Chapter: 703

And tonight, with his cold, decisive actions, he had shattered any illusion she had left.

He didn't like her, not one bit.

A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she stared down at her glass of water.

As the night wore on, the crowd shifted, people coming and going, and the bar began to thin out.

Realizing how late it had gotten, Alicia sighed, settled her bill, and stepped outside.

The crisp night air hit her, carrying with it the scent of rain. She pulled her coat tighter around her when she noticed him-Caden.

He stood there, hands buried in his pockets, his coat billowing slightly in the wind. His dark eyes locked onto hers, unyielding, as if he'd been waiting there for her all along.

For a second, Alicia froze, her breath catching in her throat. Then, with a stubborn tilt of her chin, she turned away, her steps quickening.

But Caden wasn't one to be ignored. He caught up to her easily, his presence commanding as he said in a low voice, “Alicia, let's talk.”

Without so much as gracing him with a response, Alicia stepped aside to bypass him. But Caden moved with her, blocking her path without laying a hand on her.

His broad chest stood like an immovable fortress in front of her.

She inhaled deeply, tilting her head up to meet his intense gaze.

"What do you want? Just say it and be done."

"It's freezing. Let me take you home first," Caden said, his voice steady as he slid his coat off and gently draped it over her shoulders.

"Are we really that close?" Alicia's voice turned sharp as she brushed his hand away, her cool tone matching the cold wind.

Caden's eyes darkened, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior.

He had only just declared they weren't close-not even close enough to break up-yet now, here he was, pleading with her.

Oh, how the tables had turned.

“We're not close, I get that," Caden murmured, swallowing his pride.

“But can you give me a chance? Let me apologize properly."

His voice dropped, softer now, almost vulnerable. "Is that too much to ask?"

Alicia held his gaze for several seconds, her eyes hard, before she scoffed.

"An apology? From Mr. Ward?" Her mocking tone cut through the air.

"I don't think so. It's late. Let's just go our separate ways."

She spun on her heel, ready to leave, but Caden reached out, his fingers curling around her wrist, pulling her back toward him.

“Let go," Alicia hissed, yanking her arm, but his grip only tightened, keeping her rooted there.

Anger flashed in her eyes. “Caden, I'm trying to be civil, but if you keep pushing, I swear, I'll cuss you the fuck out."

Instead of backing off, her fiery outburst seemed to soothe him.

"Go ahead," he said, surprisingly calm. "Say whatever you need to. I can handle it."

Her lips parted in shock, disbelief flickering in her eyes. "I never thought I'd see the day you'd be this docile."