Chapter: 681

But he never anticipated a simple “Happy Christmas."

His throat was dry. "You hate me now, don't you?"

Alicia responded, “Hate? I never hate you except when I was nine."

Caden was caught off guard.

Nine?

When Alicia was nine, Caden was mourning his mother's death and had taken a year off from school. Eventually, to avoid sinking further into grief, he forced himself to recover and then transferred to her school.

That year, their lives became closely intertwined.

He was dark and withdrawn from losing his nearest family, while Alicia, cherished by her parents, was vibrant Like a pearl.

He was jealous and resentful. He used his exceptional intelligence to take her top position, outsmarting her in every way he could.

"I'm sorry," Caden murmured.

Alicia replied flatly, "Too late."

Caden swallowed hard and stayed quiet.

Then Alicia's tone deepened. "Caden, do you know why I hated you back then?"

She disclosed a pain she had long concealed. "My father never liked me. Only the highest grades and achievements got his attention. The year you outshone everyone, he slapped me in front of our entire family."

As she spoke, the memory felt as raw as if it were happening again.

She laughed amidst her tears. "It hurt so much, Caden. I was his child. Why couldn't he love me?"

Afterward, she went back to school and was faced with Caden's cold indifference.

He resented her.

Just like her father, he seemed to dislike her for no apparent reason.

From that point, the next twelve years of her life were marked by defiance.

Until her parents died, she never managed to outperform Caden.

After the call, silence followed.

It signified an unspoken conclusion to their nonsensical relationship.

They separated gracefully. There were no arguments or unresolved feelings.

Caden settled onto the couch.

His thoughts were clouded, and he smoked without thinking.

He stayed in this daze until morning.

Having experienced the harsh sting of defeat before, he recognized the dangers of excess.

So, he didn't let himself stay soaked in sadness for too long. He got up, took a shower, and pulled himself out of the struggle.

Then he bought Christmas gifts and went back to Joy Mansion.