Chapter 485

His eyes narrowed at her sharp words. "If you were truly a mistress," he replied coldly, "you'd simply return to me in tears."

Furious, Alicia lashed out, kicking him sharply. The pointed heel of her shoe made him wince, but he held his ground. "Let me go!" she demanded, struggling. But Caden only tightened his grip. "Stop fighting. Get changed, and let's go to the restaurant."

Alicia pulled back defiantly. "Go with Yolanda if you're so eager. Let her be your girlfriend."

Caden was silent for a moment. He knew Alicia could be cutting, but he hadn't anticipated her words stinging so deeply. They hit him harder than he expected.

Out of breath, Alicia stared at him, frustration boiling over. "Caden, what do you even want from me?" His earlier coldness had only intensified her frustration.

Caden exhaled, dropping his defenses. "Alright, I admit it. I was upset this afternoon. That's why I left with Yolanda without a word—to make you feel what it's like when you push me away."

Alicia's heart twisted with pain. "Are you serious? Do you ever plan to grow up, or will you keep playing these childish games?"

"Weren't you the one who practically pushed me toward Yolanda earlier?" Caden retorted, his voice edged with frustration.

Alicia's expression darkened. "Is that what you really think? I wanted you to confront her, to deal with the situation, not avoid it."

"I tried," Caden replied, his frustration evident. "She's impossible—like talking to a brick wall. Ignoring her seems to be the only option." He paused, his gaze fixed on her. "So, what would you suggest?"

Alicia turned away, simmering with frustration. "I don't have the energy to deal with you right now." After a moment, she muttered, "Why don't you just marry her and keep me as your mistress? I'm just as helpless. You mistreat me, and yet I can't stop caring. How obedient and foolish I am."

Caden's lips twitched. "You're insatiable. I'll have to try harder. But then what am I supposed to say to Yolanda? Should I tell her about you and let you take the blame?"

Furious, Alicia slapped his mouth lightly. "Why do you always twist things? You're incorrigible!"

Caden caught her hand and kissed her fingertips. Alicia, ticklish, pulled away, resisting his affection. He didn't want to argue further. Both were hurt, and he knew she felt the sting as much as he did.

Softening, Caden asked, "What will it take for you to have dinner with me tonight?"

Without hesitation, Alicia replied, "Give yourself a light slap."

Caden raised an eyebrow. He wouldn't slap himself—it was too humiliating. "Why don't you do it?" he offered, certain she wouldn't.

But to his surprise, Alicia didn't hesitate. Her slap landed sharply, the sound echoing. Caden was speechless.

"One more," she said, her tone firm.

Caden scowled. "Can't you think of a different punishment? Or maybe we save this energy for later… in bed?"