F1 Champion's Perfect Crash: When Love Takes The Final Turn novel Chapter 4

Adrian's breathing had evened out beside me, deep in sleep.

"Adrian," I whispered to the darkness, "do you remember it's my birthday today?" He'd once promised, as Rain, that I'd never spend another birthday alone. But I hadn't let myself wallow.

I'd bought myself a massive chocolate cake from that fancy French patisserie downtown - the one Rain used to walk miles to just to surprise me with their truffles.

Morning light was streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows when I woke to an empty bed and the sound of running water from the ensuite.

Adrian emerged moments later, water droplets trailing down his tattooed chest, towel slung low on his hips.

He started dressing with the casual confidence of a man used to being watched, pulling on his custom-fitted racing suit.

I felt suddenly awkward, then almost laughed at myself.

After three years of being his caretaker, there wasn't an inch of him I hadn't seen.

I was about to close my eyes when my phone chimed.

[Countdown: 6 days to Monaco Grand Prix]

Adrian caught the notification and smirked.

Inside the box lay an exquisite diamond necklace, clearly meant to match the bracelet on my wrist.

But while my bracelet was roughly handmade by Rain during those simpler days, this necklace screamed luxury and precision - just like everything else in Adrian's world now.

After a moment's hesitation, I unclasped the bracelet, placing it alongside the necklace.

These remnants of two different men - I didn't want either of them anymore.

I'd return the box before I left, one final goodbye to both Rain and Adrian Chase.