Chapter: 378
She couldn't understand the depth of Caden's plans or the secrets he held.
She didn't know what horrors he had faced growing up.
It must've been filled with suffering and loss.
His father had never cared for him, and his mother passed away when he was still vulnerable.
How could it not leave a mark on him?
How could he not long for affection?
In a quiet voice, she said, “When I fell into the pool at the Gray family's estate, I had a terrible dream. In the dream, I witnessed Joshua bullying you as a kid."
Caden's face showed no change. "Really? I figured you had a dream where you had wild sex with Joshua."
Alicia didn't know how to respond.
Her brief sadness vanished, and she muttered, “I was dead in the dream, just watching from above. Joshua kicked you, and I wanted to stop him, but I couldn't. I yelled, and that's when I woke up."
Caden's eyes narrowed.
He stared at her without blinking.
Alicia felt a bit uneasy under his intense gaze. “You know I'm soft -hearted. I hate seeing anyone get hurt, especially kids."
Caden pulled her onto his lap and spread her legs.
He leaned closer to her and whispered, "Kids?"
Alicia's nose was almost touching his.
She quickly looked away. “In my dream, you looked about eight or nine."
Seemingly displeased, Alicia added, “Just like when you transferred to my school. You were so irritating back then."
Something stirred deep inside Caden.
That year was the hardest moment of his life. After losing his mother, he buried his pain.
But for some reason, she had dreamed about it.
A strange feeling crept through him, though he kept it hidden behind his usual charm. “If I annoyed you so much, why did you bother saving me?"
Alicia paused, unsure of how to respond.
She wasn't sure of the reason, so she simply replied, "Like I said, I'm kind-hearted."
Caden let out a quiet laugh.
His breath warmed her face as he spoke each word slowly. "It's because you like me, Alicia."
Alicia felt her heart stop for a split-second.
She wanted to move, to pull away, but her body refused to listen, frozen in place as though some invisible force held her captive.
Caden's face was mere inches from hers, his breath warm against her skin, and his chiseled features so perfect they felt almost unreal.
The mischievous gleam in his deep eyes washed over her like an unstoppable tide, leaving her breathless.