Chapter 208:
Alicia stood with her back to him. “Do you need anything else?”
Caden’s voice was cold. “Turn around and face me when you speak.”
Reluctantly, Alicia turned to face him, wary of his unpredictable reactions.
Caden’s gaze dropped to her knee.
His expression unreadable, Alicia reassured him, “It’s nothing. Just a minor bump.”
“Was I showing concern?” Caden replied sharply. “Remove all your belongings, except for the painting,” he commanded.
Alicia was momentarily lost for words.
She realized just how deep Caden’s disdain for her ran, far more than she had imagined.
However, he was right.
She decided to remove everything, ending their ties once and for all.
Setting the painting aside, she began to carefully gather her things.
Although they were insignificant items, she decided to dispose of them, knowing Caden had used them. She started filling a large trash bag, item by item.
Caden watched her with growing annoyance.
“Enough,” he muttered, closing his eyes for a moment.
“I’m almost finished,” Alicia responded flatly.
Caden remained silent.
As he watched, he noticed her discarding a glass he often used.
ᗰ𝕠尺乇 ひ卩ᗪ卂ㄒ乇丂 丨几 galη𝖔veƖs. ¢σм
“Why are you throwing out my belongings?” he asked, frowning.
“I’ve used them. I wouldn’t want you to feel tainted,” Alicia retorted.
He was left stunned into silence.
Alicia then moved to the kitchen, packing up the pots and pans into the bag.
“These were my purchases,” she reminded him, continuing her task.
Caden stood there, momentarily speechless.
Then he remarked, “We’ve shared a bed and kissed. Should I throw myself into your trash bag too?”
Alicia responded indifferently, “Suit yourself.”
Caden clenched his jaw in frustration.
In a moment of stress, he reached for the calming candle beside him.
But as soon as he lit it, Alicia swiftly extinguished the flame and tossed it into the trash.
Now slightly calmer, Caden questioned, “You’re taking everything with you, aren’t you?”
Alicia reconsidered, remembering the candle’s value. She retrieved it from the trash and placed it in her bag.
“It’s too sullied for you. I’ll keep it,” she declared.
Caden scoffed dismissively.
Who cared about the candle, anyway?
After tidying up for over an hour, Alicia announced, “All done. Check if you like.”
Caden didn’t bother to verify.
He knew Alicia well enough. She had likely discarded even the smallest reminders of their time together.
“Have you emptied the bedroom completely?” he inquired, eyeing her.
Alicia nodded affirmatively.
“Everything I’ve ever touched is gone,” she confirmed.
Caden inspected the room to make sure.
Returning, he held several unopened condoms.
Alicia averted her gaze.
“These are yours. I’ve never used them,” she stated coldly.
Annoyed, Caden threw them into the nearby trash bag.
“I’ve grown to detest this brand. It reminds me too much of our dismal time together.”
Alicia fell into silence, her anger nearly pushing her to laughter.
“Dismal?” she mused inwardly. “If it was truly that terrible, why the repeated encounters? Why continue when I was clearly tired? How could he extend our moments together, turning a brief session into a marathon?”
She scoffed dismissively.
“Honestly, you’re hardly as impressive as you think. I once blamed you, but now I realize it’s your issues at play.”
Caden’s lips twisted into a cold sneer.
“Is that so? Then how do you explain wetting the sheets before I even entered you?” he challenged.
Although Alicia was used to his harsh words, this time, they stung.
Refusing to back down, she shot back, “You call our times together dreadful, yet your face always showed sheer delight. Why is that?”
“Men can fake pleasure too,” Caden replied flatly.
Alicia smirked. “Fake? Interesting choice of words. I was faking it the whole time, and so was the so-called evidence. It was all a ruse.”
Caden fell silent, his fists clenching in frustration.
Seeing his reaction, Alicia knew it was time to leave.
“It’s alright to admit you’re struggling, but you should seek help soon. I wish you well,” she said, gathering her belongings and the painting, determined to leave the toxic environment behind.
