Chapter: 490
The driver called up to her impatiently, "Why aren't you down yet? It's really cold out here!"
"Just a moment, I'll be right there," Alicia responded gently.
Upon realizing she was a woman, the driver's tone became more accommodating. "Do you need help with your stuff?"
"There's no need," Alicia replied.
She then cradled Cade in one arm and grasped the suitcase with the other, exiting the apartment.
Caden forcefully extinguished his cigarette, snuffing out the ember.
The cigarette was out, yet the emotional turmoil inside him intensified.
Alicia understood Caden deeply.
She was certain he meant every word he had spoken that night.
He wasn't one to beg or plead, having tolerated the situation for only so long, and he had reached his limit.
Resolved, Alicia decided she would cut all ties with him.
The initial hotel she had booked felt unsafe, prompting her to switch to another. As she lay in bed, thoughts of Caden invaded her mind.
Her heart ached, a tingling sensation filled her nose, and tears silently streamed down her face.
Joshua, who had been part of her life for years, had brought feelings of gratitude and guilt, yet they paled in comparison to the heartache Caden induced.
Thinking of Caden felt like an endless downpour, chilling her heart without respite.
She spent the entire night awake.
By dawn, when her alarm sounded, she turned it off mechanically and rose to prepare for the day.
Her sleep had been restless, and her stomach ached, but missing work was not an option.
As she exited the bathroom, her phone rang unexpectedly-it was Caden.
Hesitant, she answered but remained silent.
Caden spoke with detachment. “You left something in the cloakroom.”
Leaning weakly against the table, Alicia Listened.
He reminded her of the clothes, jewelry, and bags he had bought, none of which she had used.
"I haven't opened any of them. Do with them as you please."
"I'll dispose of everything," he stated coldly, his voice sending a shiver down her spine.
He ended the call abruptly.
Clutching her phone, Alicia was overwhelmed by the memories of shopping trips with Caden, feeling a numbing sense of loss.
Lost in her thoughts, she eventually regained her composure and took a painkiller to ease her discomfort.
Alicia was relieved that her physical condition was robust, as her menstrual cramps faded quickly.
She gathered her strength and continued to teach her students with dedication over the next several days.