Chapter 619

"I know you've got money," she whispered, "but you can't just show it off like this. Aren't you worried about getting into trouble?"

Caden chuckled. "Isn't having money all about enjoying it?"

She stood speechless, a mixture of irritation and attraction swirling within her. Unsure what possessed him, Alicia chose a ring to conclude their outing. It featured a small, exquisitely cut diamond set in an intricately detailed silver band. She slipped it on, a rush of memories from her wedding to Joshua flooding her mind, stirring a complex array of emotions. Forcing a smile, she held up her hand. "Does it look good?"

Caden instantly noted the hesitation in her eyes. When he'd commissioned the ring, he hadn't considered her past. Then, unexpectedly, he recalled her wedding ring—cheap and worn constantly. If they remarried, a diamond might not be a welcome surprise; it could feel like a painful reminder of the past.

"It looks gorgeous," Caden said, taking her hand. "But there's an even better one out there. The most amazing diamond ring isn't here yet, but someday it'll be on your finger."

Alicia felt a strange disorientation, as if she'd stepped into another world. What was he trying to say? Caden bought the ring, but he didn't let her keep it, casually slipping it into his pocket instead.

Outside the store, Alicia took a deep breath. "So, Caden, what's the plan for today?"

Without hesitation, Caden shrugged. "I want to marry you."

She stared at him, speechless. After a moment, a soft scoff escaped her lips. "Yeah, right. You're messing with me again, aren't you?" She folded her arms. "Not falling for it this time."

Caden chuckled, clearly amused. He glanced across the street at a pharmacy and, his tone turning serious, said, "Wait for me in the car. I need to grab some medicine."

Alicia nodded silently. Sitting alone, she looked at her hand, replaying the moment she'd tried on the ring. She whispered softly, "Caden, I'm ready to say 'I do' whenever you are."

As the words left her lips, she heard footsteps by the window. Startled, she turned to see Caden approaching. "Oh no," she thought, "he got back so fast! Did he hear me?" Quickly, she covered her mouth.