Driven by Desire. Fire and Speed | Toto Wolff | F1

Bieszczady, December

POV Miriell

The journey to Bieszczady was peaceful. A plane, then a car, and finally the familiar forest trail leading to our home. With every passing kilometer, my excitement grew—we were returning to the place that was our sanctuary, a place where we could simply be ourselves.

When we finally pulled up in front of the house, Toto didn't wait a second. Before I could even open the door, he came to my side, opened it, and leaned in with that sparkle in his eyes.

"There's no way I'm letting you walk in on your own."

Before I could protest, he scooped me up into his arms like I weighed nothing.

"Toto!" I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Is this a tradition or just an excuse to carry me?"

"Both answers are correct," he replied with a grin, crossing the threshold.

I laughed loudly as he spun around with me in his arms before finally setting me down.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Wolff."

Hearing those words, I felt warmth spread through my entire body.

"That sounds pretty good," I admitted, smiling up at him.

***

That evening, with the fire crackling in the fireplace, I asked Toto to sit on the couch.

"I have a wedding gift for you."

"Finally," he muttered in mock annoyance.

I walked over to the piano that stood in the corner of the living room. I gently ran my fingers across the keys, taking a deep breath. I had written this piece just for him—I wanted him to know how much he meant to me, what I felt when I looked at him, when he was near.

I began to play, and the melody filled our home.

There goes my heart beating

'Cause you are the reason

I'm losing my sleep

Please come back now...

My voice was soft, lyrical, but steady.

When I reached the chorus, I looked up and met his gaze. He sat completely still, looking at me in a way that made my heart tremble. His eyes shimmered, and there was something on his face I couldn't quite name—something between awe, emotion, and a love so deep it felt almost tangible.

I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix what I've broken...

When the final note faded, the room was silent for a moment. Only the crackle of the flames and our quickened breaths could be heard.

Toto stood and slowly walked over to me.

"Miriell..."

Before I could say anything, he kissed me. Hard, deep—like he was trying to pour all his love into that one kiss.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you," he whispered, his lips barely a breath away.

"Funny," I whispered back, burying my face into his chest, "I was just thinking the same thing."

I felt him lift me into his arms and carry me toward the bedroom.

That night, we made love slowly, passionately, savoring every moment. Every touch, every glance—and later, as we lay wrapped in each other's arms, looking into each other's eyes, I saw everything in his gaze.

Wisdom. Tenderness. Care. Love.

He looked at me like I was his entire world.

And I knew—he was mine.

The Most Beautiful Gift

Bieszczady, December

POV Toto

I sat on the couch, watching as Miriell walked over to the piano. Her fingers glided gently across the keys, as if making sure they still obeyed her. I knew she had a gift for me—but I didn't expect this.

And then she began to play.

The first notes were soft, but there was something magnetic in them. And then I heard her voice:

There goes my heart beating

'Cause you are the reason

I'm losing my sleep

Please come back now...

My heart skipped a beat.

I listened, and at the same time, I felt something inside me breaking... and coming back together. Every word, every note was like a confession. As if she was laying her heart bare before me and letting me see its deepest corners.

Miriell looked at me as she sang. And in her eyes, there was everything—love, tenderness, certainty.

I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you...

I rested my hands on my thighs, gripping them slightly, trying to hold back the wave of emotion that hit me like an avalanche.

No one had ever done something like this for me.

All my life, I had been the one who took care of others, who carried the weight, who made sure no one fell apart. But now I sat here, looking at a woman who loved me so deeply, she turned her feelings into music.

When the final note faded, I couldn't move. My throat was tight. I felt like I was at the center of something far greater than myself—something I didn't even know how to describe.

I stood and walked over to her.

"Miriell..." I managed to say.

She looked at me with those bright, love-filled eyes, and I knew there was no one in this world who could ever love me more.

I didn't say another word. I just kissed her—pouring into that kiss everything I felt.

Gratitude. Awe. Adoration.

A love without limits.