Chapter 211
Gerry exhaled deeply. “You two have always clashed. If I admitted something, it would feel like conceding to you, and Caden is too competitive for that. He's been that way since childhood; he'd never allow himself to seem lesser.” Gerry, deeply familiar with Caden's story, empathized. He recalled Caden’s explanation after his mother's accident: he was already so disliked that another accusation didn't matter.
Alice's lips pressed together, a lump forming in her throat. "I know." Aware of Caden's hardships, Alicia's resolve wavered, the possibility of reconciliation tempting yet terrifying. “I never imagined things would end up like this,” Gerry commented. “He’s never loved anyone before, but I think he still has feelings for you,” he added, sensing something deeper in Caden's actions.
Alice quickly regained her composure. “Men can show interest in several women at once,” she replied. “That may be true for others, but not for Caden,” Gerry countered. “Really? Then explain Yolanda, whom he met at the airport recently,” Alicia challenged.
Gerry paused, surprised. “Well, about that… Caden and she…” he stumbled, unsure how to explain his own confusion. At the airport, Caden had hugged Yolanda amidst swirling rumors, remaining passive. Did he truly want both women? The tension in the room thickened. Alice remained silent, her thoughts tangled.
Back at his apartment, Caden surveyed the room, the chill in his features deepening with each glance. He'd wondered if Alice still harbored feelings, but her purpose was clear: collecting her belongings. He'd misjudged her determination. Her kindness didn't negate her resolve. He noticed the absence of her things, an unexpected emptiness replacing the usual clutter. He regretted his actions, yet believed he'd exhausted all efforts. Alice had consistently rejected him, both his tender and forceful attempts at commitment.
Discarding an unlit cigarette, he showered. She noticed the pink sheets were gone; though she disliked the color, their removal symbolized a complete break. Was he erasing his past? His expression darkened. Consumed by anger, the cold shower barely masked his frustration.
Emerging from the bathroom, she found a message from Gerry: "I left her." Typically unreliable, Gerry had, at least, handled this effectively. Caden ignored the message, lighting a cigarette. His eyes scanned the apartment, each corner a painful reminder of their intimacy. Her presence lingered, reigniting desires the shower had only briefly quenched. Overwhelmed, he acknowledged his undeniable attractiveness, knowing that if she returned, resistance would be futile.
As he left the bedroom, his phone vibrated. Without checking, he barked, “Speak,” his tone defiant. A pause, then a soft voice: “Caden, it’s me.” He repeated, “Speak.”
Alicia, at her hotel, took a deep breath. Despite his distant tone, she found her courage. "About that competition, I understand now."
Caden was caught off guard but dismissed it casually. “So?”
“I misunderstood you and held a grudge for too long,” Alice admitted softly.
“Competition wasn't the only reason,” Caden replied coldly. Their history was complex. Constantly overshadowed, Alice had grown distant, his presence sending shivers down her spine. Now, reunited under different circumstances, his gaze softened, a stark contrast to his past demeanor. He felt a mix of emotions, long-repressed desires resurfacing. Sensing his apathy but unable to read his thoughts, Alice continued, “I still have to apologize.”
A great silence descended, broken only by their breathing. Hesitantly, he asked, “Will you accept my apology?”
Caden’s response was blunt: "I never accept verbal apologies."