Caden’s face darkened further at her sudden remark. In fact, he had already planned to propose; he just hadn’t told anyone yet. So Alicia’s concerns were quite understandable. Having a child out of wedlock was not ideal for a young woman.

“I’ll get the pills later,” Caden finally said.

A thick, heavy silence fell in the car.

Alicia wasn’t sure why, but she felt deflated, like a balloon that had been punctured after being filled to its limits. She was listless.

One thought kept echoing in her mind, though — it seemed like Caden really didn’t want to marry her.

It took a while of gazing out at the unfamiliar scenery, but Alicia eventually realized that they were far from home.

“Caden, where are we going?”

His eyes flickered.

“I’m taking you to buy jewelry. Are you up for that?”

Every woman liked pretty, shiny things. More than the jewelry, though, Alicia valued spending time with Caden. He was often busy, and any free time he had to spare her was usually spent in bed. Going out to eat, much less shopping, was like a rare treat.

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Now that Alicia thought about it, they had yet to go on a proper date.

Once they reached the crowded mall district, Caden took over the steering wheel and drove the car himself.

“Don’t you trust your own product?” Alicia teased.

“I’m in the car too, so I have to consider my own safety.” Caden raised an eyebrow and shot her a sideways glance.

“When the day comes that I tire of you, I’ll just hop in, activate the autopilot, and see where this car takes me.” Alicia propped her elbow on the window and leaned her head on her hand.

“And when will that be?”

“Maybe in eighty years, maybe in eight years,” Caden said with a shrug. “Or maybe in eight days. Who knows?”

Alicia chuckled dryly.

They pulled over in the parking lot, and Caden opened the door for her. But instead of getting out, Alicia suddenly raised her hand and grabbed at the air near him.

“What’s wrong?” Caden asked in bewilderment.

Alicia held up her closed fist.

“There was a mosquito just now, but I managed to catch it.”

“Why would a mosquito even be here?”

“Check if it’s dead.” Alicia extended her fist toward him. “Quick, come closer.”

Caden gave her another pointed look. He knew she was up to something, but he leaned in anyway.

“Let me see.” Alicia opened her hand, and the next thing he knew, she slapped him in the crotch.