Chapter: 382

Caden paused for a moment before replying, "Just make sure we're stocked up on condoms. We always seem to run out."

Alicia found herself speechless once again.

It was the weekend, and she had a self-defense class scheduled.

There had been a lot of new students lately, so the studio arranged a group meal after class. Alicia thought about it for a while and agreed to join.

The coach noticed her brief hesitation and asked with curiosity, "Do you have plans tonight?"

Alicia was caught off guard and quickly shook her head. "No, I don't have anything planned."

The coach smiled. "I thought you had a date. No worries, these get- togethers happen often. If you're busy today, you can always join us next time."

Alicia returned the smile, looking graceful. "No, it's just that I have a puppy at home. I'm a bit worried, so I'll have to leave early after dinner."

For some reason, a wave of guilt crept in after she said this, and she lowered her head, adjusting her clothes.

The coach raised an eyebrow. "You live alone?"

"I do."

"You're so gorgeous. Are you really not seeing anyone?" the coach asked.

Alicia shook her head. "No, I just went through a divorce and I'm not looking to date right now."

The coach was taken by surprise.

She was divorced?

That day, winter had officially begun, bringing light rain and a chill in the air.

As dinner continued, the atmosphere grew livelier. Alicia glanced at the time and saw it was already past nine, yet the gathering showed no signs of ending. For some reason, she began thinking of Caden.

He never stayed out past ten.

Should she leave early?

If he were home, he would have messaged her by now.

The absence of any message meant he still wasn't back.

Alicia shook her head, trying to push the thought away.

Why was she so hung up on something so normal?

By ten, the dinner finally wrapped up.

Though Caden hadn't sent her a message, she decided to head home anyway.

It dawned on her that she was acting strangely.

On her way back, a voice nagged in her mind, “He's not home yet. If he were, he'd be calling you nonstop, telling you to come back.”

Caden had always been impatient. He approached everything with intensity and determination.

Waiting wasn't his style.

Since there was no message from him, it was clear he hadn't come home yet. Alicia didn't feel the need to rush.