Chapter 613: Caden laughed, already a few steps ahead in his plans. "I'll do it on her birthday," he said.

Gerry squinted. "And when is her birthday?"

"November 23rd."

Gerry's brows furrowed. "November 23rd? Why does that ring a bell? Feels like someone else has a birthday on that day, too."

Caden wasn't interested in other people's birthdays. His excitement fading, he prepared to leave the kitchen. Gerry, however, was lost in thought. Who else shared that birthday? After a moment, he slapped his thigh.

"I remember now!" he exclaimed. "It's Yolanda!" But Caden was already gone.

Gerry leaped to his feet. "Hey! Where are you off to?" Yolanda was a taboo topic, so Gerry remained silent when he caught up with Caden. Caden was in high spirits, planning his proposal, and Gerry didn't want to jinx it.

The weather remained pleasant as they finished their meal. Alicia dozed off during the drive home. When she awoke, the car was still moving, the sunroof open, white clouds drifting across the blue sky. The sunlight was warm, the September breeze refreshing.

"You're awake," a deep voice said beside her.

Alicia closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. Instinctively, she hooked her arm around Caden and leaned against his shoulder. His scent enveloped her, leaving her blissful.

"I'm still a bit sleepy," she murmured, nuzzling his bicep. "I feel like I already slept for ages. Why aren't we at the apartment?"

Without warning, Caden slipped his hand under her shirt. "We're not going back to the apartment."

Alicia shivered at his touch. Her eyes snapped open. The driver's seat was 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. How could he let it take over so casually? She slapped his hand away and sat up straight.