Chapter 113

Alicia awoke with a jolt, the urgent need to urinate shattering her unconsciousness. She found herself in a hospital room, a dropper hanging overhead. Ignoring the discomfort, she sat up and reached for the IV bottle. Her limbs gave way, however, and she knocked something over with a loud clang.

The curtain parted, and startled, Alicia turned to see Caden. Her expression tightened. "Could you please help me get the IV bottle down?" she asked.

Caden dropped the papers he held onto the table. "What do you need to do?" he asked coldly.

Alicia’s sudden recovery from her near-death pallor at the Gray family house was stark. Driven by necessity, she disregarded her dignity. "I need to go to the bathroom," she said, squeezing her legs together.

Caden, without a word, retrieved the serum bottle. Alicia, relieved, got out of bed. Noticing her unsteady movements, Caden frowned. "Aren't you going to get the serum bottle?"

"Aren't you going to carry it for me?" she retorted.

He replied coldly, "No. I'm allergic to hospital bathrooms."

Frustrated, but knowing better than to argue, Alicia took the bottle herself. Her urgency propelled her forward, but upon entering the bathroom, she collapsed.

A loud thud alerted Caden. He found Alicia sprawled on the floor, speechless. With a sigh, he helped her up. Her leg was injured, but the bladder pressure was far more pressing; it felt as though it would burst. Abandoning pride, she grabbed his arm. "Please… take me to the bathroom quickly."

He hesitated. "It's just a few steps. You can walk."

She gripped him tighter, her face flushed, her voice a whisper. "My leg hurts too much. I can't take it anymore, Caden. Please hurry."

As he moved, a release of immense pressure overwhelmed her, plunging her into darkness. She clung to his hand.

Silence descended. Caden noticed Alicia was freezing, then felt a warm dampness soaking his trousers. He looked down, astonished. The hospital gown concealed most of it, but a wet stain was spreading on her black pants. His expression darkened as understanding dawned.

"Alice!" he exclaimed, but she raised a hand to silence him. "Wait until I finish."

He watched, speechless, as she completed her task, fully absorbed. Afterward, weak and leaning on him, she slowly regained consciousness.

Caden was tense, an uneasy feeling rising within him. "Let me go," he said sharply.

She raised her face, completely resigned to her embarrassment. "Go ahead and scold me. I won't respond."

He had lost the desire to scold her. Instead, he pushed her aside, calling for Hank to bring him a change of clothes.

Hank arrived promptly. Alicia showered while Caden stood at the door, brooding, menacing. Hank noticed the wet patches on Caden's pants. The shower's sounds provided context.

"Mr. Ward, here are your clothes," Hank said, then hesitated. "I heard Mrs. Bennett is seriously injured. She should rest, no matter how strong her desire. Letting her shower alone… wasn't wise. You should show more gentlemanly behavior."

Caden, in no mood for jokes, replied sternly, "Can you act normal for once?"

Hank, unfazed, smiled. "No need to deny it. I've seen plenty of scenes like this in adult films. Congratulations! You managed that right after losing your virginity. You're very talented!"

Caden's expression darkened. "Do you want to end up sleeping in the morgue tonight?"

Hank was speechless. Why is the boss so sensitive? I never thought he'd get embarrassed so easily, he thought.

Moments later, Alicia emerged, in a fresh hospital gown, avoiding Caden's gaze. "You need a shower. There are no toiletries, so use the hospital soap."

Caden remained silent.