“Even though we're not working together now, it's only right to say thanks. But they're pretty far out. If it gets too late, I'll just head back at dawn."

"Got it. You heading out now Gerard's voice was deep, threading through the line with concern.

"Yes," Lilah affirmed and then ended the call. After a quick shower in her lounge and grabbing her keys, she was ready to hit the road.

Reaching the parking lot, she stopped in her tracks. A sleek black Rolls-Royce sat beside her own car, its license plate unmistakably flashy. The window slid down, and there was Gerard, as handsome as ever.

"Gerard?" she blurted out, her surprise unmistakable.

“Jump in," he said, a soft command that had her sliding into the passenger seat without a second thought.

Settling in, she turned to him, puzzled. “What are you doing here?"

“I was nearby when you called. Couldn't let you drive to the boondocks alone. Just tell me where we're going, and I'm with you,"

Gerard said, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly.

“And Calvin?" Lilah's curiosity piqued as she glanced over her shoulder.

“He caught a cab home," Gerard answered simply.

Meanwhile, on a chilly sidewalk, Calvin was a lone figure in the biting wind, waiting for his ride. Every shiver was a silent oath to his dedication; the cold biting at him seemed trivial against the backdrop of loyalty.

Lilah was taken aback by Gerard's remarkable thoughtfulness, not anticipating such considerate behavior from him. Her concern about potential drowsiness during a long drive had been a weight on her mind, so when she heard his soothing words, an immense sense of relief washed over her.

Inside the car, the melodious tunes filled the air and the temperature outdoors gradually dipped as winter drew near. Along the roadside, the trees had shed nearly all their leaves, casting a skeletal appearance. However, within the cozy confines of the car, an inviting warmth enveloped Lilah, coaxing a contented smile from her as she ventured into the territory of her cherished childhood.

"I still remember this road. When I was a child, this very stretch was lined with an array of food stalls. Each afternoon, as I'd saunter past them after school, the wafting aromas were irresistible.

Regrettably, back then, my pockets held no coin to indulge. It wasn't until I finally possessed two dollar notes that I decided to splurge on a tempting snack with one dollar, only to watch helplessly as the wind whisked away my precious note.

Gently gripping the steering wheel with one hand, Gerard exhibited an air of casual ease, though he exuded an aura of steadfast security.

He inquired in a mellifluous and subdued tone, "And then?"

“I couldn't bear to surrender, so I impulsively tossed the other note in the wind, hoping it might reunite with the one I'd lost. Alas, both notes vanished for good."

Lilah shared the whimsical memory, unable to contain her laughter at the recollection.

Observing her with profound intensity, Gerard couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her.

Despite being the eldest daughter of the Phillips family, Lilah had experienced a challenging and modest existence, yet she harbored no grievances toward life. On the contrary, she found happiness in it.

It was, perhaps, the openness of Lilah's heart that led to her unburdened confessions. Gerard, from time to time, nodded in silent understanding.

After a spell, Lilah noticed Gerard's extended silence and began to feel a hint of self-consciousness, playfully scratching her head.