Online Rivals, Offline Lovers

Chapter 8 - Crossroads

[Max Pov]

Standing on the podium, the crowd's cheers were echoing loudly in my ears, I looked down, searching for the RB junior team, specifically for Lex. I couldn't believe it when I saw her on TV in the cooldown room, avoiding the crash and coming out the other side unscathed.

She may have only finished in eighth place, but to me, her points finish felt like a victory in itself. I couldn't help but beam with pride as I watched her celebrate, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The joy on her face was contagious, and for a moment, I forgot about my own success, focusing solely on hers instead.

After the race, I texted her to come to my hotel suite. I wanted to celebrate with her. She laughed as soon as she entered the room, and I couldn't help but pick her up and spin her around. Her first points in F1! This was huge! When I sat her down, for a moment, I was tempted to lean in and kiss her, but she let go and pulled away to head over to the couch. I had hesitated too long, the moment slipped through my fingers.

I ordered burgers, fries, and drinks from the Hotel restaurant, and together we watched a rerun of the race. It wasn't long before I slipped into my typical maxplaining mode, analyzing every twist and turn.

Beside me, Lex listened intently, her eyes glued to the screen as she let me rattle on and on about the race. But then a news report flashed across the screen. The banner announced a new sponsor for her team. This was great! I turned to Lex, a sly grin spreading across my face. "Hey, maybe this guy will pay for better engineers, so your tractor finally becomes a race car," I teased.

But instead of laughing along with me, Lex's expression grew solemn, a hint of unease flickering across her features.

I turned back towards the TV screen and watched as Dolf van den Bos stepped up to the cameras. He looked like a normal guy, one of a thousand CEOs I had shaken hands with during my racing career.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to announce that Heineken has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Racing Bulls team. As a proud supporter of motorsport, Heineken is committed to promoting excellence on and off the track. We're excited to join forces with the Racing Bulls and look forward to seeing them achieve great success in the upcoming races. And, as a father, I'm particularly proud to support my daughter Lexie van den Bos, who is racing for the team. Here's to a thrilling season ahead!"

My heart stuttered as I watched the TV screen, stunned by the unexpected revelation by the man still talking to the cameras. His words were edged into my brain... Lex. His daughter? He had to mean Lex... but...The realization hit me like a slap in the face.

I took a deep breath. Lex Bos was actually Lexie van den Bos?! The daughter of the billionaire, businessman, and CEO of Heineken, Dolf van den Bos. My heart sank. How could have Lex lied to me like that? All this time? Why had she pretended to be someone else? Did she ever actually work in that café? My world was spinning. I didn't want to believe it.

"What does he mean, his daughter?" I asked, my voice cracking on the last word, despite my best effort to remain calm. I turned to Lex, my eyes searching hers.

She didn't answer, but the silence was answer enough. Hurt, anger, and betrayal surged through me, making the bile rise in my throat.

I pressed again, wanting to hear it from her, my voice tinged with disbelief. "Lex, are you Lexie van den Bos?"

Tears welled up in Lexie's eyes as she whispered, "Yes."

"Have you been lying to me all this time about who you really are?" I demanded, grinding my teeth.

Lexie shook her head frantically. "I didn't lie... You never asked me much about my parents."

"Omitting information is still lying!" I retorted, my frustration mounting.