Chapter: 549

Caden felt satisfied, letting his hands roam under her clothes, and she didn't resist.

“Why are you being so compliant?" he asked.

Alicia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

In the gentlest tone, she spoke the harshest words. “You won't be able to do anything anyway. If you're okay with feeling frustrated, go ahead."

Caden remained silent.

He adjusted his behavior.

He squeezed out some ointment and began applying it to her bruises.

Alicia could sense his patience as he carefully massaged the sore spots over and over.

It was completely unlike him.

She lay there quietly, a small smile on her lips. Then she teased, "You're definitely making an effort to have sex sooner."

Caden caught the sarcasm in her voice.

But he didn't deny it.

Alicia learned a lesson.

To keep receiving his attention, she needed to maintain her value.

Their physical attraction was undeniable, but one day, it would fade.

To stay relevant, she needed to grow in every way.

She turned her gaze to Caden.

As she looked at him, she pictured him being admired by many, gracing headlines, and shining under the spotlight.

Caden noticed her stare. "What is it?"

Alicia replied calmly, "Your actions have made me realize something."

“And what's that?"

"I need to be strong and self-reliant, so no one can take advantage of me."

Caden responded instinctively, "With a man like me by your side, no one will dare to bully you."

Alicia smiled softly.

“When I married Joshua, he promised me the same thing.”

Caden observed her mocking yet determined expression, feeling a moment of unease.

She had come to her own conclusions, and she no longer placed the same trust and dependence in him.

The pricey medication worked its magic.

After two days of applying it, Alicia's pain had completely subsided.

Still, Caden wasn't rushing things.