Chapter 18

Hugo raised his hand as if taking a sacred vow.

Today marked Selene's first race since her return to the country. She was the undisputed queen of the racetrack, the most celebrated female racer on the continent—and my absolute idol. Missing this was not an option. I swear I'll leave right after the race. So don’t worry about me. Just go home.

But before Camille could protest, a deafening roar erupted from the crowd ahead.

"Selene!"

"My idol is here?" Hugo gasped, instantly forgetting about Camille. He joined the sea of cheering fans, lifting his binoculars to focus on the starting line.

Camille blinked in surprise at Hugo’s sudden fervor. Since when had he been into racing?

They weren’t exactly close, but she was certain he’d never shown any interest in the sport before.

"I wasn’t into it before," Hugo admitted, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But that was before I discovered Selene! Do you have any idea how stunning and fearless she is? Just wait until you see her, Camille. Trust me, you’ll fall for her too. She’s perfection. Everyone adores her!"

At that moment, Selene made her grand entrance.

Hugo erupted into cheers again, completely forgetting Camille’s presence.

Camille hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

But given Hugo’s fanatic devotion and the overwhelming noise making conversation impossible, she decided to stay and watch the race with him. She’d drag him home afterward.

A short while later, Hugo shoved the binoculars into her hands. "Camille! Look, there she is! Number 38, in the red racing suit! Isn’t she the most electrifying woman you’ve ever seen?"

Though racing had never interested her, Camille couldn’t resist Hugo’s infectious enthusiasm. Reluctantly, she lifted the binoculars—and froze.

Selene was none other than Selene Lancaster.

She’d heard rumors that Selene dabbled in extreme sports, but she had no idea she was a professional racer with a legion of devoted fans.

Selene stood tall and poised in her red racing suit, her figure both athletic and striking. Confidence radiated from her every movement, a mesmerizing blend of wild elegance and undeniable allure.

Camille adjusted the binoculars, scanning the opposite stands. There, she spotted Damien. His gaze was locked onto Selene, utterly entranced.

Her grip on the binoculars tightened.

As the race was about to begin, Hugo impatiently snatched them back. Meanwhile, Camille’s attention remained fixed on Damien’s side of the stands.

He wasn’t alone. Chloe and Damien’s tight-knit circle of friends were all there, undoubtedly gathered to cheer for Selene.

The race began with a thunderous roar as the cars shot past in a blur, igniting the crowd into a frenzy of screams and applause.

Hugo thrust the binoculars back at Camille.

"Look! My idol is fearless and flawless. She’s incredible! Watch her!"

Camille took them reluctantly, focusing on Selene. Moments later, Selene executed a daring, perfectly calculated overtake on a sharp turn, leaving the audience breathless.

Camille, who had never cared for racing, found herself captivated. She stood motionless, transfixed.

Suddenly, she understood why Damien was so infatuated with Selene.

It made perfect sense.