Chapter: 420

Caden looked up, catching her movement.

After a few brief words with Ciara, he ended the call and asked, “Where are you going?"

“Qut," Alicia whispered back, nodding subtly towards his phone. "Be careful, or your grandmother might overhear."

Caden's expression was hard to read as he watched her. "She's in Warrington. That call this morning probably aroused her curiosity," he mused, spreading his arms in a gesture of frustration. "I've already hung up. No need to act so secretive. Come here."

Alicia hesitated but then lay back down beside him.

Nervously, she asked, “Is Ciara going to come here?"

"No, she's curious but knows to keep her distance," Caden reassured her.

Alicia curled up in the blanket, finding comfort next to him. “Why does she care so much about whether you have a girlfriend? A guy like you must have plenty of admirers."

He gently touched her cheek. "She's eager for me to marry."

Alicia was taken aback, but since she was facing away, he couldn't see her expression.

After a long pause, she finally said, "That makes sense. She's getting older; it's about time she had a great-grandchild.”

Caden glanced down at Alicia, noticing her tightly closed eyes. She appeared sleepy, but her long lashes fluttered occasionally, betraying that she was still awake.

He smiled and asked, “How much would you give as a wedding gift if I were to marry?"

Without opening her eyes, Alicia replied, "Two hundred dollars."

"Only two hundred?" Caden teased. "How about thirteen hundred dollars? That's the fee for my first overnight stay."

Alicia's eyes snapped open, and she elbowed him.

Then, turning serious, she said, “If you get married, I'm not coming. It wouldn't be appropriate."

"Feeling embarrassed?" he asked with a smirk.

She pulled the blanket over her face, her voice muffled. "I'm going to sleep."

Caden chuckled softly, turned off the Light, and lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms.

For a while, silence enveloped them. Then Alicia gently moved his arm away.

"Do you have someone to marry?" she asked softly.

"My family has arranged someone, but I haven't met her yet," he replied lazily.

"So, you do," she murmured, realization dawning on her.

Sensing her unease, Caden added, “I will only get married after our collaboration is over."

But Alicia felt a tightness in her chest, the weight of their situation pressing down on her.

"You should have told me sooner," she whispered. Tossing aside the blanket, she sat up and began adjusting her clothes, her back turned to him.

Caden's expression darkened, a rare flash of anger crossing his features. "Didn't I mention it? Nothing is definite yet."

Alicia pressed her lips together, grappling with her emotions.

Deciding that silence was best, she stood up to leave.