F1 Champion's Perfect Crash: When Love Takes The Final Turn novel Chapter 14

My phone rang as I headed for the departure gate.

Adrian's voice crackled with excitement.

"Riley! I did it! I won Monaco!"

"Congratulations." I meant it.

The airport announcement echoed through the terminal, betraying my location.

The line went dead silent. When Adrian spoke again, his voice was raw. "You're at the airport?"

There was no point hiding anymore. "Yes, Adrian. I'm leaving."

His breathing turned ragged.

"A vacation? Wait for me - we can go together." His voice cracked.

"The surprise - I have a ring. I was going to propose on the podium, in front of everyone. Isn't that what you always wanted?"

Once, standing in our tiny kitchen watching Rain burn yet another attempt at breakfast, I'd dreamed of forever.

Growing up without a real family had left me desperate to create my own, and Rain's gentle chaos felt like home.

"Don't leave me alone." The last words came as a whisper, thick with tears - more Rain than Adrian Chase.

I ended the call.

Before boarding, I dropped my SIM card in the trash.

I wasn't worried about him finding me.

His mother had arranged this escape - she'd make sure I disappeared completely.