The car door shut with a quiet thunk, cutting off the chaos of the flashing cameras outside. Inside, the atmosphere shifted instantly—warm, private, almost intimate. The tinted windows shielded them from the world, and the soft hum of the engine filled the silence as the driver pulled away.
Mia sat with her hands clasped tightly on her lap, her cheeks still burning. She could barely look at Ryan, though she could feel his eyes on her. Finally, she huffed and turned toward him.
"You…" She narrowed her eyes, trying to sound stern though her lips were twitching. "You were too smooth out there."
Ryan leaned back comfortably, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "Smooth?" His deep voice carried a trace of amusement. "I thought I was just being honest."
"Honest?" Mia repeated, her heart skipping. "You literally told every reporter that I'm the woman you love. Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was?"
Ryan tilted his head slightly, studying her flushed face. "Embarrassing for you… or for me?"
She blinked, caught off guard. "For me, of course!"
His smirk widened. He shifted closer, his arm brushing against hers. "Then tell me, Mia… why are you blushing so hard if you're embarrassed?"
Mia's eyes widened, and she quickly turned to face the window, refusing to meet his gaze. "It's just hot in here," she muttered.
Ryan chuckled, a rich, velvety sound that made her heart flutter even more. He reached out, gently turning her chin so she had no choice but to face him. His thumb brushed her cheek softly.
"I said it because I wanted the whole world to know you're mine," he admitted, his voice lower now, sincere. "No more secrets. No more rumors. I don't care what anyone says—as long as you know how much you mean to me."
Mia's breath caught. For a moment, all the teasing melted away. She saw nothing but truth in his eyes, and her chest ached with emotions she could no longer deny.
Her lips curved into a small, shy smile. "You… you really don't hold back, do you?"
Ryan leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead. "Not when it comes to you."
Mia's heart swelled. She wanted to be mad at him for being so bold, for making her the center of attention—but instead, she felt warmth spread through her, a quiet reassurance that she wasn't alone. Not anymore.
The rest of the ride passed in peaceful silence, their hands eventually intertwining, resting together on the seat between them.