A Debt of Gratitude

Meanwhile, the cashier stared at her computer screen strangely for a few seconds before looking back at Elias. "Here's your receipt," she said, handing him the receipt for his payment.

[ Update! Sofia's affection for you has increased by 2% ]

Elias smiled brightly as he received the receipt and stared at his main status profile.

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Name: [ Elias Benjamin ]

Age: [ 24 years old ]

Current Relationship Status: [ Casually Dating ]

Relationships:

[ Emily Hawthorne [ Developing Affection - [ Medium ] ]

[ Sofia Okoye Reyes [ Developing Affection - [ Medium ] ]

Current Bank Account Status: [ $10,974 ]

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10,974 dollars! Just from this trip alone, he has accumulated a massive amount of money, which could finally help him pay his rent and buy food for himself and his younger brother when he visits the hospital.

The rise and fall of Sofia's affection wasn't something he placed in his heart since he was only here to repay some of the kindness she had shown him and enable her to save some money. 

"Here you go, sir. Please come to our store again when you need some quality kitchenware," the cashier said, handing him two extra-large shopping bags containing all their purchased items.

Elias swiftly removed the system's screen and grabbed the bags before Sofia could. "Don't worry; I'll carry them," Elias said, insistent on carrying both bags alone.

Sofia raised a brow at his actions before bursting into a light chuckle. "Alright, but if you need help, let me know," she said, understanding that this was an excellent way to test whether he had recovered from the accident.

As they both made their way out of the store, the cashier glanced in their direction twice, shaking her head at why she had to deal with a bizarre customer early this morning.

"Why don't we have breakfast before returning to our separate homes?" Elias swiftly asked, remembering that they hadn't had breakfast this morning.

At that moment, Sofia's stomach suddenly rumbled as a sudden wave of hunger hit her, causing her to hold back her words of disagreement.

Elias turned to look at her smile before Sofia quickly shot him a stern glare, focusing Elias on retracting his gaze and focusing it forward.

"Fine, let's head to the food court. But I'm paying for the bill this time," Sofia responded, breathing deeply.

"No, that won't do. I'll—" Elias was about to reply. Turning his head to look at Sofia, he quickly paused, noticing her eyes were fixed in another direction. Following her line of sight, Elias saw her gaze lingering on a beautiful dress and a sparkling necklace in a display window as they walked past a store that sold women's dresses and jewellery.

Elias swiftly halted, holding the two shopping bags in one hand; he held Sofia's hand with the other and gently pulled her towards the storefront.

"Why don't we go inside and take a closer look?" Elias said.

Stunned, Sofia took a moment to suppress her wild, pounding heart and recover her composure before she halted her steps and swiftly shook her head in response, "No, you've already spent a lot today. I don't need anything else. Let's just take breakfast before we each return home," she said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Elias summoned his courage and responded softly, "Sofia, you've done so much for me. You've always been there for me, believing in me even when I doubt myself. Your kindness, support, and everything—I want to repay it, even if it's only a little. So please, let me do this for you. I want to help you feel as special as you truly are."

Upon hearing Elias's words, Sofia's mouth widened, forming the shape of an 'O'. She stared at him with a stunned expression. Even though she had initially sensed Elias's transformed demeanour, his unexpected words surprised her.

Sofia quickly calmed her swiftly stirring heart and shook her head in response. She bit her lip, replying, "But, Elias, it's really too much…" She didn't want him to splurge the wealth his parents had left for him as she knew how hard he had worked to get where he was.

Elias stepped closer, not giving up, "You are mistaken if you think that the wealth my parents left for me was little," he said, observing her gaze widen as she locked gaze with him, "I can afford to give you everything you desire, but it's not about the money."

"It's about how much I appreciate everything you've done for me. And if a beautiful dress or a piece of jewellery makes you happy, that's what I want to give you. Please, let me repay a fraction of the joy you've brought into my life."

He felt that no matter how much he was willing to spend for Sofia, he wouldn't be able to pay for everything she had done for him in this life.

After all, which other friend would be willing to stand up for him at work to the detriment of their own, lend him a considerate amount of money for expenses, and still never ask for it back?

Sure, he was also going to gain cashback rewards for their purchases. However, it was only a byproduct of what he was willing to do.

In fact, Elias felt that if he had such incredible wealth without the cashback rewards, he would take her around the city and get her whatever she wanted throughout the day. Because if there was anyone who deserved such a thing the most in this world and in his life, then it was none other than her!

As such, he needed to help her gradually feel comfortable using his money however she desired, especially when he also benefited from it.

[ Update! Sofia's affection for you has increased by 2% ]

BADUUM!! BADDUMM!

Sofia's eyes widened as her heart pounded heavily in her chest, listening to Elias's words. Her resistance melted, and her eyes grew moist. "Elias..." she began, but her voice faltered. She found herself unable to refuse or resist, her words stuck in her throat.

"Come on, Let's go inside. I want to see in that dress," Elias said softly, gently guiding her into the store.