Chapter: 640

Caden's gaze was piercing as he admitted internally his desire for her.

Days had passed since their return, and she had kept her distance.

Now, so close to her, it was a struggle for him not to touch her.

But his needs went beyond the physical.

He yearned for more than just her silence.

Calming his rising anger, he suggested, “We need not be intimate. Let's address the issue at hand."

Alicia countered, her tone void of emotion, “There's nothing to address. If there's something between you and Yolanda, that is your choice to make."

At her words, a shadow fell over Caden's face.

His voice turned cold instantly. "Oh, is that right? That's very magnanimous of you."

Tension filled the air in an instant.

"As you said, Yolanda matters, and I ought to be more empathetic. Maybe I should just let her have you entirely," Alicia stated flatly.

With those final words, Caden propelled her forward abruptly.

His hand clasped around her delicate neck, forcing Alicia to look up into his intense eyes.

“Are you suggesting she take me? What am I to you, that you think you have the right to decide where I belong?" he demanded menacingly.

Alicia remained composed.

"You're right." Sorrow veiled her eyes as she murmured, "Caden, you're not planning to marry me, are you?"

The discussion of marriage was always a tender subject for them.

She hesitated to mention it.

Yet, in that moment, she yearned for a promise from Caden.

Caught in a swirl of emotions, Caden quickly dismissed the idea. "Of course not.”

A sharp ache pierced Alicia's heart.

“If there's no future for us, perhaps it's best you let me go," she proposed.

Bloodshot were Caden's eyes.

“Release you?" he questioned.

With a scoff, he retorted, "Should I just waste all my efforts?"

Alicia's complexion lost its color.

Indeed, he had been a significant support to her.

Their interactions had moments of brief warmth, yet the truth was bitter. Their arrangement was nothing more than a transaction.

Alicia shut her eyes, her body relaxing completely.

In silence, she started to undress.