Chapter 448:


    But losing his mother and being abandoned by the Yates family had left him no choice.


    When he returned to the Ward family, he’d been forced to grow up faster than he could keep up, relying only on his instincts and raw talent.


    It had been a rough journey.


    His calm eptance now was a hard-earned gift from a painful past.


    Ynda’s parents had been close friends with his mother, and he’d learned by now that some things were better left untouched, especially if money could resolve them.


    Alicia curled up closer to him, her palm resting softly on his chest, right over his heartbeat.


    “What’s on your mind?” he asked, his tone gentle.


    She looked up, her voice almost a whisper.


    “You’ve endured so much, Caden.”


    Her words were like a warm balm, seeping into the scars within him.


    He smiled again, softer this time.


    “Is that your way of saying you care about me?”


    Her cheeks flushed, and she tried to pull her hand away, a little embarrassed.


    “No, of course not,” she replied, avoiding his gaze.


    But Caden held her hand in ce, pressing it gently over his heart.


    “Well, if you do care, then you’ll make sure to keep me satisfied,” he teased, a yful grin touching his lips.


    “I’m not done with you yet.”


    Alicia raised an eyebrow, smiling.


    “Aren’t you tired?”


    Caden’s grin widened.


    “A guy my age? Never.”


    Alicia bit her lip, eyes twinkling as she leaned in to kiss him.


    When she took the lead, she was always gentle and cautious.


    But Caden’s youthful fire didn’t settle for gentleness for long; soon enough, he had her beneath him, his passion unrestrained.


    Afterward, as theyy side by side, catching their breath, Caden’s curiosity got the better of him.


    “So,” he said, ncing over at her.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    “How did you know I’d gone to Devarlton?”


    Too exhausted to guard her words, Alicia answered honestly, “A mutual friend of yours and Ynda’s saw a photo she posted of you two together.”


    Caden’s brow furrowed; he hadn’t been aware of any photo.


    “What kind of picture?”


    Alicia shook her head weakly, her gaze soft and ethereal.


    “I didn’t actually see it.”


    He thought back, puzzled.


    During his trip to Devarlton, he’d barely interacted with Ynda.


    The closest they came was when he first arrived at the Moss family’s ce, and she’d briefly tugged on his sleeve to greet him.


    Could that have been when the photo was taken?


    With a clear conscience, he felt no need to exin himself, especially since Alicia hadn’t even seen the picture.


    If she was willing to trust him without proof, he would respect that.


    But one question still lingered.


    “Who showed it to you?” he asked.


    Alicia blinked, pulling herself out of her thoughts.


    To avoid stirring up unnecessary tension, she gave a yful response.


    “I honestly don’t remember.


    After how many rounds you wanted tonight, my brain’s turned to mush,” she teased, smiling faintly.


    “I can’t recall anything.”


    Caden gave a shortugh, recognizing her attempt to brush it off.


    .


    .


    .