Chapter: 296

Caden sighed. He cradled her with one arm, while using the other to carry the bag, making his way upstairs.

Once inside, he placed her down carefully on the sofa. As he settled her down, a photo album slipped out of the bag and landed at his feet.

He glanced at the cover. It showed Alicia as a baby with her parents.

In the picture, she was only a few months old, her cheeks round and her skin fair. She smiled at the camera, revealing two tiny white teeth. She looked utterly adorable.

Caden had never seen these photographs before. He couldn't resist opening the album.

On the first page, there was a picture of Alicia on the day she was born.

The photograph showed Alicia, freshly cleaned and wrapped in a soft blanket, crying as a newborn.

Below the image, there was a line of elegant handwriting that read, “Our beloved daughter, Lucky."

Caden narrowed his eyes slightly, rubbing his thumb over the name.

“Lucky, huh?" he murmured.

Alicia was still in a deep sleep when she heard the sound of his voice. She instinctively snuggled closer to him, murmuring softly, "Yeah..."

Caden looked down at her, observing her peaceful expression, before gently closing the album.

He turned off the living room lights and switched on the air conditioner. Then, with Alicia still in his arms, he lay down beside her, letting his eyes close as he drifted off to sleep.

Morning eventually came.

When Caden woke, he realized Alicia was no longer by his side.

He checked his watch, and to his surprise, it was already nine o'clock in the morning.

Caden couldn't quite remember how he had fallen asleep the previous night. His memories were a blur, unlike his usual nights of insomnia and restless dreams.

He quickly freshened up, getting ready to leave, when something caught his eye on the dining table. He walked over and realized it was breakfast, prepared by Alicia.

Feeling curious, he picked up the food and took a bite.

The taste was well-balanced, rich but not overwhelming. The flavors blended perfectly, leaving a delightful sensation in his mouth.

It was surprisingly good.

He continued eating as he made his way to the door. Grabbing his car keys, he stepped outside.

Caden realized that unlike most mornings when he only had a cup of coffee, he felt genuinely satisfied after having this breakfast.

If his stomach could speak, it might say, “Finally, a proper breakfast after so long.”

When he arrived at the office, he switched immediately into work mode.

He handed the breakfast Hank had bought for him back to Hank.

Hank looked confused. “Why? Skipping breakfast isn't good for you, sir."

Caden replied, "I'll eat at home from now on. You don't need to buy me breakfast anymore."

Hank's eyes lit up with interest. “Did your maid make it? You must've really enjoyed it to change your mind after just one try. She must be a fantastic cook. Do you think she could make some for me as well?"

Caden looked up at Hank and said bluntly, "Keep dreaming."