This time, Caden and Alicia were intimate only once. Afterward, he leaned back against the headboard and dialed Ciara’s number. Meanwhile, Alicia quietly picked up her phone and prepared 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?”

“Out,” Alicia whispered back, subtly nodding toward his phone. “Be careful, or your grandmother might overhear.”

Caden’s expression was unreadable as he watched her. “She’s in Warrington. That call this morning probably piqued her curiosity,” he mused, spreading his arms in frustration. “I’ve already hung up. No need to act so secretive. Come here.”

Alicia hesitated, then lay back down beside him.

Nervously, she asked, “Is Ciara going to come here?”

“No,” Caden reassured her. “She’s curious but knows to keep her distance.”

Alicia curled up in the blanket, finding comfort beside him. “Why does she care so much about whether you have a girlfriend? A guy like you must have plenty of admirers.”

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He gently touched her cheek. “She’s eager for me to marry.”

Alicia was taken aback, but since she was facing away from him, he couldn’t see her expression. After a long pause, she finally said, “That makes sense. She’s getting older; it’s about time she had a great-grandchild.”

Caden glanced down at Alicia, noticing her tightly closed eyes. She appeared sleepy, but her long lashes fluttered occasionally, betraying that she was still awake. He smiled and asked, “How much would you give as a wedding gift if I were to marry?”

Without opening her eyes, Alicia replied, “Two hundred dollars.”

“Only two hundred?” Caden teased. “How about thirteen hundred? That’s the fee for my first overnight stay.”

Alicia’s eyes snapped open, and she elbowed him. Then, turning serious, she said, “If you get married, I’m not coming. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“Feeling embarrassed?” he asked with a smirk.

She pulled the blanket over her face, her voice muffled. “I’m going to sleep.”

Caden chuckled softly, turned off the light, and lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms. For a while, silence enveloped them. Then Alicia gently moved his arm away.

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

“My family has arranged someone, but I haven’t met her yet,” he replied lazily.

“So, you do,” she murmured, realization dawning on her. Sensing her unease, Caden added, “I’ll only get married after our collaboration is over.”

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

“You should have told me sooner,” she whispered. Tossing aside the blanket, she sat up and began adjusting her clothes, her back turned to him.

Caden’s expression darkened, a rare flash of anger crossing his features. “Didn’t I mention it? Nothing is definite yet.”

Alicia pressed her lips together, grappling with her emotions. Deciding that silence was best, she 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 steady despite the turmoil inside.

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

Stunned by his directness, Alicia paused. “I’m not that influential. It’s just that the new bed makes it hard for me to sleep. I’d be more comfortable in the guest room.”

Caden’s expression darkened further, his eyes narrowing. He knew his engagement unsettled her, even if she refused to admit it.

“I haven’t agreed to any engagement,” he said icily. “You don’t have to be so uptight.”

Alicia’s body tensed. She knew he didn’t take marriage seriously, yet it still made her uncomfortable. She quietly stepped back.

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

Alicia responded firmly, “The agreement doesn’t stipulate that we share a bed.”

Her words hit him hard, leaving him momentarily speechless. He inwardly cursed himself for bringing up the agreement at such a moment.

Alicia opened the door and left, her steps brisk, her heart still unsettled. She knew well that her relationship with Caden was strictly contractual. Yet, in the quiet of the night, memories of their shared moments lingered in her mind. Were they truly just business partners?

Before she could find an answer, another thought surfaced: “Alicia, you two will eventually part ways. He’s free to be with anyone he wants. Why are you letting 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 loaded spring—treat him well, and things would go smoothly; challenge him, and he’d make things difficult. So, she decided to act as if nothing had been said the previous night.

The next morning, she prepared breakfast as usual. Caden poured himself a glass of water, casting a quick glance at the spread on the table. Nothing appeared different.

“Make me an omelet,” he demanded, taking a sip, his face expressionless.

Alicia straightened, holding her ground. “Isn’t what I’ve made enough?”

“I’m not in the mood for this,” he replied curtly.

“There’s no time. I have plans. Eat what’s here or skip it,” Alicia asserted.

Caden’s gaze narrowed. “Mr. Wade’s having an art exhibit tomorrow. Did you get an invite?”

Alicia paused. Was he threatening her again? Anger flared within her. “It’s just an invitation. Do you think it’s exclusive to you? I don’t need you to take me.”

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

She met his gaze, undeterred. “That’s none of your concern.”