Chapter 193
Alicia lowered her head, murmuring, "It's okay." In bed, Caden was the epitome of a gentleman—intense yet considerate, always ensuring her comfort. She was truly impressed.
Monica, noticing his blush and laughter, remarked, "If he's so attentive in bed, he must have feelings for you."
Alicia was surprised and quickly shook her head. Their relationship was strictly physical; it had never been romantic.
"Why else would I continue supporting you?" Monica asked.
"We have an agreement," Alicia replied.
"But Joshua is no longer in the picture," Monica pointed out. "Remember how Caden kissed you when you were drunk? I doubt he sees you as just a business partner."
Alicia felt insecure. Was Monica right? Did Caden have deeper feelings for her?
Monica became more animated. "I can't stand this. I need to find a handsome guy to liven up my evening."
"Try to find someone experienced but still a virgin," Alicia suggested.
Monica sighed. "Forget it. Finding a virgin these days is harder than finding an alien."
After dinner, they went shopping. Shortly after, Monica's phone rang—a call from the lab. "Have you taken out any medicine? Someone is making things difficult for me."
Monica stepped away, whispering, "I'll be right back to explain everything."
Alicia expressed her concern. "Is everything okay?"
Trying to reassure Alicia, Monica downplayed the situation. "It's just a small problem with my coursework. My professor is expecting me."
The explanation seemed plausible, and Alicia suspected nothing was amiss. Alicia pulled out her phone. "I'll call you a taxi."
After Monica left, Alicia decided to visit Caden's company. As she left, she noticed a man's scarf in a shop window. Its simple design and elegant color immediately reminded her of Caden, who rarely wore a scarf despite Warrington's cold winters. On impulse, she bought it.
At the company, she found Caden in a meeting. Hank approached her cheerfully. "Miss Bennett, are you here to dine with Mr. Ward?"
Alicia smiled and shook her head. "No, I came for something else."
"The product details are on Mr. Ward's desk. He'll be busy for a while. Why don't you wait there?" Hank suggested.
Alicia agreed. Aware of the sensitive information, she asked, "Is it okay if I use Caden's computer?"
"Of course," Hank replied readily, as the investment in product development was primarily for Alicia.
Calmly, Alicia entered the office and accessed the product file, making several adjustments. Half an hour passed quickly. Alicia looked towards the door, but Caden was still not there.
Holding the scarf, she smiled, thinking of giving it to him. They rarely exchanged gifts despite their intimacy. Surprisingly, she felt more nervous about this gesture than any of their previous encounters.
Determined to give him a subtle surprise, she decided to hide the scarf where he'd easily find it. She opened a drawer, but a document labeled "Health Report" caught her attention.
Driven by curiosity, she read it. The report detailed Caden's health, stating he was in good condition and his illness was under control. She learned about the specific nature of his illness, his treatment program, and the extensive medical advice he'd received.
Her expression hardened. She'd never heard of such an unusual illness, which explained certain aspects of his behavior that had puzzled her. The report also mentioned that Caden had stopped taking his medication months ago—a time coinciding with improvements during their intimate encounters. Realizing the dates coincided with their meetings, a chill went through her.
She understood then: Caden's methodical relationship, the sudden business opportunities, his persistent attention—none of it was coincidental. It was all motivated by his health needs. She was the involuntary solution to his medical problem, nothing more.
A deep sense of betrayal washed over her. She carefully replaced the report, her heart sinking. A profound sadness enveloped her, a cold emptiness where warmth once resided.