Sophie had just stepped out of the elevator when Mia Lancaster called.
Holding her bag in one hand and the phone in the other, she spotted Gavin's car idling by the curb. Without a second thought, she threw her bag over her head and dashed out into the rain.
She barely made it a few steps before Gavin appeared with an umbrella, taking the bag from her hands.
Sophie covered the receiver and mouthed, "It's Mia. She's inviting us over to her place tomorrow. Are you free?"
Gavin nodded. Sophie's eyes curved into a bright smile as she spoke into the phone, "He's free... Yeah, we'll definitely be there."
Gavin opened the passenger door for her. She turned to give him a grateful smile, but just as she was about to climb in, a stunning bouquet of Pink Maria Roses resting on the seat caught her eye.
"Happy Anniversary."
Gavin's deep voice brushed against her ear, his warm breath grazing her skin.
Clutching the car door, Sophie felt a sudden rush of embarrassment. She had checked her phone at noon for a digital gift card from him, but when she hadn't received one, she hadn't sent hers either.
She hadn't expected him to show up with flowers.
Glancing quickly around the empty street, shielded by the car door and the umbrella, Sophie stood on her tiptoes and pressed a quick kiss to Gavin's lips.
"Happy Anniversary," she whispered softly. It was a completely impromptu gift, but the spontaneity made it no less sweet.
Just as she started to pull back, Gavin stole another swift kiss.
Blushing furiously, Sophie scooped the flowers into her arms and slid into the seat. Gavin shut the door and jogged around the front of the car to the driver's side.
The restaurant Gavin took her to was one she had never been to before.
Set right on the edge of a lake, the outdoor dining area was sheltered by elegant white canopy tents. The rain tapped against the fabric, cascading down the edges like a shimmering curtain. Surrounded by the misty rain, the lakeside view felt impossibly romantic.
Sophie looked around, taking in the breathtaking ambiance. "Why do I feel like I'm the tourist here?" she muttered.
Gavin chuckled as he poured her a glass of juice. "Whenever I visit a new city, I love hunting down hidden gems. Eating, drinking, and exploring are some of life's greatest pleasures."
Sophie looked at him, her eyes sparkling with playful teasing. "Is this the signature playboy lifestyle of a trust-fund kid?"
"Fishing by the lake, picnicking in the mountains—none of those things require a lot of money. Having money isn't a crime, but having a joyful heart is what really helps you discover the fun things in life. Sophie, I want to take you to every single place I love."
Gavin had started off joking, but by the end, his tone was devastatingly earnest.
Sophie's heart skipped a beat. She paused for a few seconds before murmuring, "As long as there's good food, make sure you bring me along."
There was a trace of undeniable coquettishness in her voice, and Sophie instantly felt a wave of goosebumps. Was she... actually flirting back?


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