001 ⸺ begin again.

As the soft morning light filtered through the lace curtains of her small apartment in Aix-en-Provence, France, Evangeline Blanchard stirred from her slumber. With a small sigh, she stretched her limbs under the cosy duvet, soaking in the warmth of the sun-kissed room.

Outside, the gentle hum of the city came to life, joined by the distant melody of church bells travelling through the cobblestone streets. Evangeline breathed in the crisp morning air, savouring the gentle beauty of the atmosphere that had engulfed her for the last three years.

With hesitation, Evangeline swung her legs over the edge of her bed as she shuffled across the wooden floor, the familiar floorboards creaking just as they kept her company when nobody else did. Stepping up to the window, Evangeline draws back the curtains and allows the rest of the morning sun to flow through the room.

After fueling herself with a much-needed fruit bowl, Evangeline readied herself for the day ahead. A strapless, flowy dress hugged her figure impeccably with her collarbones accentuated by her hair in a bun. The girl grinned softly to herself in the mirror before exiting the apartment.

Evangeline was greeted by the warm breeze, carrying the scent of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers that mingled with the enticing aroma of herbs and spices from the Province's nearby market stalls.

As she turned the corner, Evangeline was met by the vibrant colours of the street market in full swing. Beneath colourful umbrellas, locals pridefully displayed their goods, from baskets filled with ripe strawberries to crates overflowing with vibrant, antique tomatoes.

Evangeline's eyes sparkled with delight as she pursued the stalls, her fingers grazing over the velvety skin of a perfectly ripe peach and the fragrant leaves of a fresh bundle of mint.

Moments like these made her somewhat content with her decision that came out of an unhappy event three years ago. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of the market, she found solace in the simple joys of life: the warmth of the sun on her skin, the laughter of children playing nearby, and the vibrant colours and flavours that surrounded her.

Her phone began to buzz tremendously in her handbag, causing Evangeline to almost drop the basket of fresh produce she had purchased. With management, she was able to collect the phone in one hand and prepare to open her device.

F1 NEWS!
Driver Lewis Hamilton announces his
2025 plan to move to Scuderia Ferrari.
Click to view the full article!

imessage
⸺ EVIE'S WAGS 🗣️❗🔥

stevie 🐺 added you back to the chat!

ferny 🪱
EVANGELINE!!!

lia 💏
hi evie! how are you, love?

stevie 🐺
eve, ik you're living it up in aix rn
but have u seen the news??

evie 🏆
hi guys :)
yeah, i just saw it, steph

stevie 🐺
how are we feeling about it, baby?

ferny 🪱
yeaahhh! i need to see you again evie 🙁

evie 🏆
i know fern, i know
idk how to feel... i might text lew
and see how to go around it? because i just know
the paps will manage to find me here.

lia 💏
yeah, fair enough!
we miss you tons though eve,
do you think you'll come back to monaco?

evie 🏆
at this point, maybe lia?
but we'll see how it goes. i just don't
want to cross paths with a certain somebody still haha

stevie 🐺
oh 100% understood!!
he's asked about you so many times
i lost count after fifteen😭😭

ferny 🪱
we just wanted to check in with you, lovie!
i miss you so so much, but whatever decision you make
based off of this news, i'll still support you regardless <33

evie 🏆
te amo ferny 🥲
thank you guys for getting in touch, i'll
let you know my decision later x

stevie 🐺
no rush babe!!!!
we love you no matter what xxx

lia 💏
what steph said! we love you linneyyyy

ferny 🪱
LOVE YOU EVIE-GIRL! xoxo

Evangeline sighed softly to herself, placing her phone back into her handbag as she trekked back down towards the public garden.

As she sat on a bench, the girl began to think of what ways this news could alter her current lifestyle. Some ideas she was fond of, and others not so much. After five minutes of silently battling her thoughts, Evangeline picked her phone up and clicked on a contact she hadn't touched in two and a half years, and wondered if she would regret this.

Calling Lew 🫶

(🎡) MAL SPEAKS,

OHHHHH call me max at the pace i put
the first chapter out 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (soz)

hope you enjoyed!!! i'm lowk nervous for
your comments but PLEASE comment like your
life depends on it, bc mine depends on your
comments xxxx

also take note that this is prob one of the only
chapters written in past tense (unless i feel like
writing a flashback chapter idk)

xoxo,
mal 🏎️