Brendan sighed helplessly, removed his coat as he got into the car, and draped it over Deirdre's legs. "If it gets too hot, take it off."

Deirdre pulled the coat up to her nose, inhaling the faint scent emanating from him, and closed her eyes for a moment.

Brendan fastened his seatbelt. "If you get hungry on the way to Village Alnwick, let me know. It's quite a long journey, so don't force yourself."

Deirdre's expression suddenly turned grim, and her pupils revealed a struggle within.

Before Brendan started the car, she quickly spoke up, "Brendan!"

Brendan paused. "What's wrong?"

Deirdre bit her lower lip. "I... I think we shouldn't go there right now. How about we spend our day off together, just the two of us? You can choose the location. I'll accompany you anywhere in Neve."

Brendan smiled and gently enveloped her cold hand in his warm palm. "Aren't we already on a date? It's just that instead of going anywhere in Neve, we are alone together in our own world. Isn't that bette