Chapter 174:


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    This time, Caden and Alicia only made out once. Afterward, I leaned back against the headboard and dialed Ciara''s number. Meanwhile, Alicia silently picked up the phone and started to leave. Caden noticed her movement and looked up.


    After a few brief words with Ciara, he ended the call and asked, “Where are you going?”


    “Get out,” Alice whispered, nodding subtly toward her phone. “Be careful, or your grandmother might hear you.”


    Caden''s expression was unreadable as I watched her. “She''s in Warrington. That call this morning probably piqued her curiosity,” he muttered, throwing his arms out in frustration. “I''ve already hung up. No need to be so stealthy. Eat here.”


    Alice hesitated, theny down beside him.


    Nervous, she asked, “Is Ciaraing?”


    “No,” Caden reassured her. “He''s curious, but he knows he should keep his distance.”


    Alice snuggled into the nket, findingfort at her side. “Why does he care so much if you have a girlfriend? “A guy like you must have a lot of admirers.”


    He gently touched her cheek. “She''s looking forward to me getting married.”


    Alice was surprised, but as her back was turned she couldn''t see his expression. After a long pause she finally said, "That makes sense. He''s getting older; it''s about time he had a great-grandson."


    Caden looked at Alicia and noticed her closed eyes. She looked sleepy, but her long eyshes fluttered from time to time, giving away that she was still awake. He smiled and asked, “How much would you give as a wedding present if I got married?”


    Without opening her eyes, Alice answered, "Two hundred dors."


    “Only two hundred?” Caden scoffed. “How about thirteen hundred? That’s the rate for my first night’s stay.”


    Alice''s eyes flew open and she nudged him. Then, looking serious, she said: "If you get married, I won''t go. It wouldn''t be proper."


    “Are you embarrassed?” he asked with a mocking smile.


    She covered her face with the nket, her voice muffled. “I''m going to sleep.”


    Cadenughed softly, turned off the light, andy down beside her, holding her in his arms. For a moment, silence enveloped them. Then Alice gently pulled his arm away.


    “Do you have someone to marry?” she asked quietly.


    "My family has arranged someone, but I haven''t met her yet," he repliedzily.


    “So you have it,” she murmured, realization dawning on her. Sensing her uneasiness, Caden added, “I’m only getting married when our coboration is over.”


    But Alice felt a tightness in her chest, the weight of her situation pressing down on her.


    “You should have told me before,” she whispered. Throwing back the nket, she sat up and began adjusting her clothes, her back to him.


    Caden''s expression darkened, a rare sh of anger crossing his features. “Didn''t I tell you? “Nothing is final yet.”


    Alice pressed her lips together, struggling with her emotions. She decided silence was best and stood up to leave.


    “Where are you going?” Caden asked, his voice deepening.


    “I''m going to sleep in the guest room,” she replied, her voice firm despite the turmoil inside her.


    “Trying to avoid any awkwardness?” His tone turned icy. “Or do you think you’re somehow interfering with my engagement?”


    Surprised by his frankness, Alice paused. “I''m not that influential. It''s just that the new bed makes it difficult for me to sleep. “I’d be morefortable in the guest room.”


    Caden''s expression darkened further, his eyes narrowing. He knew hismitment made her uneasy, even if she refused to admit it.


    "I haven''t made anymitments," he said coldly. "You don''t have to be so tense."


    Alice''s body tense. She knew he wasn''t serious about marriage, but it still made her ufortable. She silently stepped back.


    “Have you forgotten our agreement?” Caden''s voice was sharp.


    Alice replied firmly, "The agreement does not stipte that we share a bed."


    Her words hit him hard, leaving him momentarily speechless. He cursed himself inwardly for bringing up the topic of the agreement at a time like this.


    Alicia opened the door and left, her steps light and her heart still uneasy. She knew full well that her rtionship with Caden was strictly contractual. Yet, in the stillness of the night, memories of their shared moments lingered in her mind. Were they really just partners?N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Before she coulde up with an answer, another thought came to her: Alice, you two will part ways eventually. He is free to be with whomever he wants. Why do you let this bother you?


    Determined not to let it affect her mood, she decided to let the matter rest.


    She knew that dealing with Caden was like handling a spring: treat him well and things would go well; challenge him and he would make things difficult. So she decided to act as if nothing had been said the night before.


    The next morning, she made breakfast as usual. Caden poured himself a ss of water and took a quick look at the table. Nothing seemed different.


    "Make me an omelette," he demanded, taking a sip, his face expressionless.


    Alice stood up straight, standing firm. “Isn''t what I''ve done enough?”


    "I''m not in the mood for this," he replied curtly.


    "I don''t have time. I have ns. Eat what''s here or skip it," Alice said.


    Caden''s gaze narrowed. “Mr. Wade is having an art exhibition tomorrow. Have you been invited?”


    Alice paused. Was he threatening her again? Anger red up inside her. “It''s just an invitation. Do you think it''s exclusive to you? “I don’t need you to take me.”


    Caden scoffed. “And who else will take you?”


    She stared at him, unfazed. “That''s none of your business.”


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