Alicia lowered her head slightly, murmuring, “He’s okay.” In bed, Caden was the epitome of a gentleman—intense yet considerate, always ensuring her comfort.

She was genuinely impressed.

Monica noticed her blushing and laughed. “If he’s that attentive in bed, he must have feelings for you.”

Alicia was taken aback and quickly shook her head. Their relationship had never ventured into romantic territory—it was strictly physical.

“Why else would he continue to support you?” Monica probed.

“We have an arrangement,” Alicia replied.

“But Joshua’s no longer in the picture,” Monica pointed out. “Remember how Caden drunkenly kissed you? I doubt he sees you just as a business partner,” Monica challenged.

Alicia was uncertain.

Your source: g𝕒ln𝕠v𝕖ls.𝕔𝕠𝕞

Was Monica right?

Did Caden have deeper feelings for her?

Monica grew more animated. “I can’t stand this. I need to find a cute guy to liven up my night.”

Alicia nodded. “Try to find someone experienced yet still a virgin,” she suggested.

“Forget it. Finding a virgin these days is tougher than finding an alien,” Monica sighed.

After dinner, they went shopping. Soon after, Monica’s phone rang with a call from the lab.

“Did you take some medicine out? Someone’s making it difficult for me.”

Monica turned aside and whispered, “I’ll be right back to explain everything.”

Alicia expressed her concern. “Is everything alright?”

Trying not to alarm Alicia, Monica downplayed the situation. “It’s just a minor issue with my coursework. My professor is expecting me.”

She managed the explanation smoothly, and Alicia suspected nothing was amiss.

Alicia pulled out her phone. “I’ll call you a cab.”

After Monica left, Alicia decided to visit Caden’s company. As she turned to leave, a men’s scarf in a shop window caught her eye.

The scarf’s simple design and elegant color instantly made her think of Caden, who seldom wore scarves despite the chilly Warrington winters.

On impulse, she purchased the scarf.

Arriving at the company, Alicia found Caden occupied in a meeting.

Hank approached her with a cheerful demeanor. “Ms. Bennett, are you here to join Mr. Ward for lunch?”

Alicia smiled, shaking her head. “No, I came for something else.”

“The product details are on the desk in Mr. Ward’s office. He’ll be tied up for a bit. Why not wait in there?” Hank suggested.

Alicia nodded in agreement.

Mindful of the sensitivity of the information, she inquired, “Is it alright if I use Caden’s computer?”

“Of course,” Hank responded without hesitation, as the investment in product development was primarily for Alicia.

Reassured, Alicia entered the office to access the product file.

She sat down and began making several adjustments.

Half an hour passed quickly.

Alicia glanced towards the door, but there was still no sign of Caden.

Holding the scarf, she allowed herself a tender smile, thinking of giving it to him. They rarely exchanged gifts despite their numerous intimate moments.

Surprisingly, she felt more nervous about this gesture than any of their previous encounters.

Deciding to make it a subtle surprise, she chose to hide the scarf in a spot where he would easily find it. She opened a drawer to place it inside, but her attention was caught by a document labeled “Health Report.”

Driven by curiosity, she couldn’t resist picking it up to read.

The report detailed Caden’s health, stating that he was in good condition and his illness was under control.

Flipping through the pages, she read about the specific nature of his condition, his treatment schedule, and the comprehensive medical advice provided.

Her expression hardened as she digested the information. She had never heard of such an unusual illness, which explained certain aspects of his behavior that had puzzled her.

The report also mentioned that Caden had discontinued his medication months ago, which coincided with improvements during the times they had been intimate.

Realizing the dates matched their encounters, a chill ran through her.

It dawned on her that Caden’s methodical involvement with her, the sudden business opportunities, and his persistent attention were not mere coincidences—they were driven by his health needs.

She was the unwitting solution to his medical condition, nothing more.

A deep sense of betrayal washed over her. Carefully, she replaced the report in the drawer, her heart heavy with the realization. A profound sadness filled her, as if her heart had been pierced, leaving an empty void filled with coldness.