Chapter: 489

"Maybe," she whispered, contemplating her constant emotional state even after a disastrous marriage. She believed that if something was amiss, it wasn't the ingredients but the chef's fault.

In this day and age, wearing one's heart on their sleeve was akin to foolishness.

“Caden, if you expect me to depend on you, prove you can handle me," she stated flatly. "If not, it's best we go our separate ways.”

“If I really tried, could you handle it?" Caden retorted sharply.

"You're just looking for a partner in bed. You feel nothing for me. What's the point of all this talk? Do you even care if I can't handle it?"

Caden's expression grew stormy.

Losing patience, he tossed aside the blanket and got out of bed.

"You're planning to open a gallery, right? I've arranged for someone to set it up. Once the paperwork is ready, talk to Gerry."

Alicia's throat tightened at his icy tone.

"No."

“Whether you like it or not, it's yours to manage now. I've reaped the benefits these past few months, and that's your compensation," he declared as he stood.

His silhouette merged with the light, leaving a chilling impression behind.

“When you leave tomorrow, don't forget your stupid dog," he added coldly.

Alicia was left frozen.

He clarified the situation unequivocally.

Now unable to reconcile their differences, they were set to become strangers.

With the mention of the gallery, he seemed to erase every trace of their recent history.

Alicia tensed slightly, overhearing the sound of the door closing as he left.

She paused to collect herself, then reached for her phone to arrange for movers.

She began packing her belongings shortly thereafter.

In the living room, Caden was smoking. He watched her pack in silence without attempting to intervene, his expression unreadable.

Alicia had only been here a few months.

Their days were filled with shared meals and intimacy, yet she had little to call her own here.

After packing, including some of Cade's items, all her possessions barely filled one suitcase.

Despite feeling weak, Alicia composed herself, determined not to show her vulnerability, though her hands trembled as she prepared to leave with the suitcase.

Caden noticed her effort to remain poised, which only aggravated him.

He inhaled deeply from his cigarette, the smoke scorching his throat.

“Would it really be so bad to stay one more night?" he asked.

Facing away from him, Alicia felt a surge of resentment. "I don't want to be in the way."

The movers arrived promptly downstairs.