In the next moment, someone knocked on the door.

“What are you doing up so late?”

The door was slightly ajar, allowing Gerry to step inside. The room looked nothing like he had expected. “Why are all these bags scattered around? Are you two planning to move?”

Gerry’s arrival broke the tension, but Alicia felt even more embarrassed.

“Mr. Hopkins, when did you arrive?” she asked.

Noticing her discomfort, Gerry cleared his throat. “Don’t worry. I didn’t overhear anything you two were discussing.”

Alicia was at a loss for words. His acting was poor, and it was obvious he was enjoying this.

Feeling uneasy, she bowed her head and began tidying up, trying to conceal her feelings. She was sensitive, while Caden remained straightforward. Without hesitation, he turned to Gerry and asked, “Why are you here so late?”

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“I was just leaving a party and thought I’d stop by on my way home,” Gerry explained as he walked further into the room. “Why don’t you get up? I’m a guest here. Get me a glass of water.”

Caden’s face remained impassive. “There’s water in the bathroom. Feel free to help yourself.”

Gerry was momentarily speechless.

As the two exchanged words, Alicia decided to stay out of it. She grabbed a bag in each hand and headed for the door. Gerry stopped her. “Are you leaving already?”

“Yes, I’m heading back now,” she replied.

Caden watched her go, his expression somber. The bags were heavy, and she struggled with each step. Just as Caden was about to help her, Gerry reached her side first. “These bags are almost bigger than you. Are you sure you can handle them?”

He then took the bags from her. “Let a man help when one’s around. Don’t try to do everything yourself.”

Caden’s expression darkened.

Alicia felt slightly embarrassed. “They’re quite heavy. Be careful not to overexert yourself.”

Gerry waved her concern aside with a dismissive gesture. “I’m strong enough for this. No need to worry…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence before a figure suddenly loomed over them. Caden silently gathered all four bags in his hands. Both Gerry and Alicia paused in surprise, turning their gazes toward him.

Caden’s voice was flat. “These are just trash from my apartment. You needn’t bother.”

With that, he moved past them, putting some distance between himself and the pair before exiting the room.

Gerry’s lips twitched slightly, his voice tinged with amusement. “What’s with the cold shoulder? You’d think I was trying to steal your girlfriend.”

Now that Alicia’s hands were free, she picked up a painting, carefully wrapped and secure in her arms. She followed Caden to the elevator, holding it close.

Curiosity got the better of Gerry. “What is that?”

“It’s a painting my mother did.”

As Alicia responded, she stole a quick glance at Caden. Deliberately, she positioned herself on the opposite side of him, avoiding any contact.

Noticing this, Gerry moved to close the gap, pulling her just a little closer to Caden.

“I’ll stand over here by the trash,” Gerry said, a teasing tone in his voice.

Alicia was left at a loss for words. The elevator ride was short, and she chose to remain silent.

Unable to keep quiet for long, Gerry asked, “Caden, have you been doing renovations?”

Alicia tensed at the question. Why was Gerry asking about that? Did he see something embarrassing?

Caden looked at him, clearly puzzled. “Why do you ask?”

Gerry shrugged, explaining, “When I entered, I noticed a large mirror in your living room near the balcony. Why put it there? It seems a bit… creepy.”

Alicia was taken aback. She lowered her head and retreated to the corner. Caden let out a chuckle, possibly responding to Gerry’s comment or to Alicia’s reaction. “It serves a purpose.”

Gerry wasn’t particularly concerned. “Alicia, do you like using the mirror in the living room? I thought you had a dressing room, right?” Alicia remained silent. Would he ever stop asking questions?

Caden’s thoughts drifted to the mirror, bringing back memories of their intertwined days and nights. When the mirror was first placed, it had witnessed the traces of their passionate moments, from the hallway to the living room.

He remembered the first time they stood before the mirror. Alicia, overwhelmed with shyness, had cried, unable to hold back her emotions. The memory was so vivid, it felt like it had just happened. Caden swallowed hard, feeling a wave of warmth.

“Yeah, Alicia is stunning,” he said, his voice distant as though he wasn’t sure who he was speaking to. “The mirror really highlights her beauty.”

Alicia felt a chill at his words.

When Caden was playful, he would gaze at her reflection in the mirror and whisper in her ear, “You’re so beautiful, Lucky. Come on, open your eyes and see.” That memory echoed in both of their minds.

Alicia tried to push the thoughts away, but she couldn’t ignore the intense look from the man behind her. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.