The calm that Florence and Lando had managed to find didn't last long. The following week, an international break in both their schedules aligned, and they decided to spend a rare day together in Madrid. For once, neither of them cared about the risk of being seen. They just wanted a moment to themselves.

It was a warm afternoon, and they strolled through Retiro Park, sharing laughs and ice cream like any other couple. For a while, it felt normal—simple, even. But as the sun began to set, they noticed a few people pointing at them, phones raised.

"Here we go again," Lando muttered under his breath, pulling his cap lower over his face.

Florence sighed, trying to ignore the growing group of onlookers. "We can't let them ruin this."

"Agreed," Lando said, his hand brushing against hers. "Let's get out of here."

They left the park quickly, but the damage was already done. By the time they got back to Florence's apartment, social media was flooded with photos of them together.

The next morning, Florence woke to find her phone buzzing incessantly. She groaned, reaching for it, and immediately regretted it.

Headline: "Florence Alvarez and Lando Norris Confirm Relationship with Madrid Date!"

The accompanying article speculated on their relationship timeline, digging into their past and suggesting that their romance had been years in the making. It even mentioned Lando attending her Real Madrid matches and included quotes from "anonymous sources" who claimed to know them both.

Florence scrolled through the comments, her stomach churning.

"Another athlete power couple—just wait until they break up!"
"Focus on football, Florence! We don't need another distraction!"
"They look cute together, but how long will it last?"

She tossed her phone onto the couch, frustration bubbling to the surface.

Lando called her an hour later, his voice calm despite the chaos.

"Don't look at the comments," he said immediately.

"Too late," Florence replied, rubbing her temples.

"Flor," he said gently, "we knew this would happen. It's not fair, but we can't let it get to us."

She sighed. "I know. It's just... exhausting. I worked so hard to build my career, and now it feels like all anyone cares about is my personal life."

"Then we remind them who you are," Lando said firmly. "You're Florence Alvarez—Real Madrid star. This is just noise."

His words steadied her, and for the first time that day, she felt a flicker of hope.

The media storm reached new heights later that week when Florence played in a crucial Champions League match. She'd been named captain for the game, a testament to her growing leadership within the team.

The pressure was immense, but Florence thrived under it. She played with a determination that left no doubt about her focus. By the end of the match, she'd scored a goal and assisted another, leading Real Madrid to a 3-1 victory.

As she left the pitch, the crowd roared her name, and the media's attention shifted. For now, it wasn't about her relationship—it was about her brilliance on the field.

Lando watched the match from his hotel room in Monaco, pride swelling in his chest. When the final whistle blew, he immediately texted her.

Lando: Captain. Goal scorer. Assist machine. Is there anything you can't do?

Florence: Apparently, I can't stay out of the headlines.

Lando: If they're not talking about us, they'll find something else. Don't let it get to you.

Florence: Easier said than done.

Lando: Maybe. But you're stronger than you think.

Her lips curved into a small smile as she read his words.

The following weekend, Lando had a race in Abu Dhabi, and Florence watched from her apartment. It was a nail-biter, with Lando battling for a podium position until the very end. He crossed the finish line in third place, and Florence couldn't help but cheer as he celebrated on the podium.

That evening, they video-called, their respective trophies displayed proudly in the background.

"We're not doing too bad, huh?" Lando joked, holding up his trophy.

Florence laughed, holding hers in response. "Not bad at all."

For a moment, they just smiled at each other, the distance between them forgotten.

But not everyone was celebrating their success. Back in Madrid, Florence's coach called her into his office after training one day.

"Florence," he began, his tone serious, "you've been playing exceptionally well, and your leadership on the field is undeniable. But I need to be honest with you."

She frowned, her heart sinking. "What is it?"

"This relationship with Lando," he said carefully, "it's creating distractions—for you and the team. The media is relentless, and while you've handled it well so far, I worry about how sustainable this is."

"I understand," Florence said, her voice steady. "But I won't let it affect my performance. Football is my priority."

Her coach studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good. Just make sure it stays that way."

That night, Florence couldn't shake her coach's words. She knew he was right to be concerned, but she also knew how much Lando meant to her.

As she sat on her balcony, staring at the Madrid skyline, her phone buzzed with a message from Lando.

Lando: Miss you.

She smiled, her resolve strengthening.

Florence: Miss you too. We'll figure this out.

No matter how loud the world became, Florence was determined to hold onto what mattered most—her career, her dreams, and the man who understood her better than anyone else.

The spotlight was brighter than ever, but Florence was ready to face it head-on.