Chapter 162

Alice fell silent, knowing she couldn't win the argument. Caden collected his books, clapping his hands when finished. “Okay, that’s enough.” The books were heavy, so I picked up a few to lighten his load.

Only one staff member, a young woman, served the entire store. She stood behind the counter. Alice offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry.” Assuming the girl awaited her purchase before closing, Alice felt a pang of guilt.

The young woman smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry,” she said. “We’re open 24 hours. Even if you weren’t here, I’d still be working until the next shift.”

Caden paid for Alicia's purchases. Alicia stepped back, though she normally preferred to pay herself. She understood men often enjoyed this gesture of generosity. This time, she let Caden have his way. While the young woman wrapped the books, Alicia transferred the total to Caden’s account. Caden could only look at the bank notification with a mixture of helplessness and resignation.

Then, they heard footsteps approaching. Before seeing the person, they noticed a large bouquet of red roses. The man carrying them approached the counter with an anxious expression.

"What are you doing here?" the young woman asked, surprised.

It was her boyfriend, bearing a gift. He seemed surprised to find customers still present. He glanced at Caden and Alicia, then whispered to his girlfriend, “I just got off work. I’m so sorry I missed your special day, sweetheart.”

The young woman smiled, her cheeks flushed. “It’s okay.” She quickly finished wrapping Alice's books.

Watching this display of young love, Alice felt warmth spread through her chest. She’d been married, but couldn't recall experiencing anything similar. The pure sincerity brought tears to her eyes.

Caden, however, remained unmoved. He frowned at Alicia. "What special day are you talking about?"

Alice pondered. “Maybe he meant a special day for the two of them.”

“Are flowers really necessary?” Caden asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alice smiled. This man lacked romantic sensibilities. "It's a nice surprise, a very sweet gesture."

“A bit of an exaggeration,” Caden muttered.

Alice almost mocked him, wondering about his treatment of past girlfriends. She suspected most interactions were purely physical, devoid of romance. He probably delegated gift-buying to an assistant.

They gathered their books and went downstairs. “How old were you when you experienced your first love?” Alice asked.

"I’ve never dated anyone," Caden replied flatly.

Alice gaped. “Never? Really? Come on, I don’t believe it.”

Caden remained silent.

“Oh, that’s true!” Alice exclaimed. “You can’t possibly have the patience for a long-term affair. The most you can probably manage is a casual encounter.”

Caden frowned. Why was she so talkative?

He paused at the door, watching the rain. “Do I look like a playboy to you?”

Alice looked him over shamelessly. “Man, you look like the spokesperson for the entire playboy population.”

Caden’s lips tightened, regretting his words.

“When was your first time?” Alice whispered persistently. “High school, or college?”

Instead of answering, Caden countered, “When was yours?”

Alice remained neutral, offering no reply. His behavior surprised her. Her eyes widened. “Was that your first time that night at the cinema?”

Caden ignored her. He opened his umbrella and stepped into the rain. Alice ran after him, shielding her head. “No way! Was this really your first time?”

Caden narrowed his eyes. Losing his patience, he snapped, “Is that even possible? Who do you take me for? I’m not like you, who remained a virgin for two years of marriage.”

Alice’s eyes dulled. "You're getting personal, Mr. Ward. Don't you think that's a little inappropriate?"

Sharing one umbrella, Alice moved closer to avoid getting soaked. Caden pulled her into a hug. Alicia cried out in surprise.

"What, are you being shy now? This isn’t the first time I’ve held you in my arms."

He gently adjusted the umbrella. “You shouldn’t get wet.” He pulled her closer. “A little rain won’t hurt me.”

"But my books will get wet!"

Caden snorted.

The bookstore was near their apartment, so the walk was short. They walked down the street, their figures soon disappearing.

The night wind was cold. A car parked under a sycamore tree held Joshua, a cigarette smoldering in his fingers. His gaze followed Caden and Alicia, lingering long after they were gone.

Until now, Joshua believed Caden's interest in Alicia was superficial, temporary. He expected it to fade. But seeing them leave the bookstore, laughing and joking…

It was clear they were serious.

Joshua grimaced. He remembered Alice's shy confession of love. He’d believed her feelings were deep and true. Now, he knew he was wrong. Her divorce hadn't ended her search for love. She’d fallen into another man's arms.

A muscle in Joshua's jaw twitched. Frustrated, he brought the cigarette to his lips, realizing it was already burned out. He gritted his teeth, threw it from the window, and pounded the steering wheel, barely suppressing a scream of rage.