Although Louisa is always appreciative of his help and kind gestures, she had never looked at him this way–warmly, smiley, happily…….”

He had communicated his feelings indirectly a number of times but she never reciprocates.

But tonight, something about her gesture—the warm tone of her voice, the costly, thoughtful cologne—feels different.

Perhaps her perception of him is changing.

He takes his time to carefully open the gift.

He raises his eyebrows at the sight of the brand. "This must be quite expensive Louisa, can you really afford to spend this much on me?”

She answers, "Of course," with a casual air. "You deserve it."

With a slight flush crawling up...