, and a helmet stand.”
“And now you need a mirror in the entryway, real hand towels, and—wait, do you even own a salt shaker?”
“I have Maldon flakes. That counts.”
Y/N gaped. “You cook carbonara without a salt shaker? How have I never noticed these things!?”
While she began unboxing kitchen stuff she had shipped from London, her pretty ceramic mugs, her spice rack, that little pink blender Carlos once mocked but now secretly used, Carlos disappeared into the bedroom.
By the time she got around to setting up her work things in Carlos’ home office, the room still smelled vaguely of clean wood and aftershave. Her laptop, pen holders, folders, planners, made their way onto one side of the huge desk. She lined up her books in the shelf and filled the second drawer with notepads and stationary.
She was halfway through untangling a set of cables when she called out, “Carlos, where do you want me to put the printer?”
There was no response, so She padded into the bedroom, and froze “Carlos?”
The room was already familiar, it had been, even before she officially moved in. Her favorite robe hung behind the door, one of her perfume bottles was always next to his cologne on the dresser, and her reading glasses lived in the drawer on his side of the bed. But today felt different. Today it was theirs.
He pulled open the double closet and gestured like a proud mom. “Ta-da. Half the closet. Yours. I moved my coats to the guest room closet. You now own 50% of the real estate. And I've also put your winter wear with them.”
She peeked inside and gasped. “Carlos... you color-coded my side.”
“Of course I did.” He picked up one of her jackets. “Do not ruin it. I know you.”
Y/N raised her hands. “I'll try.”
He shot her a flat look.
“I said try,” she amended.
He grabbed the box from behind and set it on the bench by the foot of the bed. “Bathroom’s already got three shelves cleared. Vanity drawers too. And I bought you new containers for your twenty-thousand lipsticks.”
“Okay, I have like forty or something. Not that many."
“Sure, sure,” he muttered as he watched her dig through the drawers.
They worked side by side for over an hour, her unpacking makeup, placing skincare bottles in tiny trays, the printer abandoned in the office. Carlos folded some of her clothes that came in wrinkled and tucked them into drawers like it was muscle memory.
“You’re so neat it’s almost illegal,” she commented, running her hand through the pile of black tops.
“I'm about to live with a tornado, I need to ground myself... and my house.”
“You love me,” she teased, poking his side with a heel.
“I do,” he said instantly. Then softer, “I really do.” He pulled her in his lap and kissed her passionately.
CARLOS AND Y/N'S APARTMENT, MONACO - JUNE 2024
The apartment smelled like garlic, basil, and roasted cherry tomatoes. Carlos was at the stove, humming along to an old Spanish song playing softly from the speaker.
From the kitchen island, Y/N’s bestie peeked over her wine glass. “I love how you did all the interior, guys.”
Y/N, already barefoot and wearing a silk hair scarf, laughed. “Carlos was on the verge of crying seeing how many parcels we've received in the last three days.”
Carlos turned his head with a deadpan expression. “Our security is annoyed at this point, I never had so much stuff coming up in the last years then in these days..”
Lando, who had just arrived and was dramatically sniffing the air, plopped himself onto a bar stool. “You should've seen this house before y/n came. He was living under bare minimum.”
Carlos pinched Lando's shoulder hard which made him charge back on him.
“Alright,” she said, sliding a bowl of spagetti into the center of the table. “Dinner is ready. Please act like civilised people.”
“I don’t know how to do that,” Lando mumbled, pulling out a chair.
The four of them gathered around the dining table, Y/N and Carlos on one side, Lando and her best friend across from them.
“So,” Carlos began, eyeing Y/N’s bestie as he served up the pasta, “when are you moving to Monaco? We could use another voice of reason here.”
“I think one sane woman in this apartment is enough,” Lando offered, spearing a tomato. " They'd outright us psychos."
Y/N’s bestie pointed a fork at him. “Bold of you to assume I’m the sane one.”
Carlos wiped his hands on a towel and dropped a kiss to Y/N’s temple. “I like your dramatic version. She yells about cushions and cries at animal documentaries.”
“Okay,” she said, blushing, “I did not cry, I got emotional.”
Y/N’s bestie leaned her head against the chair at one point and smiled at them. “I love seeing you like this.”
“Like what?” Y/N asked.
She gestured between her and Carlos. “Happy. Comfortable enough to bicker like an old couple without actually hating each other.”
Carlos reached under the table and gave Y/N’s hand a squeeze. She smiled softly at him before looking back at her friend.
“Feels like home,” she said quietly.
Lando blinked. “Okay wow. Didn’t know we were getting emotional before dessert.”
Y/N’s bestie leaned across the table. “Speaking of dessert, what is it?”
Carlos stood up. “Tarta de Santiago. Homemade.”
Lando looked alarmed. “You baked?!”
Carlos shot him a look. “I’m a man of many talents.”
"What were you doing, Y/n? I've never once sen you cook?" Lando teased
“I can cook enough to survive. Would it taste awesome like his? No. Edible? Maybe.” Y/N said sweetly. "So, I work, he cooks.”
They all dug in, the sweet almond cake crumbling perfectly on their forks. The laughter rolled late into the night, warm and loud, in their own happy shell.
AIRPORT, BARCALONA - MAY 2024
The Barcelona sun was already spilling golden light through the arrivals area of El Prat Airport by the time Y/N wheeled her suitcase out to the curb.
She had her hair tied back, sunglasses on, and her phone buzzing with texts she ignored as she scanned for one particular face.
A familiar black SUV rolled up, the window already halfway down.
“Hola, Y/n. How was the flight?” Caco grinned, leaning over to pop the trunk.
Y/N laughed, pulling her sunglasses down slightly. "Flight was nice. Though it was delayed by an hour."
She shoved her suitcase into the trunk and climbed in. Caco handed her a chilled bottle of water. “Gracias,” she said, buckling in.
He glanced at her sideways as he pulled out of the airport loop. “You're a little nervous?”
“Excited, actually,” she said honestly. “A little nervous, yeah. But mostly just… happy to be here.”
“He has no idea, by the way. I think he thinks you’re in meetings till Friday.”
“I told him I was in Munich for a consulting workshop,” she smirked. “He bought it.”
“Poor guy. He’s going to short-circuit when he sees you.”
Y/N smiled to herself, looking out the window as they merged onto the highway. “How’s everyone? Ana texted me last night but didn’t say much. She’s still with them, right?”
“Yeah, everyone’s at Guillermo and Blanca's place, two floors down from Carlos’. Blanca’s still recovering but doing well. Baby is doing good too. He loves being around people.”
Y/N beamed. “I can’t wait to see him. Carlos sent me a few pictures.”
And with that, they headed into the heart of Barcelona—toward the Sainz family and the surprise that would change Carlos’ whole weekend.
GUILLERMO AND BLANCA'S APARTMENT, BARCELONA - JUNE 2024
The elevator doors dinged open, and Y/N stepped out with Caco, holding a bouquet of fresh white peonies and a tote bag looped over her shoulder. Her palms were a little clammy, heart thudding just slightly faster than usual.
“You okay?” Caco asked under his breath, giving her a reassuring nudge with his elbow as they stood in the hallway.
“I feel like I’m meeting his parents for the first time again,” she whispered.
Caco gave her a look. “You’ve already met them.”
“Not like this.”
He grinned. “They’re gonna lose it. Come on.” Before she could change her mind, Caco knocked twice and then opened the door like it was his own home.
The apartment was filled with the low hum of conversation, the smell of simmering sofrito, and the distant coos of a newborn. Carlos' father was the first one in view, standing near the kitchen island, holding a wine glass.
“Caco,” Carlos Sr. greeted warmly. Then, noticing the person behind him, he blinked. “Oh?”
Y/N stepped forward with a nervous but warm smile. His eyes widened for a second before his entire expression softened. “Mira quién está aquí…” [Look who's here] He set his glass down instantly, arms open. “Y/N!”
Y/N hugged him gently, careful not to crush the bouquet. “It’s so good to see you again. Congratulations, by the way. Grandfather now, huh?”
He chuckled proudly. “Yes. Old age finally hitting in.”
From down the hallway, Ana’s voice called out, “Is that... oh my god, she’s here?!”
A blur of movement later, Ana appeared barefoot, in leggings and an oversized hoodie, hair tied in a messy bun. She squealed and ran to Y/N, nearly tackling her in a hug.
“You look amazing!” Ana gushed, holding her by the shoulders. “You didn’t tell me you were landing early!”
“I wanted to stop by and say hi before everything gets crazy,” Y/N said, glancing around nervously. “Is… is Blanca up?”
Ana stepped aside. “She’s just in the nursery with mamá. Come.”
They walked slowly into the softly lit nursery. The air smelled like baby powder and fresh laundry. Blanca sat in a rocking chair, cradling a tiny bundle in a seafoam green onesie. Reyes, sitting next to her daughter, looked up as the door opened.
“Mamá,” Ana whispered. “Look who came.”
Reyes’s eyes met Y/N’s, and her reaction was immediate and instinctive, a wide smile and arms opening without hesitation.
“Y/n, what a surprise,” she said warmly, standing to hug her. “I'm so delighted to see you.”
Y/N hugged her tight, her eyes stinging. “Congratulations, señora. He’s beautiful.”
“Please,” Reyes smiled, pulling back and brushing Y/N’s cheek affectionately, “Call me Reyes. You’re family now.”
The words hit like honey, warm and slow and soft.
Blanca finally spoke, her eyes bright but tired. “Took you long enough. I’ve been dropping hints for days.”
Y/N laughed, walking closer. “I come bearing gifts.” She held out the flowers. “And hugs. If you’re up for them.”
“I’m always up for you,” Blanca said, reaching out with one arm while cradling her son in the other. “Come meet your favorite nephew.”
Y/N knelt beside the chair and looked at the tiny face. He yawned in that slow, wrinkled way newborns do, and she felt something shift in her chest.
“He’s perfect,” she said quietly. " Have you thought of any names yet?"
Blanca looked at her sideways. “A few. We have a little celebration in Madrid next Sunday. We'll officially name him then.” She shifted a little to face Y/N. "You should come with Carlos."
She was thinking about what to say when, “Carlos doesn’t know you’re here, right?” Reyes asked, already suspicious.
Y/N smirked. “Nope. That’s the whole point.”
“You are going to ruin him,” Ana muttered happily. “In the best way.”
Then came the sound of keys jingling and the main door swinging open.
“¿Qué pasa, estoy tarde?” [What's up, am I late?] came Carlos’s voice, casual and oblivious.
Panic rushed in for a split second, Y/N’s heart thumped against her ribs as if to scream, “Too late to run.”
Carlos walked into the hallway first, brushing his hand through his hair, in his Ferrari polo and joggers. He stopped short when he reached the nursery door and saw her.
His voice caught.
“Y/N…?”
She stood slowly from the side of the rocking chair, hands slightly nervous at her sides. “Hey.”
He blinked, eyes wide, confused. “You—you said you were in Munich.”
“I lied.”
“You lied?!” He strode forward in two long steps and gathered her into his arms so tightly, she squeaked.
“You’re really here,” he murmured, face buried in her shoulder.
“I’m really here.”
He pulled back just enough to look at her, hands still framing her waist. “What about your meetings?”
“Moved. I cleared Thursday and Friday. And I’ll be at the race.”
Carlos stared at her for another second, then pressed his forehead to hers. “I’ve been dreaming of this exact thing for two weeks.”
Ana cleared her throat loudly. “We are still here, you know.”
Carlos turned and flipped her off with one hand while still holding Y/N.
Blanca grinned from the chair. “So… are we allowed to say you’re his girlfriend officially now?”
Y/N raised a brow, teasing. “Is that okay, Carlos?”
Carlos deadpanned. “It’s a crime that we haven’t made it public yet.”
His mother laughed, wrapping an arm around Reyes. “Don’t worry. You can tell the world after this race. ”
Carlos groaned into Y/N’s neck. “You see what you started?” Y/N laughed into his shoulder.
.
The apartment had finally quieted down.
Dinner had been full of laughs, gossip and a slightly overcooked tortilla that y/n had to eat, courtesy of Carlos.
It was nearing midnight now. Reyes and Carlos Sr. had gone back to their apartment. Ana had passed out on the couch mid-movie, and Blanca had just finished feeding the baby before yawning into the horizon.
“I need a nap before his next meltdown,” she groaned, rubbing her eyes. “Can you two hold down the fort?”
Carlos looked up from his spot on the nursery floor where he was trying to assemble a baby bouncer. “You want us to babysit?”
Blanca grinned from the doorway. “I trust Y/N more than I trust you, hermanito.”
Y/N smiled as she reached for the little bundle Blanca handed over. “We’ve got him.”
Blanca turned slowly. “One bottle in the warmer, diapers in the basket, burp cloth on your shoulder. Ah, you’re already a pro.”
“I’ve worked with Carlos. I’m used to emotional men who cry when they’re hungry.”
Carlos: “Uncalled for.”
Blanca: “Accurate though.”
And with that, Blanca disappeared toward the guest room, already half-asleep.
The nursery was softly lit by a floor lamp in the corner. Hugo lay curled against Y/N’s chest, impossibly small, his breathing shallow and warm against her collarbone. She stood swaying a little, rubbing his back gently, and humming something softly — not a lullaby, just whatever tune her heart picked in the moment.
Carlos stood back and watched her for a second, arms crossed, an unreadable look on his face.
She glanced up. “What?”
“Nothing,” he murmured, walking over to her. “Just… you.”
“What about me?”
He touched the edge of the baby’s blanket and looked at her like she was holding the universe.
“You’re going to be so good at this someday.”
She stilled a little, a softness rising behind her eyes. “You think?”
Carlos nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “I know.”
She smiled faintly. “He’s so light. And warm. And smells like that baby shampoo. He's giving me a baby fever, Carlos. It's too soon for that”
Carlos chuckled. “Yes. Please. Control yourself, woman!”
“Wow. Very supportive.”
She sat on the armchair slowly, careful not to shift the tiny bean too much, and Carlos knelt in front of them. Y/N adjusted her arms to cradle the baby more securely, and after a moment, she glanced at Carlos.
“Do you want to hold him?”
Carlos blinked. “I haven’t since the hospital. He looked too… fragile.”
She grinned. “Come on here,” she said gently, “sit.”
He sat on the floor with his back against the chair, and she slowly leaned forward to place Hugo in his arms. He automatically adjusted, careful but confident. Hugo stirred a little but didn’t wake.
Carlos stared down at him in wonder. “He looks like Blanca.”
“He does. With a little of Guillermo’s ears,” she teased.
Carlos chuckled. “Poor kid.”
She leaned her head on the chair, watching him. They stayed there like that for a while, Carlos on the floor with his nephew in his arms, Y/N watching them like she was memorizing the moment.
carlossainz55
Liked by yourusername, carlossainzofficial and others
carlossainz55 Not the result I wanted at home — the team gave it everything but couldn’t find the pace we needed today. Grateful for the hug that makes everything feel better. Vamos a por más. 🌶️🇪🇸
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scuderiaferrari 💔 We win and lose together. Proud of your fight, Carlos. #ForzaFerrariSempre ❤️🔥
yourusername The hugs are permanent. Win or not. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
tifosibaby we’ll get them next time papi 🔥
username1 i love how soft you are for her 😭💗
yourmomofficial Always proud of you, Carlos. Efforts matters more then the result ❤️
clwife16 funny how she’s always in the paddock when he’s not on the podium 🤡 Witch brings bad luck to him like she did to Charles. Good thing he got rid of her.
→leclercdailydose The fact that you blame a woman who has no hand in operating the race or the car and is just there to support her boyfriend, for his bad result is utterly misogynistic and total bs. Grow your mentality up, it's 21st century.
forzaferrari_1655 bring back single king era
sainz_blanca Proud of you always, Carlitos. Tu Sobrino dice 'aguuu', que creemos que significa "la próxima vez te los daré". ❤️
carlossainz55fan We love you no matter the result 🥹❤️
exposecloutwags not everything is about your girlfriend 🙄
y/ncarlosforeverrr the strength they give each other>>>>
sainzgirlssmile the most boyfriend ever 😩
yourusername
Liked by carlossainz55, yourbestie and others
yourusername los bebés más lindos, todos ellos 🥺❤️
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carlossainz55 Eres mi bebe mas linda 😘
→yourusername Amourrr 😘
kikagomez you’re glowingggg, chica 😍
spicysainzxyn mother & father energy 🥹
yourbestie She makes me want to have babies with her. A lot of em😭
→carlossainz55 No she make my babies Back off, Perra. 😌❤️
→yourusername don’t tempt me, we’d raise ✨ icons ✨
→carlossainz55 Amour, WTF !?!?!?
→lando.jpg no leave y/n make babies with me. ive got better genes!
→yourbestie @/lando.jpg No, thank you 😐
arthur_leclerc I was your cutest baby first. Let everyone know that 🙄
→yourusername Yes, of course, my big baby.
sainzscorner She's with the family, Its over for all of us.
username1 when’s the wedding?
everydaysainz Carlos is living version of Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
jade_distinguinn cutest honorary aunt, everrrr
→yourusername ❤️❤️
yourmomofficial So much love in one post. My heart is full ❤️
→yourusername Miss u so much, mama ❤️
blancasainzv Thank you for arranging the much needed girls night. Love you so much 🫶🏽
→yourusername Mama deserves the best!!!
anasainzvdc Tía del Año
→yourusername So are you 🥺❤️
→username2 the baby doesn’t even know her 💀
ynloveletters literal sunshine ☀️
alexsmcore Girl stop forcing yourself in every functional family you see 😒
ferrariwifex her & carlos are cute i GUESS 🙄
username3 miss ma’am don’t you have a job
yourusername 📍Madrid, Spain
Liked by carlossainz55, yourbestie and others
yourusername full house 🏡🫶🏽
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carlossainz55 Too full. Can’t believe you made me share the bed with Diego again
→yourusername Mama Blanca deserves rest. What kind of Tio and brother would you be if you can't take care of your nephew
yourbestie ugh I love them. I LOVE them
→yourusername I love you ❤️
anasainzvdc Best trip back home 🫶🏽
→yourusername You made it the best 🫶🏽
username1 Corporate girlboss to home queen real quick
alexandrasmsupport trying too hard 😂
lando.norris Disappointing that you didn't even bother inviting Diago's favourite uncle. Wow.
→ carlossainz55 Who are you again??
charleslecangel girl first makes them love her and then wrecks the home.
sainzslnloveclub okay and when are you two adopting me
blancasainzv La familia ❤️
username2 not a fan of this “wifey” energy rn
charlos_.lover we love a man who opens his home and heart
carlitofanito Domestic Carlos makes me feel things in my stomach..
marievdc Bellissimo ❤️❤️
username3 such cute puppies !
MONTHS LATER
CARLOS AND Y/N'S APARTMENT, MONACO - DECEMBER 2024
Y/N curled into Carlos’s oversized grey hoodie, her socked feet tucked beneath her on their deep couch. Lando was sprawled across the floor, propped up on his elbows, surrounded by his half-eaten takeout box and Carlos’s phone, which was open to Google Maps.
“I’m telling you,” Lando insisted, pointing at the screen dramatically, “Maldives is the move. Just beach, drinks, and party.”
Y/N stretched one leg out to nudge Lando’s arm. “Alright, Mr. ‘No Thoughts Just Vibes,’ let’s lock this in before all the good villas are gone. Carlos, you're in?”
Carlos walked over with three mugs, handing them out. “You know I’m in. As long as it has shade, good espresso, and no schedule.”
“Perfect,” Y/N said, taking a sip. “So… the four of us. We can get a beachfront villa. And we can invite Jade and Arthur too? If everyone is alright with it.”
“I love Jade, bring her,” came a voice from the laptop on the coffee table. Her best friend had joined the video call from her flat in London, her hair in a bun and face masked with green clay. “I’ve already added a few killer bikinis on my cart.”
“Don’t bring too killer,” Carlos warned teasingly.
“Oh relax, Dad,” she replied, “I’m bringing the fun kind. And I want one of those floating breakfasts I see all over Instagram.”
“I’m texting Jade.” Y/N muttered, grabbing her phone.
Back in the living room, Y/N looked up from her phone with a satisfied smirk.
“She’s in. They’re both in.”
“Hell yeah,” Lando cheered, throwing a popcorn kernel in the air and missing his mouth entirely. “We’ve got ourselves a squad.”
“Wait,” Carlos said thoughtfully. “We’ll need to book a villa big enough. Like four rooms. Ocean view. One with a private plunge pool.”
“And separate bathrooms,” Y/N added quickly. “Lando leaves towels everywhere.”
“I do not!”
“You do,” Carlos and Y/N said at the same time.
Carlos looked over at her with a grin. “This is going to be chaos, isn't it?”
She leaned into his side, grinning. “Beautiful, salty, sun-drenched chaos.”
Her bestie’s voice floated from the laptop. “I swear if someone makes a couples TikTok, I’m filing for emotional distress.”
“You can third-wheel me and Carlos,” Y/N offered.
“I’d rather fourth-wheel you both and Jade-Arthur. Full chaos mode.”
Carlos raised his brows. “You’re all forgetting this is my winter break.”
“You love it,” Y/N said, nudging him.
“Only because you’re going to be in a bikini for seven days straight,” he murmured, low enough that only she heard it.
She kicked his leg lightly, cheeks warming.
Lando pretended to gag. “Save it for the Maldives.”
Carlos just smirked and sipped his cocoa, and Y/N grabbed her laptop to start scrolling through options. Their winter escape was officially on.
CAFE DE PARIS, MONACO - DECEMBER 2024
The four women sat tucked into a corner table by the windows, pastel espresso cups and half-eaten lemon tarts between them. Pascale was telling a story from Arthur and Charles’ karting days, one that Charlotte had clearly heard before but still laughed at politely.
Jade excused herself to the washroom, leaving her phone facedown on the table, just for a minute.
Alexandra reached for her glass of sparkling water… and her eyes drifted to the glowing screen that lit up just as a text came in from Y/n: villa booked for the next week. Maldives we're coming!!!
Her jaw clenched, and she lowered the screen. Her heart pounded harder than she’d expected. Jade was going to the Maldives. With Y/n, there is 100% chance Arthur was going too and if Y/n planned it that included Carlos too.
Before she could think too long, Jade returned to the table. Alex offered a neutral smile.
“Everything okay?” Jade asked, wiping her hands on a napkin.
“All good,” Alex said sweetly. “Pascale was just telling us about Charles’ first kart crash. Again.”
Jade laughed, relaxing again. But something behind Alex’s eyes had already shifted, and stayed that way the rest of the afternoon.
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There will be a part 3!
