Chapter: 848
Unable to resist, Alicia moved to the window, peering down at the street below.
She spotted Yolanda slipping into the passenger seat, Caden in the driver's seat beside her.
Alicia's heart clenched.
Was history repeating itself?
The wounds from before were still fresh.
Why would Caden agree to go out alone with Yolanda? Was he trying to punish her for what she'd said earlier, or was he just unable to say no to Yolanda?
After a moment of hesitation, Alicia pulled out her phone, opened her chat with Caden, and carefully typed a message. After a few moments of indecision, she hit send: "Where are you going?"
A few minutes later, Caden's reply flashed across Alicia's screen: "Didn't you say I should handle the problem?"
Alicia read the message, feeling her stomach twist uncomfortably.
The sarcasm in his words stung, making her feel like he was being deliberately petty.
She hadn't intended to provoke jealousy, nor was she trying to nudge him toward Yolanda.
Anger bubbled up as she typed back. “I overstepped today. I won't give unsolicited advice again.”
Caden didn't respond.
Frustrated, Alicia left the company and threw herself into her work at the gallery, hoping the business would keep her mind off him.
But no matter how much she focused, thoughts of Caden and Yolanda crept in, tormenting her.
What could he possibly be doing with Yolanda?
The hours crept by, each one more tormenting than the Last.
As the afternoon wore on, her shift was nearly over.
Blake, who had been watching her closely, noticed her alternating between quiet sadness and flashes of irritation. He could tell her mind was on Caden.
“Want to grab dinner tonight? My treat," Blake offered.
Alicia managed a faint smile but shook her head. “Thanks, Blake, but I'm not hungry. You go ahead."
Blake raised an eyebrow. “Don't let a guy mess with your peace of mind."
She forced a smile. "I'm fine, really."
Blake showed a serious expression, unconvinced. “Your face tells a different story. Looks like Caden's been giving you a rough time."
Alicia's hand instinctively went to her face. "Is it that obvious?"
Blake chuckled. “When things are good with him, you're practically glowing. But today.. it's like the Light's gone out."
Alicia didn't respond, but his words lingered. She hadn't realized her emotions were that transparent.
Blake walked over, placing a glass of water in front of her. "Take a break. You've been pushing yourself too hard, whether it's for yourself or him."
He pulled a small bottle of eye drops from his pocket and held it out to her. "Here. These are great for tired eyes. I bought two, so this one's unopened. You can have it." Blake looked at her with gentle concern. "Your eyes are red. Hasn't Caden noticed?"
A pang of disappointment hit Alicia.