Chapter: 713

“It's Mr. Ward from Warrington. We don't even know why he's here!”

"He's even more handsome than he looks in the media!" another added breathlessly.

"I haven't heard any rumors about him dating anyone. Does that mean he's still single?" One of them speculated.

Alicia's eyes followed their gestures, and when they Landed on Caden, she froze.

He was fast asleep.

His jacket was neatly draped over his broad shoulders. His chiseled features caught the soft, shifting light, casting his face in an almost ethereal glow.

There was no denying it-he was strikingly handsome.

Quickly, she averted her gaze, not daring to exhale too loudly.

After all her careful hiding, she had run into him just the day before returning to Warrington.

Had he found her?

But why was he here, of all places? And why was he sleeping in the middle of a party? What kind of game was he playing now?

She had already promised the mayor's daughter that she would perform, and there was no turning back now.

Clinging to a fragile hope that Caden wouldn't wake up, Alicia sat down at the piano, her fingers gently brushing the keys. She began to play.

Everyone quieted down.

The usual hum of chatter had faded as everyone became captivated by the soft, enchanting melody.

Caden stirred from his sleep, his eyelids heavy, only half-open.

The lights in the room flickered faintly, casting a hazy glow that blurred the edges of his vision.

Through the dreamlike fog, he saw her—-a familiar figure, delicate and poised. His heart clenched at the sight.

Even with her head slightly bowed, her graceful features were unmistakable.

Her hands glided over the piano keys, coaxing out the tender notes of “Timeless Moment."

Though still caught in the purgatory between dreams and reality, Caden felt the weight of exhaustion dragging him down. He felt like he was in quicksand, slowly sinking deeper into the mud.

It was as though his soul was being tugged away, growing lighter with each passing second.

He had dreamed of Alicia countless times, but tonight, it felt different-more vivid, more real.

With a faint sigh, he let his eyes close again, surrendering to the pull of sleep.

Alicia finished her piece, casting a final glance in Caden's direction.

He was still fast asleep, though his expression was more peaceful than earlier.

Without a sound, she slipped off the stage, retreating quietly to her hotel room for the night, where the hours passed in stillness.

The next day, Caden awoke, feeling more rested than he had in weeks.

Back in Warrington, a renewed sense of calm washed over him.

He asked about Alicia's whereabouts, only to find out she had just returned to the city that morning.