Darcy finished her class, packed her books, and headed for the campus gates with her backpack. It was the first day of the semester; the campus was bustling, and traffic was heavy. She had quite a time finding an available ride-share bicycle. Just as she was about to pull out her phone to scan the QR code, her gaze fell on a familiar luxury car parked across the street. A man, elegant and poised, stood beside the car, a faint smile curving his lips. Darcy's eyes instantly brightened. He opened his arms. A second later, she melted into his chest, warm and soft, her scent familiar as ever brushing his nose. Jethro tightened his hold on the woman in his arms, that long-missed breath of hers settling him. "Everything's settled?" Her muffled voice came from his chest. "Yes. All settled." "Good." Darcy, understanding him perfectly, didn't press for details or ask about the aftermath. She trusted that if Jethro said it was settled, it truly was. "Let's get in the car. It's pretty crowded here," Darcy reminded him after a while, her cheeks slightly flushed as she gently pinched his waist. Jethro stroked her hair. "Alright." He walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, waited for her to get in, then carefully fastened her seatbelt before returning to the driver's seat. Before the car even started, Darcy's phone on the central console vibrated with a notification. Jethro glanced over. "Class over? First day must be tiring."He raised an eyebrow, his deep eyes turning to Darcy. "Someone's texting you." Darcy awkwardly picked up her phone. She'd left it on the console when she got in. Of all times, it had to be now that Wesley texted her. She quickly fired off a half-hearted reply and flipped the phone face down on her lap. Jethro's gaze lingered, sharp with a hint of sourness. "Who are you texting?" Darcy scratched her head. "Uh... that guy..." "Oh. The blind date," Jethro drawled, his tone unreadable. Darcy rushed to explain, "My mom told me not to delete his number, that's why I haven't... But I already made it clear I'm not interested." The man in the driver's seat went quiet. Just as Darcy thought he'd dropped it, the car rounded a corner and pulled slowly over onto a quieter street. Jethro unbuckled his seatbelt, hauled her toward him with one hand, cupped the back of her head with the other, tilted her chin up, and crashed his lips onto hers. At first, Darcy thought it'd be quick. But he only grew more demanding. Her hands pressed against his firm chest as she was forced to tilt her head back, enduring his fierce kiss. Soon, she couldn't take it anymore—she whimpered and struggled. He let up slightly, but only for a second before his lips were on hers again. The quiet car filled with the sound of their mingled breath and soft moans, the air thick with raw tension. The temperature inside the car spiked. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jethro let her go completely. His warm breath fanned her ear. His voice was low and rough when he spoke. "You still owe me a title." Dizzy from lack of air, Darcy blinked for a second before a laugh bubbled out.She rested her chin on his shoulder, her soft fingers clinging to him. "What title do you want? Our relationship's an open secret. Everyone knows." Jethro turned his head, kissing the corner of her mouth. "Take me to meet your mom. Let her know I'm not worse than that blind date guy." Darcy's eyes sparkled with amusement. Ah. So that's it. He's jealous. No wonder he suddenly went crazy mid-drive. She nodded, murmuring softly, "My mom already knew we were together. But after the whole Annie thing, she thought we broke up. That's why she set me up with her neighbor's nephew." She then told Jethro the whole blind date story in detail. Jethro pinched her nose, the jealousy still lingering. "Make it crystal clear to him, then delete his contact. Next week, I'll pay your family a proper visit." Darcy smiled, "Alright. I'll smooth things over with my mom first." As dusk fell, the car pulled slowly up to the entrance of her apartment complex. Darcy unbuckled her seatbelt, reminding him to drive safely and text her when he got home. But he caught her arm. Darcy blinked, confused by what he wanted. Jethro turned his cheek toward her. "I want a goodnight kiss." Darcy rolled her eyes internally. Dude, it's not even that late for a goodnight kiss. But she couldn't resist that expectant look in his eyes. Her heart melted instantly. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Alright," she said, patting his cheek like she was coaxing a kid. "I'm heading in now." Not satisfied, he pulled her back into his arms, kissing her over and over again. Only after she kept urging him did he finally sigh and let her go, watching her get out of the car. "See you." Darcy smiled and waved toward the car. She turned around—and found her mother, Ione, standing right behind her.