Chapter 202:
Alicia had just slipped the thermos under her clothes when Caden lifted her out of the car.
As they entered the apartment, Cade rushed over excitedly, weaving between Caden’s legs. Caden nudged him away gently, but despite tumbling over, Cade’s excitement didn’t falter. He continued to follow them, barking enthusiastically.
Alicia watched Cade with a twinge of guilt. She turned to Caden and asked, “Did you feed him today?”
While carrying her to the bedroom, Caden replied, “No.”
“Why not?” Alicia’s brow furrowed in concern.
“It’s simple. Just canned food and milk,” Caden answered dismissively.
A hint of sarcasm crept into his voice as he added, “Why didn’t you think of him when you left with that male escort?”
Alicia fell silent at his remark. Choosing not to engage further, she stood up, clutching her stomach, and moved to leave.
Caden, clearly annoyed, asked, “Where are you going?”
gⱯlnσνe𝓁s․com has the stories you love
“To feed him,” she replied.
Caden sighed deeply and pulled her back toward the bed. “I’ve already fed him.”
At that moment, Cade scampered in, hopped onto the bed, and curled up next to Alicia. His tail wagged eagerly, and his breaths were heavy, clearly seeking affection.
Alicia’s heart softened, and she began to pet him gently, her frustration melting away as she felt the warmth of his presence.
Caden stepped out briefly but soon returned with warm water and a painkiller.
Alicia took the glass, still looking perplexed. “So, you can be thoughtful.”
Caden’s face remained expressionless as he replied, “Only when I realize it’s needed.”
Alicia thought about her father. So accustomed to being served by maids, he could hardly do anything for himself except work.
Alicia took a sip of the warm water, feeling its soothing heat spread through her throat and ease her stomach cramps.
“I’ve known many men who rely entirely on maids,” she commented.
Caden responded nonchalantly, “It’s not that they’re incapable. They simply choose not to.”
Alicia, having been pampered by her mother and aware of Joshua’s duplicity, was not easily impressed by a mere glass of water. Their issues required more than superficial fixes. They needed serious conversation.
Exhausted, Alicia lay in bed, slipping in and out of consciousness.
It was late when Caden finished his work and entered the room. He instinctively pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.
“Have you changed your mind?” he inquired.
Alicia opened her eyes and whispered, “No.”
Caden, unsurprised by her response, continued, “You’ve seen my medical report and understand my condition. Only you have the power to affect me. Don’t you see the unique opportunity here?”
Alicia responded sharply, “If you were in my position, would you agree to be used as a physical remedy?”
Caden’s retort was cutting. He scoffed, “If I were you, I’d have myself completely in control.”
Alicia rolled her eyes as he looked away. She remained silent.
The differences in thinking between men and women were stark. Sometimes, no amount of words could close that gap.
Caden nestled his face into her neck, his breaths slow. “Are you certain you won’t commit to me until we’re officially together?”
Alicia’s heart fluttered. She was uncertain of her true feelings for Caden. That was the root of her confusion.
She questioned him, “Why do you resist committing?”
As Caden caressed her, he stopped momentarily. His mind flooded with memories of his parents, who had once loved each other deeply, forming a perfect family. Then his father’s mistress arrived, a child in tow, born the same year as him.
His mother, overwhelmed by the revelation, suffered a miscarriage and died during surgery. Everything beautiful crumbled that night. It had all been a facade.
Jerald had been unfaithful from the first year of their marriage, keeping Shelia as his mistress for seven years. Love, Caden mused, was absurdly cheap.
As these bitter memories surfaced, his tone grew colder. “You seek love, and I respect that. But for me, marriage is merely a bargaining chip for business negotiations. I can’t offer you that.”
Alicia’s smile faded, tinged with sadness. “A bargaining chip… So, you’ll choose someone else.” She hesitated before asking, “If I agreed, what would our relationship be like until you marry?”
Caden gazed at her deeply, his hand gently caressing her face. “Your situation, right after leaving me, shows that both the Yates and Green families are watching you closely. Doesn’t that scare you?”
Alicia’s voice softened, almost uncertain. “Are you suggesting I’ll always be under your protection?”
“You could be,” Caden replied without hesitation.
Alicia’s breath caught in her throat. “You see me as your mistress?” she stammered. “Caden, haven’t you learned from your family’s downfall? Would you have me become another Shelia or Lilliana?”
