Chapter: 852
Alicia walked over, the hem of her dress swaying as she moved.
Caden Looked up, momentarily captivated.
When he had first seen the dress on display, he knew it was made for her.
Her rose-tinted complexion made the fabric look even more stunning than on any mannequin. The dress hugged her in all the right places, accentuating her figure with an elegance that left him breathless.
Alicia cleared her throat, snapping him out of his admiration. “Let's go."
Caden stood up and pulled a small box from his pocket. “There's something I haven't given you yet."
Alicia's eyes drifted to the velvet box, her mind racing with possibilities.
A ring?
The thought lingered in her mind, and her gaze stayed fixed on the box, emotions simmering beneath the surface.
Caden's thumb hovered over the seam of the box, about to open it, but he paused, noticing the intensity in her expression.
A slight smile played on his lips. “Care to guess what's inside?"
Alicia's curiosity was piqued. “How would I know? Just show me already."
She was eager to see what lay within, wondering about the style and size - if it was a diamond, what kind might it be?
Questions swirled in her mind, quickening her heartbeat.
Seeing her eager anticipation, Caden felt a sudden hesitation.
Perhaps what was inside wasn't what she'd hoped for.
After a beat, he opened the box.
Inside, a pair of lustrous pearl earrings glimmered, their pristine white surfaces gleaming under the light.
Alicia's expression faltered, a touch of disappointment flashing in her eyes before she managed a smile. "Earrings. Did you pick these out?"
Even though she tried to hide her reaction, Caden saw her disappointment.
"Yes," he murmured, brushing aside her hair. "Let me put them on for you."
Alicia nodded, leaning toward him as he gently pinched her soft earlobe, securing the pearls in place.
The evening's outfit was perfectly understated; the clothes and jewelry he'd chosen added just the right amount of elegance without being flashy.
As Alicia composed herself, focusing on her appearance, Caden lingered, his fingers tracing the curve of her hair. “Were you expecting a ring just now?"
Alicia's cheeks flushed. “What? Of course not."
His gaze held hers, deep and unwavering.
He reached for her hand, his fingers gently clasping her right ring finger — a touch that seemed to reach her heart.
Feeling the warmth of his touch, Alicia pulled her hand away, trying to steady herself. "Didn't you say we were going to dinner? Let's go."
Downstairs, a gust of wind swept past, sharp enough to sting their eyes.
It cooled Alicia's flustered cheeks and carried away her racing thoughts, scattering them with unspoken words between them.