Final Chapter_ My Playboy Racer

The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the narrow, winding highway. The flaky morning breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the scent of pine and the promise of a clear day.

The highway, known for its treacherous curves and sheer drops, lay ahead like a tiger ready to strike. Spectators lined the makeshift stands, their faces a mix of anticipation and dread. The tension was palpable, each person holding their breath as they awaited the start of the race.

Arya looked at Kane, who was in his mother's white sports car called Cinderella, and she couldn't help but have conflicting feelings about the race. The early morning light cast a soft glow on her face, but it did little to mask the worry etched in her amber eyes. She placed a protective hand over her growing belly, feeling the faint flutter of life within her.

The thought of Kane racing on the same highway that had claimed his mother's life filled her with dread. Her mind raced; she wanted Kane to win, to prove that he was the King of Racers and would always be, and to secure their future together.

Nicholas’s words of marriage loomed over her like a dark cloud. If Kane lost, she would be forced into a marriage she didn't want, taking her away from the man she loved. Suddenly, her phone rang, pulling her out of her thoughts, and when she glanced at it, she saw that it was Franko Maranello calling her. Arya hesitated for a moment before she took a deep breath and answered the call.

“Hello, sir," Arya said.

“Arya, I’m calling to hear from you and to let you know that I heard about the efforts you put into getting Al-Hakim on our side. I have to be honest with you, Arya. When I sent you to Italy, I wasn't expecting much,” Franko said.

“What do you mean, sir?” Arya asked.

“It was a very tough situation, very tough people, and not a lot of time to turn things around. Basically, I sent you marching into hell. You were able to do incredible things there and even managed to secure a long-term contract with Al-Hakim. I hope that from this point forward, the office will run smoothly. By the way, what was the problem?” Franko said, and Arya's eyes went to the racetrack, realizing that they would begin the race soon. Moreover, she didn’t want to disclose what had been going on in that office, as it might cost everyone their jobs.

“It was a series of unfortunate events combined with disorganization. I think things will go a lot more smoothly now,” Arya said instead.

“I see. One more thing, Arya. Bring my son back home safely; I know he’s racing Nicholas because of you,” Franko said, and Arya's heart pounded in her chest as she thought, ‘He knows?’

“I– I don't know—” Arya stammered, trailing off when Franko interrupted her.

"It's clear as day that you and my son are romantically involved. I have never seen him so committed to any woman before. You did such a great job looking after him, and I want to thank you for that, Arya. Welcome to the family,” Franko said, and Arya's cheeks turned red at his words, lost for words.

“Thank you, sir," she said, and Franko said a few things on the phone before he ended the call, a small smile playing on Arya's lips.

“Was that your father-in-law?” Chloe said, and Arya jumped at her sudden intrusion.

“Oh, Chloe. You scared me. And yes, that was Mr. Maranello. He isn't my father-in-law. Kane hasn't even popped the question yet," Arya said, and Chloe wrapped her arms around Arya as she chuckled.

“What? You can't wait to become his wife?” she said, a hint of tease in her tone, and Arya blushed slightly.

“Come on, Chloe. Don't tease me now. I’m so tense already," Arya said, and Chloe nodded at her.

“Fine. Don't worry, Arya. He’s going to win the race. By the way, Alonso brought Alex and Selma with him to watch the race; they're probably somewhere around," Chloe said, and Arya nodded her head.

"Alright. I want to go stay at the finish line, Chloe. I want to be the first person he meets when he crosses the finish line,” Arya said, and Chloe nodded in agreement.

"I will come with you,” she said, and they both went to the other side, heading to the finish line. A girl dressed like a cheerleader walked to the center of the highway and lifted a scarf over her head.

Kane’s heart pounded in his chest, not just from the thrill of the race, but from the haunting memories of his mother's accident on this very road. Every curve, every bump in the asphalt was a reminder of that fateful day. He gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white as he steeled himself for the challenge ahead.

While Nicholas was equally determined, just like Kane. His eyes flicked towards Arya, standing at the finish line, her expression masked with worry.

The girl pulled down the scarf, the engines released all their fury, and the tires screamed.

As the engines roared to life, Arya's breath caught in her throat. She whispered a silent prayer, her eyes never leaving Kane’s car. The fear of losing him battled with her desperate hope for his victory. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away, determined to stay strong for Kane. She knew he needed her strength now more than ever.

Every second felt like an eternity as she watched the cars speed down the highway. Her heart raced in sync with the revving engines, each turn and swerve making her grip her hands tighter. But amidst the fear, there was a flicker of hope. She believed in Kane, in his love for her, and their unborn child. That belief was Arya's strength, keeping her sane as the race unfolded before her eyes.

On the asphalt, tires screeched, echoing through the mountains as Kane and Nicholas sped down the narrow highway. The crowd's cheer was a distant hum, drowned out by the blaring sound of the cars. Kane's focus was sharp, his grip on the steering wheel firm as he navigated the dangerous curves.

Nicholas was determined as well; his car sped forward, and he edged closer to Kane, their cars almost side by side. The tension was palpable, each racer pushing through their limits.

As they approached a particularly sharp turn, Nicholas’s car bumped into Kane’s with a jarring force, sending Kane’s vehicle skidding dangerously close to the cliff’s edge as his head collided with the steering wheel, and a trickle of blood streamed down his face.

“Kane!!" Arya screamed as she lunged forward, wanting to run to the asphalt, but Chloe grabbed her hand, stopping her from taking a step further. She turned to her best friend with a glare as tears fell from her eyes. “Can't you see he needs me? Let me go, Chloe. I need to be with him," Arya said with a restrained tone, trying her best not to lash out at Chloe.

“I’m sorry, Arya. But you can't go to him now. Gather your emotions and trust in him. Trust me, he won't let you down. Let him face his fears alone and overcome them. You will make him worry more when he sees that you're putting yourself in danger by running towards him. Anything could happen, Arya. You need to think of your baby, please.” Chloe said as she hugged Arya, who was now sobbing hysterically while clenching her teeth together.

"Oh, Chloe. He needs to make it. I won't be able to live without him,” Arya said as she choked on her sobs while Chloe’s eyes brimmed with tears too as she patted Arya's back.

As Kane’s car teetered on the brink of the cliff, he felt his head pounding and his heart beating so fast. He struggled to open his eyes, and he could see Nicholas’s car speeding past him as he raced further. At that moment, a sense of despair gripped Kane's heart. It felt as if he had failed his mother, failed Arya, and also failed his father. He couldn't think of anything but them, and Kane was on the brink of giving in, losing himself to the memories of that horrible accident. But then, memories of Arya flooded his mind — their first meeting, their bickering, their shared laughter and intimacy, the promise of their future together with their unborn child.

With a surge of determination, Kane tightened his grip and fought to regain control of himself and the wheel. The car wobbled, but he managed to steer it back onto the road, narrowly avoiding the cliff.

The crowd erupted in a mix of relief and awe, their eyes glued to the heart-pounding race.

“L-Look, Arya. He did it. He’s safe. Kane’s safe!" Chloe said, her voice filled with relief. Arya quickly pulled away from her embrace as she turned back to look at the asphalt.

Nicholas glanced in his rearview mirror, surprise evident in his eyes as Kane closed the gap between them. The final stretch was a blur of motion, the two cars neck and neck. But in the last moments, Kane’s car surged ahead, crossing the finish line just a fraction of a second before Nicholas. The crowd erupted in cheers as they stood up and shouted Kane’s stage name.

“He won! The King of Racer won the race!" someone commented in the crowd, followed by many shrieks from other spectators.

Arya burst into tears of joy as she dashed forward and ran towards the sports car. As soon as Kane saw her running towards him, he opened the car door, picked her up, and pressed his lips to hers, giving her a passionate kiss. Arya could feel everything in that kiss. She felt the troubles of the past melting away. She felt a bright future. She felt a strong man who would always be there for her.

“You made it, my love. For a moment there, I thought I was going to lose you," Arya said when Kane pulled away from her. Kane smiled as he rubbed their foreheads together, smearing Arya with the blood on his forehead, but she didn't mind it, and instead held on to Kane for dear life.

The crowd went insane, clapping and cheering for them like rock stars. Kane looked at Arya, his eyes sparkling. Then, he went down on his knees while Arya's heart raced in her chest as she looked down at the man.

“I knew from the first time I saw you at the Maranello building that you were going to be mine, Tigress. Your attitude, your amber eyes glaring at me as I poked you—I was enthralled by you from the very beginning, but I just didn't know it. You are the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me, Arya. I love you more than anything in this world, and I want to make you mine. I want you to be my wife, Arya Cobbler. Would you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me, Tigress?" Kane said, as he held out a beautiful diamond ring to Arya. It glittered in his hands, and a little tigress was carved in the middle of the ring with a red gemstone right next to it. It looked expensive and was the most beautiful ring Arya had ever set her eyes on.

“SAY YES! SAY YES! SAY YES!" The crowd suddenly erupted once again as they screamed over and over, and some reporters were on standby as they captured the moments of the couple while Chloe sniffled as she watched the scene with happiness radiating within her. She brought out her phone and clicked on the video camera button, recording the special moments that Arya would never forget in her life.

Tears kept streaming down Arya's cheeks, and without bothering to wipe them away, she bobbed her head vigorously at Kane, and a breathless whisper escaped from her lips. “Yes."

Kane smiled, slipped the ring onto her finger, and then swept her off her feet as he husked against her ear, “You are officially mine now, Miss Arya Cobbler, and soon to be Mrs. Maranello."

Arya chuckled, her eyes brimming with unrestrained joy as she cooed against his ear, “And you belong only to me, My Playboy Racer. I love you so much, Kane.”