Chapter 202

Alicia tucked the thermos beneath her clothing just as Caden lifted her from the car. Entering the apartment, Cade excitedly darted between Caden's legs, tumbling playfully despite a gentle nudge. He continued to follow them, barking with unrestrained joy.

Alicia felt a pang of guilt. Turning to Caden, she asked, "Have you fed him today?"

As he led her to the bedroom, Caden replied, "No."

"Why not?" Alicia frowned, worried.

"It's simple: canned food and milk," Caden said dismissively.

A hint of sarcasm crept into her voice. "Why didn't you think of him when you left with that male companion?"

Alice remained silent, then stood, clutching her stomach, preparing to leave.

Caden, clearly upset, asked, "Where are you going?"

"To feed him," she replied.

Caden sighed, pulling her onto the bed. "I've already fed him."

Cade bounded into the room at that moment, jumping onto the bed and snuggling next to Alicia, his tail wagging furiously, his breathing heavy with affection. Her heart softened; she caressed him gently, her frustration melting away in the warmth of his presence.

Caden briefly left, returning with hot water and a painkiller. Alicia took the glass, still perplexed. "So you can be considerate."

Caden's face remained impassive. "Only when I realize it's necessary."

Alice thought of her father, so accustomed to being served, almost entirely dependent except for his work.

Alicia sipped the warm water, the soothing warmth easing her stomach cramps. "I've met many men completely dependent on maids," she said.

Caden replied nonchalantly, "It's not that they're incapable. They simply choose not to."

Alice, spoiled by her mother and aware of Joshua's duplicity, wasn't easily impressed. Their problems needed more than superficial solutions; they needed a serious conversation.

Exhausted, Alice lay in bed, drifting in and out of consciousness. Late that night, Caden finished his work and entered the room. He instinctively pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.

"Have you changed your mind?" he asked.

Alice opened her eyes and whispered, "No."

Caden, unsurprised, continued, "You've seen my medical report and understand my condition. Only you can affect me. Don't you see the unique opportunity?"

Alice replied dryly, "If you were me, would you accept my using you as a physical remedy?"

Caden retorted sharply, sneering, "If I were you, I'd be completely in control."

Alice rolled her eyes and remained silent. The differences in their thinking were stark; sometimes, no words could bridge the gap.

Caden snuggled his face into her neck, breathing slowly. "Are you sure you won't commit to me until we're officially together?"

Alice's heart fluttered. She wasn't sure of her feelings for Caden; that was the root of her confusion. She questioned him, "Why do you resist commitment?"

As Caden stroked her, he paused, his mind flooded with memories of his parents' once-perfect family, shattered by his father's infidelity and a mistress with a child born the same year as him. His mother's subsequent miscarriage and death during the operation had destroyed everything. It had all been a facade. Jerald had been unfaithful since their first year of marriage, maintaining a seven-year affair with Shelia. Love, Caden reflected bitterly, was absurdly cheap.

His tone grew colder. "You seek love, and I respect that. But to me, marriage is merely a bargaining chip in business negotiations. I can't offer you that."

Alice's smile faded, tinged with sadness. "A bargaining chip... Then you'll choose someone else." She hesitated. "If I were to accept, what would our relationship be like until you marry?"

Caden looked at her deeply, gently caressing her face. "Your situation, after you left me, shows both the Yates and Green families are watching you closely. Doesn't that frighten you?"

Alice's voice softened, almost unsure. "Are you suggesting I'll always be under your protection?"

"You could be," Caden replied without hesitation.

Alicia's breath hitched. "Do you see me as your mistress?" she stammered. "Caden, haven't you learned from your family's downfall? Do you want me to become another Shelia or Lilliana?"