He paused, his thumb continuing its soothing rhythm on her hand.
"This car isn't about showing off to the world. It's about wanting you to be safe on your commute, comfortable in your daily life, and happy. It's about me wanting to dote on you, because I love you, Heather." His eyes held hers, conveying the depth of his feelings.
Heather's eyes searched his, a mixture of relief, gratitude, and lingering uncertainty washing over her. "I appreciate that, Rhys. I really do. It's just… a lot to take in."
"I know," he said, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "And I promise, I won't overwhelm you. But please, let me do this. Let me show you how much you mean to me. Your happiness makes me happy."
He leaned closer, his eyes filled with sincerity. "You make me want to be a better man, Heather. You inspire me every day. And this car? It's just a small token of that."
Heather looked at him, her heart swelling with a warmth that chased away some of her unease. "Okay," she said softly, a newfound resolve in her voice, though a hint of apprehension still lingered.
"Okay, I'll accept it. But on one condition."
Rhys raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips, the tension in the car easing slightly. "And what's that, my love?"
"That we always remember who we are," she said firmly, her gaze direct and earnest. "That we don't let material things define us. We're together because of love, not possessions."
Rhys's smile widened, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached his eyes, crinkling the corners. "Agreed," he said, his voice filled with unwavering sincerity. "Our love is the most important thing, Heather. And I promise, I'll never forget that."
He leaned in and kissed her, a tender, loving kiss that sealed their understanding, a silent promise exchanged. "Now," he said, pulling back slightly, his eyes sparkling again, "how about we head back? I'm suddenly craving a cup of your amazing coffee."
Heather chuckled, a genuine, lighter sound this time, as she started the engine. "Sounds perfect."
As they drove back, the city lights reflecting off the luxurious curves of the car, a comfortable silence settled between them, a quiet understanding blooming in the shared space.
────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
Back in their cozy kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
Rhys swirled the dark liquid in his mug, the ceramic warm against his hands, then looked up at Heather, who was watching him with a thoughtful expression.
"Oh, and something I forgot to mention earlier. The car? It's registered in your name."
Heather's hand, halfway to her mouth with her own mug, froze mid-air. Her brow furrowed in confusion. "In my name? What are you talking about?"
"Just that," Rhys said with a casual shrug, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"When I bought it, all the paperwork went under your name." He leaned against the counter, taking a slow sip of his coffee, watching her reaction with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
A knot tightened in Heather's stomach, a mix of surprise and a sudden weight of responsibility settling within her.
"Okay," she said slowly, placing her mug back on the counter, her mind racing to process this new information.
"Okay?" Rhys echoed, raising an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just 'okay'? I thought you'd have a bit more... reaction."
He set his coffee down, pushing off the counter to walk closer to her, his gaze intent.
"It's just… a lot to process, Rhys. First, the car itself, and now this. It's registered in my name? As in, I own it?" The question hung in the air, tinged with disbelief.
"Yep," he confirmed, popping the 'p' with a soft sound and a nod. "All yours. Title, registration, the whole shebang. I wanted to make sure it was absolutely clear that it's your car, no strings attached, no shared ownership. Yours."
Heather stared at him, a complex tapestry of disbelief, overwhelming gratitude, and a touch of being utterly floored swirling within her.
"Rhys, that's… incredibly generous. But are you absolutely sure? I mean, this is a Bentley. A Bentley!" She emphasized the name as if it were a mythical creature.
"Positive," he said, his voice firm, brooking no argument. "And I know it's a Bentley. It's the best I could get for you. I actually wanted to get a Lamborghini Urus for you, but I knew you wouldn't accept that the moment you saw the logo on the car." He punctuated the statement with a playful wink.
"A Lambo? Really?" Heather laughed, a slightly incredulous sound.
"You knew I wouldn't accept that, yet you still got me a car that's still super expensive?" She shook her head, a fond smile gracing her lips at his endearing, albeit slightly over-the-top, gesture. "You're incorrigible, Rhys."
He cupped her face gently in his hands, his eyes filled with a deep sincerity.
"Think of it as a long-term investment, my love. An investment in your safety, your comfort, and yes, your happiness. And honestly," he leaned in, his voice softening, "a way for me to know you will always have a reliable and safe way to get home, no matter what."
"But…" Heather began, her voice trailing off, still grappling with the enormity of the gift.
She was struggling to find the right words to express the conflicting emotions swirling within her – gratitude, a sense of being undeserving, and a profound love for his generous spirit.
Rhys gently placed his hand on her arm, his touch warm and reassuring. "No buts, Heather," he said softly, his gaze tender.
"Just accept it as a gift, a pure token of my affection for you. And please," he added, his eyes pleading slightly, "promise me you won't feel pressured or obligated in any way because of it."
Heather took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside her. She looked into his eyes, seeing only love and sincerity reflected back.
"Okay," she said finally, her voice a little shaky but firming with resolve.
"Okay, I accept it. But… can we maybe just take it slow? I'm still getting used to the idea of even driving such a… magnificent car, let alone owning it outright."
Rhys smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached his eyes, erasing any lingering concern.
"Of course," he said, his voice gentle and understanding. "We can take it as slow as you want, my love. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just tell me. I'm here for you, always."
He leaned in and brushed a soft kiss against her forehead.