?<strong>Chapter 745:</strong>


    A sharp pang pierced Alicia’s heart as memories of his cold, indifferent father and the mother he lost too soon surfaced in her mind. He was just as broken as she was.


    Unknowingly, the walls she had built around her heart began to crumble.


    Alicia’s heart might have softened, but her words were as sharp as ever.


    “I’ll have the child, but it has nothing to do with you.”


    Caden knew she was still angry and not easily appeased, so he decided to y along for now. He didn’t dare bring up the engagement party.


    Patience, he thought. She woulde around eventually, and when that time came, he’d be ready.


    “How about we get married at the end of the month?” he suggested carefully. The engagement was set for the twenty-third, and the end of the month seemed like a perfect time to make it official.


    “I’ll take care of the wedding nning. You won’t need to lift a finger; just show up.”


    Alicia’s eyes hardened.


    “I don’t want to get married,” she said, her tone icy.


    “Didn’t you hear what I just said? I’m willing to keep the child but not the father. Why would I have a wedding?”


    Caden nodded, swallowing back his disappointment.


    “Alright, keep the child but not the father.”


    For now, he was content to step back, knowing that once the baby was involved, it would only be a matter of time before she came around. Caden understood when to advance and when to retreat.


    Sensing that she needed space, Caden retreated to the kitchen, rummaging through cabs to make something for her. The tter of dishes echoed through the quiet apartment.


    Alicia finally snapped.


    “No one’s lived here before — there’s nothing to eat.”


    “Just go.”


    Caden emerged from the kitchen, unbothered.


    “Then I’ll have food sent over.”


    “There’s no need. I have no appetite!” Alicia said, storming into the bedroom. She climbed into bed, pulling the nket over her head, trying to block out the world and the man who wouldn’t leave her alone.


    Should she keep the child? The question spun in her mind, even as she drifted into a restless sleep, the answer eluding her.


    Alicia’s sleep was fragile these days, the slightest noise enough to wake her. When she opened her eyes, she found Caden sitting by the bed. The soft glow of the bedsidemp cast shadows across his strong features, making him look both imposing and tender.


    His dark eyes met hers, deep and intense, like whirlpools ready to pull her in. Then she noticed her phone in his hand.


    She frowned, her voice sharp.


    “What are you doing? Spying on me?”


    Caden turned off the phone screen and met her gaze, his voice steady.


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