Caden laughed, already a few steps ahead in his plans.

“I’ll do it on her birthday.”

Gerry squinted and asked, “And when is her birthday?”

“November 23rd.”

Gerry’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“November 23rd? Why does that ring a bell? Feels like someone else has a birthday on that day too.”

Caden was not interested in other people’s birthdays. He glanced down, realizing his excitement was rapidly fading, and prepared to leave the kitchen. Gerry, on the other hand, was lost in his thoughts. Who else shared the same birthday?

After pondering for a while, he suddenly slapped his thigh.

“I remember now!” he exclaimed.

“It’s Yolanda!”

But Caden was already gone. Gerry shot to his feet.

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“Hey! Where are you off to?”

Yolanda had become a taboo topic between them, so Gerry didn’t mention anything when he caught up with Caden. He was in high spirits, planning his proposal, and Gerry didn’t want to jinx it with negative talk.

The weather outside was still pleasant when they finished their meal. Alicia dozed off during their drive home.

When she woke up, the car was still moving, but the sunroof was open, and she could see tufts of white clouds passing by the blue sky. The sunlight was clear and warm, and the September breeze was refreshing against her skin.

“You’re awake,” a deep voice said beside her.

Alicia closed her eyes again and inhaled deeply. Acting on instinct, she hooked her arm around Caden’s and leaned against his shoulder. His familiar scent enveloped her like a blanket of comfort, leaving her blissful and content.

“I’m still a bit sleepy, want to nap a little longer,” she murmured, nuzzling her face against his bicep.

“I feel like I already slept for ages.”

“Why aren’t we at the apartment?”

Without warning, Caden slipped his other hand under her shirt, shamelessly taking liberties as he pleased.

“We’re not going back to the apartment.”

Alicia shivered at his touch. Her eyes flew open to look at the driver, only to find the driver’s seat empty.

“What? Where’s the driver?”

“The car is on self-driving mode,” Caden replied. “No driver needed.”

Alicia frowned, finding his behavior ridiculous. The self-driving technology wasn’t fully developed yet. How could he let it take over just like that? She slapped his hand away and sat up straight.