Chapter: 706

Alicia didn't resist.

He gently caressed her hand, looking down. "I've taken care of Yolanda. She won't be back in Warrington. I'm sorry for the frostbite -that was my fault. I shouldn't have made you apologize to her. If you're still angry, you can punish me in any way you want."

Alicia sneered, "Why should I punish you? It's my own fault for being inadequate. I owe her an apology."

Her sense of inadequacy made her feel as if she couldn't win Caden's affection.

Now, she felt everything was her burden to bear.

She pushed him away, her expression stern. "Caden, you're a man of prominence. I don't want to upset you, so I'll hold back my harsh words. Keep some dignity for yourself."

Caden's gaze intensified.

“Alicia, I don't want to hear such things," he said, his voice constricted. “I want only you."

He drew her into his embrace.

Then he murmured, “I can't live without you."

He truly couldn't.

After their argument, he left Warrington, hoping that work would keep his mind off her.

But it only made things worse. Staying away from her only deepened the pain.

Alicia said plainly, "Caden, do you really love me?"

Caden nodded in response.

Alicia gently pushed him away, searching his eyes for clarity.

"Do you love me, or is it just about the physical?" she inquired.

Caden's brow furrowed slightly.

"Those are two distinct matters. My desire to be with you stems from my love for you."

Alicia pressed further, “If we are together but I refuse to let you touch me, would your love for me remain?"

Caden's expression shifted, growing noticeably serious.

He did not believe those two aspects of their relationship should even be compared.

His pause elicited a smile from Alicia.

She shrugged, adding, "See? You cannot give me a straight answer."

Caden's voice turned gravelly. “Alicia, why do you want me to deceive you?"

Caden was not the kind of man who acted on impulse, ready to sleep with just anyone. Naturally, when he was with someone he truly loved, physical desire was a given.

Yet this hypothetical situation forced him into a lie.

He had no desire to be dishonest.

It felt profoundly insincere.

Alicia recognized that her request was unreasonable.