FLOWERS FOR NATALIE

"Can we go to the nearest convenience store here?" Terrence asked Natalie as they entered her car.

The two of them were in the passenger seat while Natalie's driver was in front.

Natalie quickly nodded. "Of course, Terrence."

"Uncle James, can we go to a convenience store?" Natalie looked in front.

James, Natalie's driver, nodded. "Of course, Young Miss." He answered in a calm voice.

When Terrence and Natalie settled inside the car, James drove away. The whole car was silent. The only thing you would be able to hear was the car's engine and the music that was being played inside.

In a few minutes, the car stopped in front of a 24-hour convenience store.

"You don't need to accompany me inside, Natalie. I'll just be quick." Terrence smiled at Natalie as he opened the door on his left side.

"B-But—"

"I'll be quick, I promise," Terrence assured Natalie.

Even though Natalie was reluctant to say yes, she realized she might be overstepping her boundaries. Natalie nodded and leaned against the glass window as Terrence left the car.

"Are you okay, Young Miss?" James asked Natalie as the two of them became alone in the car.

Natalie slowly nodded. "Yes…" she answered in a low voice

"You like that man, don't you?" James asked the obvious question.

James had been working in Natalie's family for two decades. He has seen how Natalie grew up from being a baby to a fine lady. He was also close to Natalie, with Natalie treating him as her second father already.

Natalie wasn't able to answer James. She just looked at him before a sigh escaped her lips" You know that your father wouldn't approve of that." James stared at Natalie with a worried expression written on his face.

"He doesn't need to know, James," Natalie asked in a serious tone. She glanced over to the side before looking at James once again. "That's why you should keep this a secret."

"Of course, Young Miss. But does that man know who you are?" James asked. However, he already had an idea that Terrence didn't know anything.

Natalie tilted his head to the side. "He will… soon…" she said the last word in almost a whisper.

"And how about the ma—"

"Let's not talk about that." Natalie immediately cut off what James was about to say.

James sighed and nodded, following Natalie's words. When silence ensued between them,

Natalie glanced at the side to see if Terrence was almost done already.

Terrence was already at the checkout counter in just a few minutes.

'This is cheesy, but I heard this is what women like.' Terrence thought as he looked at the things in his hand.

There was a small bouquet of roses and 2 packs of chocolate in his hands. 'Well, Natalie might have a wrong idea about this. Well, I just need to explain it to her if she asked.' He sighed.

Terrence moved forward when it was his turn to pay already. He gave the cashier his items.

"Do you want me to pack this, Sir?"

"Nope." Terrence answered as he would immediately give it to Natalie once he arrived at the car.

"It's $36 in total, Sir." The cashier said the total bill.

Since Terrence still has money in his wallet from his wage today, he didn't bother to get money from his System.

"Here." Terrence paid for it at its exact price.

[You gained 10 EXP]

[You earned $54!]

Terrence grinned when he saw his earned money. He spent $1660 on his bill earlier from the additional order. He was able to earn $2640 from it.

In total, he has more than $3000 now. Just a day, and he was able to double his money. It was a good sign for him.

When he was done, Terrence immediately left the convenience store. He hid what he bought on his back before walking forward to the car.

When he opened the car door, Natalie's curious face greeted him. He secretly chuckled. Natalie looked like a lost puppy waiting for her owner to return.

"What did you bu—"

"Here, Natalie." Terrence showed his hands, showing all the things he had bought earlier.

Natalie's eyes widened. Her heart was beating like crazy. She was left speechless. Multiple emotions were running through her brain right now.

Curiosity, confusion, overwhelmed, but most importantly, she felt happy.

Not just happy.

Super duper happy.

If she could only shout right now, then she would not think twice and do it.

"What's this for?" Natalie, after a few seconds, was able to gather enough courage to ask.

Terrence smiled at Natalie. "My thanks for giving me a ride home," he answered.

When he thought about it, 'Was my gift too much?' he asked himself.

Natalie's face heated up. "That's no big deal! A simple thanks would do me good, but I am very thankful for this." She shyly uttered as she accepted Terrence's gift.

She silently smelled the fresh flowers. She had received a lot of these from her family and suitors in the past, but this was the best that she had received. It might not be as beautiful or expensive as what she got so far, but the meaning of it holds dear to his heart.

When Terrence saw that Natalie was happy with what he bought, he was relieved.

Throughout the ride, Natalie remained silent. She was so overwhelmed and happy that she thought she might say weird things if she opened her mouth 

Terrence almost thought there was something wrong with what he gave, but every time he secretly glanced at Natalie, he would see that she was in all smiles.

That made Terrence somehow confident.

'It seems like even if I am a virgin and never had any experience when it comes to this, I'm still good at it.' He commended himself. 

Terrence looked outside and noticed they were just a few houses away from his home. It didn't take long before the car stopped and Natalie faced him.

"Thank you for this again, Terrence." Natalie smiled as she hugged the flowers.

"Thank you for driving me home too." Terrence smiled back. He was about to open the door's car when Natalie spoke once again.

"Good night, Terrence. Have a good sleep." Natalie said softly.