The Bet & The Heart.

CHAPTER XIX

The next morning, Syafiq awoke to the soft light streaming through the guest room window. He stretched and felt a rush of energy—today was a new day, and he was determined to make the most of it. After a quick shower, he dressed and headed out of the guest room, eager to find breakfast and start fresh.

As he wandered through the grand house, he marveled at the intricacies of the décor—ornate moldings, elegant furniture, and family photos that adorned the walls, telling stories of Sofia's life. He felt a mix of admiration and intimidation; it was a world so different from his own.

After a few moments of searching, he found himself in a hallway that seemed to stretch endlessly. The sounds of clanging metal and muffled voices drew him toward the back of the house. Curiosity piqued, he followed the noise until he stepped into a spacious garage.

There, Sofia's father was hunched over a vintage car, tools scattered around him. His brows were furrowed in concentration as he attempted to fix something under the hood. Syafiq hesitated at the entrance, unsure if he should interrupt. But then he noticed the frustration etched on the older man's face, and his instinct to help kicked in.

"Uh, excuse me, sir," Syafiq said, stepping closer. "Do you need a hand with that?"Sofia's father looked up, surprise flashing across his features. He straightened, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "I don't know if you'd be much help," he replied, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "You work with motorcycles, not cars."

Syafiq shrugged, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "I may not be a mechanic, but I know my way around engines. If you show me what's wrong, I can give it a shot."

Sofia's father studied him for a moment, the skepticism still lingering. "It's not as easy as it looks. This model is older, and it has its quirks. But if you want to give it a try, be my guest."

"Thanks, sir," Syafiq said, moving closer to the car. He peered under the hood, his mind racing as he recalled the basics he'd learned working at the dealership. "What seems to be the problem?"

"There's a persistent noise coming from the engine," he explained, his tone slightly more relaxed. "I've tried tightening the belts, but it still doesn't sound right."

Syafiq nodded, focusing intently as he listened to the engine hum. "Let's see if we can track it down together." He began examining the engine components, feeling a sense of purpose flood through him.

As they worked side by side, the tension from the previous evening seemed to fade. Syafiq took the lead, pointing out areas that needed adjustment and explaining his thought process. "I think it might be the alternator," he suggested, feeling more confident. "Let's check the connections first."

To his surprise, Sofia's father didn't argue. Instead, he listened, nodding as Syafiq took charge. "You know your stuff," he admitted, his tone softer now. "I guess you do have a knack for this."

"Thanks," Syafiq replied, a hint of pride swelling in his chest. "I've always enjoyed working with engines, whether it's a motorcycle or a car. It's all about understanding how things work."

The older man's expression shifted, a mix of respect and contemplation crossing his features. "You seem to care about what you do. That's important," he said, a hint of approval creeping into his voice.

As they continued to work, Syafiq felt a sense of camaraderie building. Perhaps this was a chance to bridge the gap between them, to show that he was more than just a boy from a village. He wanted to prove himself worthy of Sofia's love, not just to her father, but to himself as well.

After several minutes of focused work, they managed to locate the issue—a loose connection that had been causing the noise. With a few adjustments, the engine roared to life, a deep, satisfying sound that echoed in the garage.