Chapter 123

It was then that Alice realized her apartment was flooded. “Could it really be a burst pipe?” she muttered incredulously. “That was just the excuse I used to get out of the doctor’s office today.”

Caden, remembering the landlord's angry voice, frowned slightly. “I’ll go with you.”

Alice glanced at the clock. It was late, and the thought of having company was reassuring. She agreed.

Upon arriving at their apartment, Caden took charge, skillfully maneuvering past the landlord and downstairs neighbors to allow Alice to assess the damage. He located the shutoff valve, turned it off, and promptly called a repairman. When he finished, the landlord and neighbors were gone.

Caden approached Alice calmly. “The compensation has been deducted from your deposit. You should start looking for another place to live. Buildings this old aren’t safe.”

Alice agreed. It was time for a change. Things were different now. She could no longer manage everything alone. Partnering with Caden meant prioritizing her personal safety.

He looked back at his apartment, silently rolled up his sleeves, and began packing.

Caden looked at her, clearly displeased. “Everything is flooded, and you still want to keep all this?”

Alice replied calmly, “Some of these objects are very important to me.”

He efficiently packed her belongings, quickly filling a large bag. “That should be about it,” she said, turning to Caden. “Would you mind if I kept this at your place for a while?”

Caden readily agreed. “Sounds good to me.”

Alice took a deep breath before lifting the heavy bag. Caden was surprised. He looked at the waterlogged floor, then stepped forward and took the bag from her.

“Would it kill you to ask for help?” he asked.

Alice straightened her neck defiantly. “I don't usually ask for help.”

Caden carefully moved forward.

Alice frowned. "What are you looking for?"

Caden's tone flattened. “Mousetraps.”

“Huh? Why?” Alice asked, genuinely confused.

The unexpected flood necessitated Alice's return to Caden's apartment with him. During the trip, she unexpectedly fell asleep in the car. The soft car light illuminated her peaceful face; she seemed serene and oblivious to the world's harshness.

Caden watched her for a moment before patting her shoulder. “We're here,” he said.

Alice stirred slightly, still sleeping.

Caden sighed, cradling her in one arm while carrying the bag with the other as he climbed the stairs. Inside, he gently placed her on the sofa. As he settled her, a photo album tumbled from the bag, landing at his feet.

He glanced at the cover: a baby picture of Alice with her parents. She was a few months old, with round cheeks and a beaming smile, showing two tiny teeth. She was adorable.

Caden had never seen these photos before. He opened the album. The first page showed Alice, freshly bathed and wrapped in a soft blanket, crying as a newborn. Beneath the image, elegant handwriting read: “Our darling daughter, Lucky.”

Caden narrowed his eyes, rubbing his thumb over the name. "Lucky, huh?" he muttered.

Alice, still asleep, snuggled closer, murmuring softly, “Yes…”

Caden looked at her peaceful expression before gently closing the album. He turned off the living room lights, switched on the air conditioning, and lay down beside her, still holding her, until she fell asleep.

Morning arrived. When Caden woke, Alice was gone. He checked his watch: nine o'clock. He couldn't quite recall the previous night's sleep; his memories were hazy, unlike his usual restless nights.

He freshened up and was about to leave when something on the dining table caught his eye—breakfast, prepared by Alice. Curious, he took a bite. The flavors were balanced and delicious; surprisingly good.

He ate as he headed for the door, grabbing his keys. He felt surprisingly satisfied, a stark contrast to his usual morning coffee.

Arriving at the office, he immediately went into work mode. He returned the breakfast Hank had bought him.

Hank looked confused. “Why? Skipping breakfast isn’t good for you, sir.”

Caden replied, “I’ll be eating at home from now on. You don’t need to buy me breakfast anymore.”

Hank’s eyes lit up. “Did your maid make this? You must have really liked it to change your mind after just one taste. She must be a fantastic cook. Do you think she could make something for me, too?”