Chapter 163

Caden finished his shower and found Alicia busy in the kitchen. "What are you doing?" he asked, approaching her from behind.

Alicia, without looking up, replied, "I know it's late, but I suddenly felt like making lasagna." Most of the preparation was already done. Seeing her, Caden's spirits lifted. "Why are you going to all this trouble? We could just order takeout."

“It's late, and it's cold outside. Most people are probably asleep. No one would want to be woken up to make lasagna," she explained.

Caden chuckled. He knew plenty of places delivered late, but he appreciated her effort. He leaned closer. "When did you get the ingredients?"

Alice felt his breath on her skin and shifted slightly, feeling uncomfortable. "This afternoon," she said. Earlier that day, after their argument had cooled, she'd remembered Jerald scolding Caden and his lack of appetite afterward. Feeling guilty, she'd decided to make him something; lasagna seemed easiest.

Caden watched her, realizing the lasagna was for him. As she worked, something stirred within him. He felt a strong urge to help and joined her after washing his hands. He proved a surprisingly adept assistant, quickly and precisely cutting tomatoes.

"Have you done this before?" Alice asked.

"No," Caden replied, focused on the task.

Alice raised an eyebrow. "How did you get so good?"

"I'm quick to learn," he said.

The lasagna's rich aroma filled the room as it emerged from the oven, chasing away the winter chill. After they finished eating, Caden, using the table's proximity, leaned closer to Alicia, prolonging the moment. They soon became intimate. Afterwards, Caden felt satisfied and, biting her ear lightly, murmured, "That was great. I feel revitalized."

Alicia covered her mouth, her cheeks flushed, avoiding his gaze. Caden's intense gaze fixed on her. "Do you have something to say?"

Alice felt herself overwhelmed. "Caden," she breathed, "Come fast."

His voice dropped to a whisper. Feigning ignorance, he asked, "What do you mean, fast?"

Alice's words faltered, tension rising. "No… I meant…" A soft moan escaped her lips before she could finish.

Time blurred. Later, Alice showered and lay weakly in Caden's arms, exhausted. The room fell silent except for Caden gently playing with her hair. Alice, drifting off, murmured, "Caden."

"Forks?" he asked, pressing his chest against hers.

"I'm happy," she whispered.

Caden paused, his arms around her waist, before replying, "Okay."

Alice frowned, her eyes closed. "You should say the same. It's rude not to."

"No one taught me manners," Caden replied, feeling her breath on his skin, gently brushing her hair. He repeatedly pushed it back.

"Are you really not going to say it back? Caden, I even made you lasagna!" Her voice was soft and childlike, heavy with sleep.

Caden smiled at her childish tone. "Why is it so important that you hear me say it?"

Alice spoke with clear frustration. "I want to hear you say it. You're an idiot. This is the first winter we've spent together." She added, "This time next year, we may no longer be together."

Caden's expression was hidden in the darkness. "I guess you're right."

Alice waited, but he remained silent. "It doesn't matter," she murmured. "It doesn't matter anymore." Then she fell asleep.

A week later, the painting arrived at the apartment, per Caden's instructions. That afternoon, Caden found the still-wrapped painting in a corner. He removed his coat and saw Alice drawing on the sofa. "Aren't you curious to see what it is?" he asked.

Alice looked up. "It's your package. I can't open it without asking you."

Caden was silent a moment before grabbing a utility knife. Alice approached as he opened it. "Is this for me?" she asked.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Caden replied.

Alice paused. "You always say buying presents is such a pain. Why would you bother buying something like that for me?" Despite her skepticism, hope tinged her voice. She examined the package. "What is it?"

Caden didn't answer immediately. "You'll see soon enough."

When she opened the package, Alice saw the painting and was speechless. Gratitude, surprise, shock, and sadness washed over her. After regaining her composure, she asked in a trembling voice, "How did you end up with my mother's painting?"

Caden watched her closely. "Joshua sold it to me," he replied.

"I specifically remember putting this painting in a safe place. How did you manage to get hold of it?" Alice asked, her confusion evident.