?<strong>Chapter 699:</strong>


    Luckily, since Caden hadn’t been physically closetely, he hadn’t noticed the small needle marks on her abdomen.


    Following his shower that evening, Caden drew her close and scrutinized her features intently.


    “You’ve gotten thinner, Alicia. And your eyes, they look puffy.”


    He narrowed his eyes with a hint of suspicion.


    “What’s been going on with you?”


    Alicia’s lips formed a small pout.


    “It’s the stress over your business. It’s weighing on me.”


    Caden queried, “Is that all? Just worried about that?”


    “Is that such a trivial concern? You’ve never been this busy,” Alicia retorted.


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    Caden gently stroked her cheeks, peering into her eyes.


    “I know Mrs. Moss came by recently. What did you discuss?”


    A sudden sadness gripped Alicia, leaving her feeling vulnerable.


    She didn’t conceal her feelings.


    “She told me about the problems at yourpany. She thinks I should leave you to help save your reputation.”


    Caden’s touch faltered, causing a momentary sting.


    “And what’s your take on that?”


    Alicia’s voice was steady, yetden with emotion.


    “Caden, do you see me as a burden?”


    “If I believed that, I wouldn’t have defied Dorian for us,” Caden responded firmly.


    Alicia managed a weak smile and wrapped her arms around his neck.


    With a soft yet resolved tone, she replied, “I’m staying by your side, no matter the challenges, Caden.”


    Caden cradled her head in his hands, their unspoken words dissolving into a kiss that sealed their bond.


    His hand wandered under her shirt, softly tracing her waist.


    Alicia flinched at his touch on her needle marks but masked the pain by deepening their kiss.


    Caden, caught in her embrace, gasped for air.


    “Why have you be so loving all of a sudden? Your kiss has gotten better. You’ve really improved your technique,” he said breathlessly.


    Seizing the closeness of the moment, Alicia expressed a bold wish, saying, “Caden, I want us to have a child together.”


    Caden responded by gently brushing her lips.


    “Our engagement party ising up soon, followed by the wedding after Christmas. Then, let’s start a family right away, shall we?”


    Alicia gave a nod in agreement.


    “I hope for a daughter.”


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