?<strong>Chapter 771:</strong>


    Leading up to the engagement party, Alicia was restricted to their apartment. Her pregnancy care continued with the doctor making house calls. Caden ensured shecked nothing but her freedom. With his recent preupations, he avoided any risk that might endanger Alicia. Alicia initially resisted, but Caden was unmoved by her objections. Gradually, she came to terms with the situation.


    As the year waned, snow nketed Warrington thickly. Alicia sat by the window, Caden’s head in herp, her fingers gently caressing his hair. The engagement party was set for tomorrow. Despite his hectic schedule, Caden found a moment to deliver Alicia’s gown personally.


    “Shall we see if it fits?” he asked. He hadn’t spoken to her in days. As he assisted her to her feet, he gently brushed her hair back.


    “If there are any issues with the fit, I’ll have it adjusted right away.”


    Alicia’s expression remained somber, yet she agreed to try on the gown as Caden rmended. Tailored to her exact dimensions, the gown fit wlessly over her. From behind, Caden watched her reflection, captivated by her beauty in the mirror.


    “It’s been ages since you’ve smiled, Lucky,” he said softly.


    Alicia responded quietly, “How can I smile? This isn’t how I envisioned our engagement.”


    “The invites have gone out. It’s toote for second thoughts now.” Caden encircled her waist with his arms.


    “I want you by my side as my wife, and soon.”


    Alicia managed a weak smile, remaining silent. Caden, having been apart from her, leaned in for a kiss. But Alicia turned her head away.


    “You better get back to your tasks,” she murmured.


    Caden drew her close again, his expression tense with effort.


    “I’ve invested too much in this engagement, Lucky. Ensure nothing falls apart.”


    Alicia scoffed.


    “Worried I might flee?”


    His suspicions were indeed raised. Given Alicia’s normally spirited demeanor, her recent passivity was disconcerting.


    Alicia’s tone was t.


    “Where would I go in my condition? You know very well, Caden. I can’t even leave this apartment, much less Warrington.”


    Caden’s face grew stern.


    “Lucky, don’t speak to me that way.”


    Just then, a knock echoed through the room.


    Releasing Alicia, Caden stepped out to hear a whisper from one of his men. His brow furrowed slightly.


    “Double-check that information. I’ll be downstairs soon,” he instructed. The subordinate nodded and departed.


    Closing the door behind him, Caden had intended to help Alicia with her jewelry, but she had already moved to the dressing room to remove her gown. Caden paused in the doorway, his eyes lingering on her retreating figure.


    With her back to him, Alicia said, “If you need to handle something, go. We can talk about the engagement after you’ve sorted your issues.”


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