Chapter 638: Alicia's mind was in chaos. "If you really want to marry me, why here, in such a place?" she asked.

"It's just something I really like," he confessed.

Alicia gave him a brief look. "Too tired to debate further," she said, "I don't want to argue with you. Anyway, it doesn't count."

Caden laughed lightly. "You didn't agree anyway." The earlier urgency had faded. He planned to wait until they were home to propose properly.

Alicia could tell he was serious about wanting to marry her. Throughout their time together, she had felt genuinely loved. Yet, the idea of marriage still seemed a distant dream. How could Caden, the man who detested confinement, willingly settle into the role of a husband? Alicia was conflicted.

"Caden, are you making this decision impulsively?" she asked. If that were the case, she would not consent. She had no desire to endure another divorce.

Caden understood her worries and embraced her closely. "This isn't an impulse," he reassured her.

Tears welled up in Alicia's eyes. "Then why…" she began. Caden himself was uncertain. He was certain of only one thing: he would provide whatever she desired—wealth, influence, affection, even marriage. All of it. He wanted her to be happy.

"Caden, are you truly in love with me?" Alicia asked. Caden's response wasn't straightforward. "I wouldn't tolerate anyone else slapping my face," he replied, "but for you, it's different."

Alicia laughed through her tears, amused yet emotional. She didn't want to cry, so she clung to Caden's neck firmly. "Caden," she murmured softly.

"Hmm?" Caden responded.

"Can we do it again?" she suggested. This was her first such request, even though her body felt weak. Caden hesitated. "Are you sure?" he asked.

Alicia pressed a kiss to his lips. "Mm," she whispered. "I desire you."

Caden finally understood what it meant to be utterly drained. If Alicia hadn't collapsed from sheer exhaustion, he might have awkwardly asked her to stop.