"Come on. Tell me." Noah asked again, only for the girl to shake her head. His curiosity was at the peak now, and he was unable to tolerate the suspense that was killing him. They were close to Aria's apartment. But the girl stayed silent, not giving away a word about her plan for him.

"Drive to the parking garage. We will be staying here for the night." Aria's words surprised Noah, and he raised his brows at her. However, he could still not comprehend what she had planned and how she intended to surprise him. It was beyond his cognition what was running in the girl's mind currently. She had kept everything under wraps, keeping him on his toes the entire drive.

He drove towards the parking garage, and Aria nodded at the security who smiled seeing her after a long time. The two passed a knowing look which Noah completely missed. Even during the ride to her apartment on the elevator, Aria decided to stay mum, and eventually, he gave up asking her.

Aria picked up the packets that were lying outside her apartment, and Noah frowned at her, puzzled by her behavior. This time, Aria gave a reply much to his relief. "As you know I don't know how to cook, we will have to manage with delivery food. But don't worry. This is one of the best restaurants, and the food I have ordered is delicious, though not as delicious as the ones Ivy makes. I am sure you will love it too."

Still confused, Noah followed the girl inside the house which remained the same as he had last seen. He had expected it to have been decorated to celebrate his special occasion. However, the apartment was completely devoid of any kind of decoration. His frown deepened, and he stared at Aria, who seemed to be oblivious to his gaze.

Noah's spirit died seeing her indifference. He had expected a lot, hoping for a surprise that would blow his mind. The bland celebration hit him hard. However, he did not show his true emotions on his face to not hurt the girl he loved more than anyone in the world. He was happy that at least he was celebrating his birthday with her.

"Shall we eat dinner, first?" Aria placed all the packets on the dining table, and Noah nodded at her. Aria stifled a smile on seeing his dishearted face. Although the man tried too hard, extremely hard to mask his feelings, Aria could catch onto quickly. 'Wait for it, Noah. You will love whatever I have planned for you. Be prepared to get your mind blown.'

Noah helped Aria set up the plates, and they were just about to start when the bell rang. "Ah, right on time." Aria clapped her hands and rushed to the door, leaving a bewildered Noah to follow her. His confusion vanished when he saw the box in her hands. From the design of the box alone, he could guess what the girl was carrying. He broke out into a smile, his complaints about her lack of preparation vanishing completely.

Aria's eyes were twinkling, and she raised her brows at him playfully. "Let's cut the cake first." She chirped, and Noah nodded at her, words failing him at this overwhelming moment. He just followed her silently and waited for her to arrange the cake for him to cut it. Again, he was surprised the moment he saw the flavor of the cake.

"Blueberry cake?" He asked, unable to control his excitement. Not many people knew the cake he preferred to eat, and he was astonished to see it. As far as he remembered, he never mentioned his preference to her. 'How did she find out?'

Aria smiled at him and handed the knife to him. "Come on, birthday boy. Cut the cake." Noah chuckled hearing her way of addressing him. He just shook his head and held her hand in his. Aria gave him a questioning look.

"Let's cut the cake together." He stated and without waiting for the girl to reply, he pulled her close to him. Happy to comply with his request, Aria too did not push him away.

"Happy birthday, honey." Aria held the cake for Noah to eat, and the man ate it happily, his eyes gleaming in joy. Although Aria had not prepared a grant event for him, he was more than content with what she had done. He realized how stupid he had been a few moments ago. He did not need a grand celebration. He did not need a huge surprise. This small, thoughtful celebration filled with love was enough for him. His heart was bursting in joy, and he did not know how to express it.

Aria was eating the half-eaten slice of cake when Noah pulled her to him and slammed his lips to her, startling her completely. She did not even have the time to prepare herself when she felt his lips on hers. She even forgot to eat the cake in her mouth as she felt the man kiss her with all his might. Her hands were in the air as she gaped at Noah, who did care about her lack of response. He was ecstatic, and he wanted to kiss her. That's it.

Noah pulled her close until their chests were touching each other, his hands were wandering on her back before one of them reached her hair. He angled her head so that he could deepen the kiss. He smiled into the kiss when he did not feel Aria struggling, and he bit on her lips gently, coaxing her to open up for him. However, the girl remained frozen as ever.

Aria had no idea what was happening. When she felt Noah nip on her lips, only then did she come back to earth. She gasped when she felt him bite her, and Noah took this opportunity to delve his tongue inside her mouth only to taste the sweetness of the cake, which she was yet to swallow. With ease and deft moves, Noah attacked her tongue, forcing her to submit to him, and Aria did exactly what he wanted.

Aria did not even have the time to respond to the kiss when Noah pulled back and licked his lips. "Now the cake tastes even better. Thank you, darling, for such a delicious cake."