Raymond raised an eyebrow and said, "I'll go with you." His voice was deep and magnetic, making it hard to refuse.
Melinda felt a warmth in her heart but still shook her head. "No need, Delilah will go with me. You should head to work."
Raymond gave her a long look before turning and leaving, his movements swift and decisive, leaving Melinda a bit dazed.
Watching his figure disappear through the door, an inexplicable emotion surged within her.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Delilah, stammering on the other end, saying something had come up and she couldn't make it. "It's okay, I can handle it myself."
Melinda was momentarily stunned but quickly realized what was happening. Only Raymond could make Delilah this flustered. But she didn't mind; getting the official license plate was a small task she could manage on her own.
Half an hour later, Melinda stood at the dealership's entrance, her brows furrowed.
Her car was being taken into the service bay for the license plate installation, and she was led to the VIP lounge to wait.
At that moment, someone else walked in. Melinda glanced over casually, but her eyes widened in surprise.
Raymond again? He was like a shadow she couldn't shake off, always appearing everywhere.
Raymond seemed unfazed by her reaction. He cleared his throat, a faint, teasing smile playing on his lips. "Fancy seeing you here, Ms. Sharp."
Melinda rolled her eyes. Fancy? This was clearly a deliberate "stalking"!
"Mr. Thomas, don't you have anything better to do?" she asked, crossing her arms, her long hair flowing in the breeze, her tone full of annoyance.
Raymond squinted slightly, stepping closer. "My car's here for maintenance."
Melinda laughed out of frustration. "Maintenance? You're a big CEO, you don't need to handle such trivial matters yourself, do you?"
"Who says I don't? I like to be hands-on. And since I don't have a car right now, I might as well test out the comfort of yours." Raymond flashed his usual mischievous grin.
Melinda took a deep breath, about to retort when the sales manager walked in, glancing at Raymond with sudden realization.
"Mr. Thomas, your car needs a bit more time for inspection."
"Got it," Raymond nodded.
The manager then turned to Melinda, smiling. "Ms. Sharp, your license plate is installed, and your car is ready at the entrance."
"Thank you." Melinda stood up and walked out.
Raymond followed closely, not even sparing a glance at the sales manager. His long strides quickly caught up with her.
The receptionist's eyes lit up at the sight of Raymond. This man was incredibly handsome!
As Melinda reached the dealership entrance, she noticed something was off.
Raymond approached with a calm expression. "What's wrong?"
"It looks like this isn't my car. Did the manager make a mistake?" She turned to look for the sales manager but didn't see him.
"If you're scared to drive, just admit it. It's not embarrassing," Raymond said nonchalantly, his gaze fixed on Melinda.
Melinda was instantly provoked, straightening her back. "Who said I'm scared? I'm not afraid of anything!"
She gently opened the car door, a fresh scent mixed with a hint of leather wafting out.
Inside, the car was decked out with brand-new features, including soft, smooth custom leather seats that screamed luxury and comfort.
She looked around and noticed two large screens in front of the driver and passenger seats, displaying clear images and smooth operations, showcasing the marvels of technology.
She reached out, touching the screen, feeling its smooth texture.
Suddenly, she noticed the handle had been replaced with a new one. She gripped it, feeling its comfortable hold and precise control.
Taking a deep breath, she savored the comfort and luxury filling the car.
She gently closed the door and started the engine, the car moving forward in seconds.
Just then, someone appeared in the passenger seat.
Raymond, with his long legs, had slipped in, making the car not feel cramped at all.
He glanced at her. "This car suits you."
Melinda's smile froze. "I don't need you to tell me that."
Raymond said nothing more, stretching his legs and fastening his seatbelt. "Let's go!"
Melinda shifted into gear and pressed the gas pedal, the car surging forward.
She felt a powerful force push her back into the seat, her heart racing.
A sharp sound pierced the air, followed by a violent rebound as the airbags deployed, enveloping her tightly.
The car's front slammed into a stone pillar, the entire vehicle shaking.
Melinda's mind went blank, unable to fathom what would happen next.
"Raymond, are you okay?" Melinda snapped back to reality, her eyes wide as she looked at Raymond beside her.
His forehead was slightly red from the impact, and he looked at her in pain.
"I'm fine. Are you okay?" Raymond's voice trembled, but he tried to stay calm, reaching out to hold Melinda's cold hand.
"I'm okay, just a bit shaken." Melinda took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
She looked at Raymond, her eyes full of worry and concern.
Raymond gently squeezed her hand, speaking softly. "Don't be scared. I'm here."
Their eyes met in that moment.
The dealership staff, startled by the crash, rushed out to check on them.
"Mr. Thomas, are you alright?" The sales manager hurried over, panicked.
Raymond opened the door and got out, shaking his head, his cold gaze sweeping over the manager.
"Get me another car."
"Yes, sir!" The manager quickly went to arrange it.
Melinda got out of the car, feeling guilty. Her chest had been hit hard, but thankfully the airbags had prevented serious injury.
Her hands and feet were still trembling.
Raymond put an arm around her shoulders, asking gently, "As long as you're okay."
Once they had a new car, Raymond took the driver's seat, adjusting it to the most comfortable position.
He drove them onto the highway, heading towards the beach.
Melinda sat in the new car, the breeze from the window lifting her spirits.
Raymond drove her car to a deserted coastal road.
Here, you wouldn't see a car for half a mile, perfect for practicing driving. He got out and let Melinda take the wheel.
With Raymond's guidance, Melinda gently pressed the gas pedal, feeling the car move forward smoothly.
Her initial tension eased, a smile spreading across her face.
Raymond, seeing her happy, couldn't help but smile as well.