Chapter 680
Chapter 680:
It was just past eight. If William’s estimate was right and Rutherford had over an hour’s drive, he must have left around seven.
“I wasn’t sure when you usually leave, so I came a bit early,” he said with a small smile. “Brought you breakfast, too. You can eat on the way.”
Before she could reply, another engine started nearby. She turned and saw William pulling his car out of the garage.
He immediately recognized Rutherford’s license plate and hit the brakes, stopping beside him.
“Well, you’re up early today. Are you playing chauffeur, huh?” William said, raising an eyebrow.
Rutherford glanced over with a faint grin. “Driving Ms. Gilbert isn’t exactly a burden.”
William scoffed. “I’ve known you forever, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen you try this hard for anyone.”
“Well,” Rutherford said with a shrug, “history might just need its first exception.”
Stella was standing between the two cars, listening to them go back and forth. Without meaning to, she let out a soft sigh.
Rutherford heard it and turned to her with a light smile. “Come on, Ms. Gilbert, won’t you let me have this small win?”
Stella felt a little touched.
She hadn’t planned on accepting the ride, but now that William was here, the situation had changed.
If she didn’t ride with Rutherford, she’d probably end up with William. After a quick moment of thought, she pulled open Rutherford’s door.
“Thank you for the ride.”
The engine purred to life, and they pulled away, leaving William behind. He hadn’t expected this turn of events. One rival was already enough to deal with, and now Rutherford had entered the picture.
Stella really did have a way of attracting attention, even when she wasn’t trying. Inside the car, Rutherford handed her a paper bag with a quiet smile. “I wasn’t sure what you like, so I went with something classic. Hopefully, it’s something you’ll enjoy.”
Stella peeked inside and saw a warm panini and a cup of coffee. She smiled and said, “Paninis are actually one of my favorites. Thank you.”
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Rutherford kept his eyes on the road, looking calm and collected as always. But then, without looking her way, he added casually, “This is how a guy should chase a girl, so no need to thank me.”
Chase a girl, huh?
Only then did it hit Stella that this ride and breakfast weren’t just casual gestures. They were his way of showing interest.
She tightened her grip on the bag and said softly, “You really don’t have to do all this.”
“I know I don’t have to. But I want to,” he replied calmly. “Even if you never feel the same, I’d still want to show up for you. As long as you’ll let me.”
He didn’t mind waking up earlier or the possibility that she might say no. If he liked someone, he showed it with actions and not just empty words.
Stella stared at the panini in her hands, not really sure what to say. Her thoughts were all over the place.
.
.
.