"HELLO, DELILAH."
     That voice that used to make her swoon, now made her freeze in her seat. Charles' attention is drawn to the man, yet he notices Delilah stiffen in her seat. The man finally makes his way up to their table and lays his hand on Delilah's shoulder. Charles clenches his jaw as he sees his hand on her shoulder. The contact causes Delilah to shift her gaze to the man. "I didn't think I would bump into you here," Aeron laughs heartily, patting her shoulder. They stare into each other's eyes, while Charles' knuckles turn white. "What are you doing here?" Charles grits through his teeth. Aeron averts his eyes from Delilah to Charles. "I'm having lunch with a few friends of mine," he says and glances back at Delilah. "I vaguely recognized you and honestly, couldn't believe my eyes," he continues, "anyways, it was nice seeing you." He pats her shoulder once more before leaving their table.
     Aeron turns around and marches away with a satisfied grin on his face. "What was all that about?" James questions curiously. "Long story," he sighs, yet his grin doesn't wear off. "It has you snickering, what's up," Dax demands. "I fooled around with that woman," Aeron starts, nudging his head in Delilah's direction, "and she is all over the sports news because she happens to be Max Verstappen's sister. I mean, who wouldn't want a famous girlfriend? So, I texted her." He pauses for a moment before saying, "She went crazy on how I didn't check up on her and blah blah blah. She claims to be dating that loser guy of a Leclerc, but I have other plans for her." Aeron leans backward, that same satisfied grin playing on his lips. "What are you gonna do?"

"Are you alright?" Charles questions, reaching for her hand. I was in fact, not alright, Delilah thought. She could hear the drums of her heartbeat in her ears. She slowly averts her eyes from her plate to Charles. So many emotions rushed through my body ... I didn't realize a human being could handle that many at the time, she thought. The Dutchess now remembers why she was swooning over Aeron Westfall and he has become more handsome with the time. His hair has grown, his jawline was more defined, his eyes were as bright as ever, and ...
"Jeonghwa?" Charles's voice echoes through her head, pulling her out of her dream. Jeonghwa! Delilah blinks to realize she is still sitting across from Charles. "How do you know that name?" she questions, tilting her head. "Max used that name during breakfast, remember?" he explains carefully and adds, "am I pronouncing it correctly?" Another emotion rushes through her body as the corners of her mouth curve into a minimal smile. "Yes," she breathes, "yes you are saying it correctly." It is then that Delilah covers her face with both of her hands. "I'm so sorry, Charles," she whispers. Charles is taken a bit aback by the sudden change of behavior, but he doesn't hesitate to rush to her side. He kneels next to her seat and wraps an arm around her. "What are you sorry for?" he whispers, "ma cherie." "It just felt so strange to see him after those years and I am done with him, I am but-" "you were in love with him. It is only logical, Jeonghwa. Don't you worry about me," Charles chuckles. "You are right, I'm sorry," Delilah sniffs. "And stop apologizing," he laughs and rubs her arm. He presses his lips on her temple before returning to his seat. Delilah would be lying if his warmth wasn't comfortable. She takes a deep breath nonetheless and puts on a smile.
"However, Maranello sounds great," Delilah continues on the previous subject, "I have never been to Italy." Charles' eyes widen as he claims happily, "you will love it!"

The two finished their lunch as if nothing occurred to them earlier that lunch. It is Delilah who hails their server. He sends her a soft smile, questioning what he could do for them. "Can I get the bill, please?" The server nods and excuses himself. She glances in Charles' direction, only to see him with his mouth wide open. "What?" she chuckles, dumbfounded. "I am not letting a lady pay," Charles states, leaning forward in his chair. "It's the least I can do," Delilah urges, "you are doing me a huge favor by helping me out with this relationship." "IT IS WHY I will pay, ma cheri," Charles winks, "no further negotiations possible." Charles flashes his credit card to the server. He could see her shaking her head and a suppressed smile on her lips. This man is unbelievable, Delilah thought. "Have a wonderful day."
     The two raise to their feet. Charles offers Delilah his arm, waiting for her to hook her arm through his. "Perhaps we should promenade," Delilah suggests, shifting her gaze up. She has a chance of looking at his defined jawline before she locks her eyes with him. "Whatever you desire, ma cheri," Charles replies. Ma cheri. She glances away, a blush flushing her cheeks.

"May I ask you something? Something more personal?" Charles adds, staring at the trees in the distance. Delilah averts her eyes from the pavement to Charles. "Of course, what is it you wish to ask?" "Or perhaps I'm more curious than wanting to ask a question," he pauses, "and if you wish not to talk about it, I under-" "Charles," Delilah interrupts while interrupting their walk. His eyes shift to the hand on his arm before looking her in the eyes. "Do you remember anything of being adopted? Or how does it feel? That sounds so stupid," Charles rambles, yet a soft squeeze in his arm stops his rambling.
     "I was adopted at the age of 5, March 16th," Delilah speaks, "I do not remember much nor the reason why I was set up for adoption. I stand by the idea that they wanted a better life for me. I became the youngest of the three but Unnie, Victoria, and Oppa, Max, were always there for me. They always looked out for me. Sophie showered me with love and raised me as a Verstappen. So, I felt like a Verstappen. I belonged in that family, or so I thought." Her words cause Charles to fall silent, almost lost for words. Losing his father had a great impact on his life, but he couldn't imagine not knowing him. "Did you never feel the urge to search?" "No," Delilah simply replies, "it is impossible to and I am lucky to land in this family."
     The two continue further conversation while walking to the car. "I am happy that you are here now," Charles adds with a goofy smile on his lips. It causes Delilah to chuckle as she reaches for her phone. Her eyes roam over the messages until she sees a name in particular.

✆ MESSAGES 33 min ago
Christian Horner
Hello Delilah, could you give me a call

✆ MESSAGES 33 min ago
Christian Horner
Asap

✆ MESSAGES 41 min ago
맥스 🧡
Twitter is going crazy

✆ MESSAGES 41 min ago
맥스 🧡
Attachments: 3 Images

"Christian wishes to speak with me," Delilah mutters, scrolling through her messages. She dials his number and puts him on speaker. "Hello, you are speaking with Geri. This is Christian's phone, how can I help you?" a female voice echoes through the car. "Mrs. Horner," Delilah exclaims, somewhat shocked to hear his wife's voice. "Christian messaged me to call him," she adds, blurting. "Oh, right. Christian mentioned it! How are you doing, Delilah?" Geri questions. Although they couldn't see her smile, there was one on her lips. "I'm slowly adjusting to this lifestyle," she admits, avoiding Charles' gaze as well. "Christian was quite shaken about your qualities as a race engineer," Geri informs, "big chance he wants you in the family."
Family ... "That would be an honor, Mrs. Horner," Delilah snaps out of her thought. "Please, call me Geri," Geri insists. "Who is on the phone, dearest?" A male voice joins the conversation as the two hear Geri answer. "It was a pleasure to meet you over the phone, Delilah," Geri speaks before Christian takes over. "Nice meeting you too. Geri." "Good afternoon, Delilah," Christian greets. "Good afternoon, Christian."
"I will be straight to the point because I wish to straighten out a few facts. I have read several rumors about you dating the Leclerc boy and first of all, I care for anyone in my team. Secondly, can you tell me about it so I do not need to read it online," Christian explains and he has a fair point. "Of course. Uhm, well the thing is ... it may sound foul or twisted but Charles and I have been discussing back and forth and you should know the real deal," Delilah sucks her breath, holding it for a split second before breathing out. "Charles and I are fooling the world into thinking that we are courting, the reasons are for my own." Christian remains silent at the other end of the line. "We thought you and Mattia should know. I wouldn't dare spy in Maranello on the updates on their car," Delilah adds, which raises a chuckle with the Brit.
     "Correct me if I'm wrong, but you and the Ferrari boy are participating in a fake, romantic relationship?" Christian pronounced his words slowly, making sure he speaks the right one. "Correct." "Very well, I appreciate your telling me and if you ever need talking, you know where to find me, okay?" His words feel like a warm embrace around her damaged heart. "I'll bear it in mind, Christian. Thank you." The emotion she poured into that 'thank you', was heart-touching. "I hope to see you in Germany. Have a good day," Christian speaks. "Have a good day, Christian."

Christian hangs up the phone and stares into the garden. I was not aware of Max having a second sister, a sister who I bet is adopted. "What are you pondering on, my love?" Geri questions, her hands sliding down on his shoulders. "Delilah Park Verstappen," Christian mutters under his breath. "Max's sister?" Geri questions, causing Christian to avert his gaze to his wife. His eyebrows rose in surprise. "How do you know?" he questions as his wife rolls her eyes. "She has been all over the news, Christian," Geri chuckles. "Right," he sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.
He unlocks his phone and searches for Max's number. He stares at the name, hesitating for a moment. "Just call him," Geri urges and presses call. Christian chuckles and presses the phone to his ear, waiting for Max to pick it up. "Hello, Christian," Max greets. "Max, hi. How are you doing, mate?" "I'm good, relaxing a bit." A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he asks the next question, "How is Delilah doing?" "She arrived yesterday of course," he explains, "but to what I see and believe, she is doing good. She came from a difficult place, so I am more than satisfied I have her here at my side." His explanation causes Christian to scowl. "May I question the part of 'coming from a difficult place'?" the Brit questions. His questions seem to silence Max. "If you wish to answer it, no pressure," Christian adds. "You know my dad was always with me — Christian hums in response, agreeing — and when my mom got sick, Delilah and Victoria took care of her, which meant for Delilah to drop out of college. It took a great toll on her mental health, so I am happy to let her have a fresh start here." Christian listened carefully and kept nodding. "And you think she is happier here?" he questions. Max huffs a chuckle, "she already has a boyfriend, hasn't she?" The man clears his throat and adds, "no, I think she is relieved to start a new chapter and I am happy to support her." "You are a good brother, Max. She is lucky to have you," Christian informs, "and thank you for this small insight. I want to ask you one more question."
"How do you see the idea of having Delilah as your race engineer?" Christian pops the question. Silence on the other side of the line. "You do not need to answer now," he adds, "but we would like to train Delilah to become a race engineer, guided by GP. To eventually replace him. Think about it and for now then, she is seated at the wall." "I certainly do need to think about this, since it is my sister we are speaking of," Max replies. "Totally understandable," Christian says. "Am I allowed to speak about this with Delilah?" "Of course, of course." "Alright, I'll let you know." "That is alright, Max. Have a good day."

He opens Twitter and encounters another rumour of Delilah and Charles. The corners of his mouth curve into a smile. "You seem to be fond of those Verstappens," Geri mentions, removing her hand from out her chin. "Max seems to be comfortable with me, indeed," Christian speaks, "and of course, the ice between me and Delilah needs to melt but I do want to be there for them." He glances at his wife, who looks at him with a familiar light in her eyes. The light of love. "You may appear to them as a father," she smirks. Deep down in his heart, he hopes he is. "I hope so," he smiles.