The following week, motorsport news was abuzz with the headline announcement that F1 team Nevada HanSama had successfully come to an agreement with Luca Rennick and Trampos Racing, swooping in just as Outback Performance continued to stall negotiations.
With Christmas fast approaching, the timing of the deal sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 press.
Many had expected Outback to secure Luca's and Trampos' signatures after weeks of back-and-forth discussions, but their hesitation ultimately opened the door for Nevada HanSama to strike.
Luca had received a few calls from the President of Outback Performance. The man assured him not to worry, insisting they could overturn this in an instant.
Luca knew it was a waste of time. He had already agreed on personal terms with Nevada a few days ago, and Trampos' approval was undoubtedly on Nevada's side.
The deal was considered concluded, and Luca could very well call himself a Red Stallion now. It would all be sealed on the third of January after the New Year.
For now, it was Christmas. And even though this wasn't a particularly "cold" year and snow had yet to fall, the festiveness of the season still swept through the air.
Streets were illuminated with dazzling lights, storefronts adorned with decorations, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced wine filled all corners of London.
Luca was truly enthusiastic about this Christmas. It might just be the one they'd actually celebrate with warmth, joy, and a sense of completeness, something they hadn't truly experienced before.
For the first time since Sophia could remember, a beautifully decorated tree stood in their living room at the house in Clapham. The Christmas tree had twinkling lights that filled the entire room.
Mrs. Rennick had transformed the living room into a cozy holiday haven. She had always been skilled at arranging and decorating, and now their home looked like the kind of place Santa himself would choose to live in.
The warm, festive glow spilling from their windows made some neighbors a bit envious, though none could deny how beautiful the house had become.
Even though no one in the Rennick family had ever truly believed in the jolly fat man, Mrs. Rennick still upheld tradition. She carefully hung three stockings by the fireplace, each one lovingly embroidered with their names. It was a personal touch she had long wanted to add but never had the chance.
Even the porch was decorated with Christmas ornaments and lights, casting a warm and inviting glow onto the pavement outside.
Luca made sure they bought all the necessary decorations to capture the essence of Christmas. All he needed now was some snow to complete the perfect picture of a warm house basking in the festivity of winter.
Luca made a point of spreading the holiday cheer in his own way. One day, he set out for Christmas shopping, picking out thoughtful gifts for everyone he knew.
He got presents for Sara and Mallow and even found something simple but meaningful for Mr. Vance, who was now part of the team.
The next day was dedicated to shopping with his mother. They went to the market together, buying everything needed for the festivities—snacks, ingredients for main meals, and plenty of drinks.
When they got home, Luca helped her bake, something he hadn't done since this time last year.
Mrs. Rennick was grateful for the extra hands, but more than that, she cherished the time she spent with her son which were rare these days.
On another day, Luca devoted his time to giving back. He supported the local charity in Clapham and even made a trip to West Borough, where they used to live.
There, he unexpectedly ran into his old friends from that supermarket in their area, Josh and Lana. The reunion was both surprising and nostalgic, and as they caught up, Luca realized they were rekindling what could have been a lost friendship.
When Isabella and her father arrived in London from Birmingham, Luca took her on a mini-date to an ice-skating event.
Luckily, it wasn't just any ice skating where everybody joined in on the ice. But in the arena, an actual skating event was being held as figure skaters danced and skated gloriously to a melody as everyone watched.
Luca had always liked figure skaters. There was something mesmerizing about their streamlined bodies, their flexibility, the way they moved so fluidly on the ice.
Long before all of this—before fame, before racing—whenever he visited a sports channel, it was usually just to check if there was any figure skating broadcast.
The reason was just because he had a celebrity crush back then.
A Russian figure skater, two years older than him, had once captured his attention, and though time had passed, he still had a bit of admiration for the lady.
He had turned to Isabella after telling her all of this, and she burst into laughter.
Even Luca couldn't help but chuckle at himself. The idea that he had once believed he could grind so hard, make money, and somehow marry the Russian skater now seemed hilariously naive.
Looking back, he realized it was never about actually being with her. He had admired her, sure, but more than that, he had used the idea of her as motivation to keep pushing forward.
He had thought that perhaps, if he could just figure out what exactly he had been searching for and finally grasp it, then he might win the favor of a woman with that kind of appearance and feminine status.
Today was Christmas. Tonight was Christmas. Luca had a special night ahead of him.
"Merry Christmas, Luca," he said to himself in the mirror. "Let's hope Santa answers my wish."
For the date, he was wearing a fitted black turtleneck sweater that complemented his lean frame, paired with a deep navy overcoat that added a touch of elegance.
He had on well-tailored charcoal gray trousers, resting just above his polished black Chelsea boots. The boots were from another brand, but everything else was Casa Reyes.
Luca styled his hair so it wasn't too stiff yet not too messy. He adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves after putting on some cologne and took a good look at his reflection.
Suddenly, another figure's reflection emerged from behind, stepping into his room through the open door.
It was his mother, Mrs. Rennick, checking in to see how he was preparing for his first date.
"Are you sure you don't want to eat something before you go? Restaurants can serve petty meals sometimes," she said, moving closer and resting her hands on Luca's shoulders.
"Then I'll order another plate until I'm full," Luca replied with a small smile. "Don't worry, Mum."
Mrs. Rennick nodded approvingly. "I'd like to meet her soon!"
"Of course. You'll like her," Luca assured, grabbing his phone, wallet, and coat jacket. "But I have to leave now," he added, glancing at his watch.
She stepped aside as he exited his room, but she followed closely behind as they walked into the rest of the house, where the rich aroma of roasted turkey clung to every corner.
Mallow and Sara were already there, set to dine with the Rennicks this Christmas, but at the moment, they were locked in a heated argument over who would drive Luca.
You might ask, when did they become so eager to drive Luca…?
Well, that would be because the Jaguar XKR had arrived three days ago, and at this very moment, it was sitting proudly in the driveway of the house.
From time to time, Mallow would steal glances out the window to admire it, and when it first arrived, he had even slept over just to "guard it" from no one in particular!
"HE'S HERE!" Mallow and Sara shouted in unison, leaping to their feet. The keys were clutched tightly in Mallow's grasp, while Sara was still desperately trying to wrestle them away.
"You two are still fighting over this?" Luca asked, checking his phone as he dialed a number.
"Luca! Choose me! I'm your loyal assistant—I've driven you everywhere! Don't pick this brat! He's never driven you in his life—he just wants to drive the Jaguar!" Sara hissed, still grappling for the keys.
"Lies!" Mallow shot back, wincing as Sara's nails dug into his arm. "I was the first person to ever drive Luca in my Volkswagen! And as a fellow man, I shall take him to his date!"
Mrs. Rennick laughed at their ridiculous fight while Luca struggled to focus on his call amidst the chaos.
After a brief conversation, he hung up and turned to see the two adults still squabbling over the car key.
"It's fine. Just give me the keys," Luca said calmly.
Mallow hesitated, confused. "Buddy, you haven't got your license yet. You don't wanna spend your special night at the police station, yeah?"
"Ha! Just give me the keys, man," Luca repeated, stretching out his hand.
Sara eyed the finely carved piece as if it were some precious gem while Mallow reluctantly placed it in Luca's palm.
They all watched as he casually strolled toward the door, pausing only to receive a peck on the cheek from his mother before stepping outside.
Little did they know, Luca had already hired a chauffeur, and the esteemed fellow was waiting right outside, ready to go.
The Jaguar XKR was a very beautiful low-slung machine. It had sculpted curves, bold headlights, polished alloy wheels and aerodynamic lines that made it look as fast as it truly was.
Supercharged V8 was its engine, and its deep growl was one of the most satisfying sounds Luca had ever heard.
He sat comfortably as the chauffeur smoothly rolled the car onto the street and out of the neighborhood.
Luca arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes early to ensure everything was perfectly in place and to collect his thoughts before the night truly began.
He stood by the rooftop railing, overlooking the city bathed in Christmas lights and festive decorations, their warm glow reflecting off the glass dome.
The sight was breathtaking, a perfect blend of holiday magic and urban beauty.
The wind carried a biting chill, prophesying snowfall to come, and Luca was relieved he'd brought a coat, just in case Isabella needed it.
As he turned slightly to his right, his eyes landed on her just as she arrived.
She was dressed in a red satin dress that hugged her figure just right.
The dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, revealing her collarbones and the gentle curve of her shoulders, perfectly complementing her fair skin and that warm peach undertone.
Luca took a deep breath as she approached. He began to wonder how he was even able to get this far.
The skirt of the dress flared slightly at her hips, flowing down to just above her ankles. She was wearing gold heels that significantly boosted her height as she finally reached Luca.
Luca was entranced, dazed, spellbound, but conscious enough to give that necessary early compliment required of the man.
"Do you know Snow White?" he asked.
"Yess," Isabella answered. "What about her?"
"You look just like her, but more beautiful, of course," Luca said, the words flowing out naturally.
Luca and Isabella broke tradition and shared a kiss even before the date began.