Chapter 163:
Caden finished his shower and stepped out, noticing Alicia busy in the kitchen.
“What are you making?” he asked, walking over to stand behind her.
Alicia didn’t look up as she replied, “I know it’s late, but I suddenly wanted lasagna.”
Most of the preparation was already done.
Seeing her like this lifted Caden’s mood.
“Why are you going through all this trouble? We could just order in.”
“It’s late, and it’s cold outside. Most people are probably asleep by now. No one would want to be woken up to make lasagna,” Alicia answered.
Caden chuckled softly.
He knew plenty of places would still deliver at any hour for the right price.
However, he appreciated that Alicia wanted to make it herself.
He leaned in a little closer.
“When did you get the ingredients for this?”
Alicia felt his warm breath against her skin and shifted slightly, feeling a bit uneasy. “This afternoon.”
Earlier that day, after cooling down from their argument, she recalled how Jerald had scolded Caden, and how he hadn’t eaten much afterward.
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Feeling guilty, she decided to prepare something for him. She figured lasagna would be the easiest option.
Caden watched her closely, realizing that she had made the lasagna for his sake.
As she skillfully moved her hands over the ingredients, something stirred inside him. The urge to help her grew stronger, and he couldn’t resist.
After washing his hands, he joined her in the kitchen, helping to finish the lasagna.
He chopped the tomatoes with surprising speed and precision, quickly becoming her reliable helper.
“Have you done this before?” Alicia asked.
“No,” Caden answered, his focus entirely on the task at hand.
Alicia raised an eyebrow. “How did you get this good?”
“I’m quick to pick things up.”
When they pulled the lasagna from the oven, the rich scent filled the room, its warmth pushing back the cold of the winter night.
After they finished eating, Caden leaned in closer, using the closeness of the table to prolong the moment with Alicia.
Pretty soon, they were lost in each other.
They went through one condom after another. Caden felt satisfied and leaned in, biting her ear lightly. “That was great. I feel revitalized.”
Alicia pressed her hand over his mouth, her cheeks burning as she avoided his gaze.
Caden looked down at her, his gaze intense, filled with an overwhelming intensity. “Do you have something to say?”
Alicia felt as if she were sinking under the weight of his stare.
“Caden,” she muttered breathlessly. “Cum quickly.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible. Caden feigned ignorance. “What do you mean by quickly?”
Alicia’s words faltered as tension surged within her. “No… I meant to say…” But before she could finish, a soft moan slipped past her lips.
Time blurred as the night stretched on, shrouded in darkness.
Afterward, Alicia took a shower and then lay weakly in Caden’s arms, utterly drained.
The room fell into silence, and Caden gently toyed with a strand of her hair.
Alicia felt so sleepy that her thoughts began to drift.
“Caden,” she murmured.
“Yes?” he asked, pressing his chest against hers.
“I’m happy,” she whispered.
Caden paused, his arms still around her waist, before replying, “Alright.”
Alicia frowned, her eyes still closed. “You should say the same. It’s rude not to.”
“No one ever taught me manners,” Caden replied, feeling the warmth of her breath on his skin, her hair brushing softly against him.
He brushed her hair back, over and over again.
“Are you really not going to say it back? Caden, I even made lasagna for you!” Alicia remarked.
Her voice was soft and childlike, weighed down by sleep. Her words trailed off as exhaustion took over.
Caden smiled at the childish tone in her voice. “Why is it so important for you to hear me say it?”
Alicia spoke with clear frustration. “I want to hear it from you. But you refuse to say it. You’re such a jerk. This is the first winter we’ve spent together.”
By this time next year, they might not be together anymore.
Caden’s expression was hidden in the darkness. “I guess you have a point.”
Alicia waited for him to continue, but he stayed silent.
“Never mind,” she muttered. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” Then, she drifted off to sleep.
A week later, the painting arrived.
As per Caden’s instructions, it was delivered to the apartment.
That afternoon, he came home and found the painting still wrapped, set aside in a corner.
He took off his coat and saw Alicia on the sofa, sketching. “Aren’t you curious to see what it is?” he asked.
Alicia lifted her gaze. “It’s your package. I can’t open it without asking.”
Caden stayed quiet for a moment before picking up a utility knife to open the package.
Alicia moved closer and asked, “Is this for me?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?” Caden replied.
Alicia paused before responding, “You always say buying gifts is a hassle. Why would you bother getting something like this for me?” Despite her skepticism, there was hope in her voice.
She examined the package, trying to figure it out. “What is it?”
Caden didn’t answer right away. “You’ll see soon enough.”
When he unwrapped the package, Alicia saw the painting and was rendered speechless.
Emotions overwhelmed her—gratitude, surprise, shock, and sadness all mixed together.
It took her a few seconds to regain her composure.
“How did you end up with my mother’s painting?” she asked, her voice trembling.
Caden observed her closely, watching her reaction.
“Joshua sold it to me,” he replied.
“I specifically remember keeping this painting in a safe. How did he manage to get his hands on it?” Alicia asked. The confusion on her face was clear.
