Chapter 419

Alicia reluctantly complied. Instead of a project contract, she found a medical report. Intrigued, she examined it: the diagnosis read, "Fully Recovered." Taken aback, she asked, with a mixture of emotions, "You're cured?"

Caden leaned against the headboard, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Do you still believe I'm using you?"

Alicia searched his eyes for the truth. She understood; his pretense was over. It wasn't about his illness anymore, but a genuine affection. Her pulse quickened. "Who's to say you didn't write this yourself?"

Caden's expression was unreadable. A sharp crack of thunder startled them both. Alicia instinctively moved closer. Caden chuckled softly. "It seems even the heavens are objecting."

Wrapped in his arms, Alicia relaxed, eventually chuckling. "It's probably warning you not to lie." But Caden's restlessness grew. Alicia protested, "No more. We've already gone too far today. I'm exhausted."

She awoke to an empty, quiet room. For a moment, she wondered if the previous night had been a dream. But the familiar ceiling mirror and furniture grounded her. They were back together—again. This time, however, it felt different. Perhaps it was the numerous reconciliations, or a shift in her mindset. Whatever the reason, she felt unusually calm. It had happened, and she couldn't deny it. Last night had been…fun.

A blush crept up her neck as she recalled the intimacy, unforgettable and overwhelming. Caden had initiated, but she had been completely carried away, doing things she never thought she would. Her face flushed further. With a huff, she threw off the covers. "Stop thinking about it," she muttered, running a hand through her hair.

She inhaled deeply, catching the scent of something burnt. Confused, she whispered, "What on earth…?" and hurried from the bedroom, following the smell. It was strongest in the kitchen, but the cookware was missing. Finding nothing alarming, she moved to the dining room, where a knock startled her. It was the breakfast delivery—Caden had ordered it for her.

Unpacking, she called for her dog. "Little Cade, come here, boy!" He was no longer a pup, but a full-grown dog. She tried different names, but there was no response. Concerned, she found him motionless in his bed, eyes rolled back, foam at his mouth.