Rebirth: Love me Again

[LINA]

"That one," I said, interrupting the sales manager mid-sentence. "We'll take it."

"Splendid choice. I'll just get the keys, and perhaps we can take it for a test drive," the manager said with a professional smile before disappearing into the backroom.

A few moments later, he returned, holding the sleek black key fob. Before Daniel could react, I took the key and handed it to him with a bright smile. "I know it's a bit late but, My Christmas Gift to you."

Daniel froze, staring down at the key in my outstretched hand like it was a foreign object. His expression shifted from confusion to shock, his eyes wide as he stammered, "W-what? Lina . . . what's going on? I can't."

"Merry Christmas gift, babe," I said playfully, beaming at him, the corners of my lips tugging up in a smile.

But Daniel didn't move to take the key. He didn't reach out or even blink—he just stood there, stunned. His hesitation was evident on his face, as if accepting this gift was something too heavy, too much for him to comprehend.

"Come on, Daniel. Just accept it," I insisted gently, grabbing his hand and pressing the key into his palm. His hand was warm, yet trembling slightly under my touch.

"B-but . . . but this is too much!" he finally found his voice, though it came out strained. He looked down at the key again, disbelief etched into every line of his face. "I can't possibly accept this. You really don't have to do this, Lina."

I smiled softly, gazing into his eyes. "But I want to. Consider it a little compensation for everything I put you through today . . ." and maybe for altering your future. My voice dipped at the last part, but I kept my tone light.

Daniel opened his mouth to protest again, but I cut him off, my voice firm yet warm. "Please, Daniel. It would mean a lot to me if you accepted it. You'd be doing me a favor—helping me ease the guilt I feel."

He looked at me, his eyes searching mine as if trying to gauge whether I was serious. After a moment, he exhaled deeply, a resigned but amused sigh escaping his lips. "Well . . . if you're really insisting on this . . . thank you." He took the key, his fingers closing around it carefully, almost reverently.

The moment he accepted, I felt a weight lift from my chest, and I couldn't help but smile at him, relieved and happy.

"Do you always gift expensive cars to people you feel guilty about?"

I shrugged casually. "Not always—and it's not always a car either. Sometimes it's a house and lot." I joke.

"Must be nice to be so rich you would just give away a house and lot," Daniel shot back to which I only stifled a laugh.

"But now I feel bad," Daniel said after a pause, a playful glint in his eyes. "I don't have anything to give you in return."

I waved a dismissive hand, ready to assure him that he didn't need to gift me anything, when suddenly, he leaned in closer, catching me completely off guard.

"Will this do?" he murmured, his voice low and warm, before placing a featherlight kiss on my cheek.

I gasped.

Time seemed to stop. My eyes widened in surprise, the soft brush of his lips lingered on my skin longer than it should have. I felt a sudden heat rise to my cheeks, spreading like wildfire.

And then, my heart . . . my heart that I thought wouldn't beat like this for anyone other than Dylan began thudding wildly in my chest.

Daniel pulled back slightly, just enough to meet my gaze, his face still close, his expression both serious and teasing. A soft grin played on his lips, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Why does he look so handsome right now?

"Thank you for the car," he said, his voice holding a mixture of gratitude and amusement. "I'll take good care of it."

"I-I . . . you're welcome," I stammered, clutching my chest tightly as if that would somehow calm the frantic beating of my heart. I tried to compose myself, but the warmth of his kiss and the intensity of his gaze left me flustered in a way I hadn't expected.

Daniel chuckled at my reaction, clearly pleased with himself. "You okay there?"

I looked away, embarrassed by how easily he had unraveled me with just a simple gesture. But even as I tried to regain my composure, I couldn't stop the small smile that crept onto my lips.

In that moment, the luxury cars, the showroom, and even the world around us seemed to fade into the background. All that mattered was Daniel, standing there with that infuriatingly charming grin, holding the key I had given him . . . and the new, unfamiliar feeling stirring in my chest.

Maybe this was something new. Something unexpected.

And maybe . . . I didn't mind.

On the way home, I was in a good mood. Daniel had that calming aura about him, the kind that put you at ease without even trying.

But of course, there was always someone waiting at home who would dampen my spirits.

"You ditched me again," Dylan said the moment I stepped inside.

I rolled my eyes. "You might be my personal bodyguard, but that doesn't mean you need to follow me around 24/7. Besides, I already have dozens of guards with me. You don't need to be there all the time."

Dylan frowned. "You were with that guy again, weren't you?"

"You mean Daniel? Yeah, I was. He's my boyfriend, so of course we're together most of the time."

Dylan took a deep breath, clearly trying to stay calm. "Do your parents and brother know about this?"

"With all the media constantly watching our every move, I'm sure they do by now. And why do you care so much about Daniel, anyway? You said yourself that he's a decent guy—kind and nice."

Dylan crossed his arms. "So you're serious about him?"

"What if I am?" I challenged, lifting my chin. "If I'm going to marry someone someday, I want it to be Daniel."

Dylan looked surprised, didn't say anything else. I left him there and stomped my way up to my room.

What's wrong with that grumpy man? If I pestered him to be my boyfriend, he got mad. Now that I've been moving on, he's still mad! Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire

That guy's a prick—a self-centered, overprotective jerk!