Alicia enjoyed a restful night.

When she awoke the next day around noon, Caden was nowhere to be found. She dressed quickly and went outside.

The innkeeper was at the door, accepting a delivery. Caden stood nearby, dressed in a long black down jacket, casually with one hand in his pocket. Although the snow had stopped, the wind still howled fiercely. Alicia wrapped her clothes tightly around herself and took a seat.

Caden, too, had received a delivery—several sets of clothes and various daily essentials. The innkeeper, noticing the boxes of medicine among the items, raised an eyebrow and said, “These are high-quality medications. Who sent them?”

“A friend,” Caden answered plainly.

“Impressive,” the innkeeper said with a smile. “These aren’t easy to find, even with money. Are they for your girlfriend?”

“Yes,” Caden replied, without hesitation.

Read exclusive content at gⱯlnσν𝑒ℓs․com

Alicia was surprised. He didn’t correct the innkeeper’s assumption.

As Caden turned to take the packages inside, he noticed Alicia. She had stayed in her room for two days and appeared paler, visibly thinner. Her small face looked even more delicate in the cold light.

Caden walked toward her. “Does your back still hurt?”

Alicia hesitated, unsure of how much to say. “It still hurts,” she responded, trying to mask the pain. She quickly changed the subject. “Did you have someone send the medicine?”

Caden raised an eyebrow and pocketed the medication nonchalantly.

Alicia watched him with a knowing smile, recognizing the frustration on his face—the fact that he couldn’t keep this from her any longer.

“Was it Hank who sent them?” she asked, gradually getting to the point. “The delivery was quite fast.”

The wind whipped around them, so Caden wrapped his coat around her as they made their way back inside. “Let’s talk inside,” he suggested.

Alicia replied, “It doesn’t matter where we talk, Caden. You said the weather was too rough and the path was blocked, so we couldn’t leave. How did you manage to get the medicine delivered?”

It was clear to her that Caden’s excuse was just that—an excuse. He clearly wanted to spend more time here. Now that they had the best medication for her fractures and back pain, by tomorrow, she might be completely at his mercy. Did he keep her here thinking that a change of place would make things more exciting between them?

Caden entered the room and shut the door behind them. He wasted no time and asked, “Does your mouth still hurt?”

Alicia immediately became defensive. “Don’t even think about it!”

Caden smirked. It wasn’t her decision to make. He unzipped his pants, ready to proceed, when a knock on the door interrupted him.

He paused, then reluctantly zipped up his pants. With a sigh, he walked to the door and opened it.

The innkeeper stood there holding a box. “Mr. Ward, you left something behind,” she said with a knowing smile. “Young folks have lots of energy, but do be mindful—your girlfriend is still recovering.”

Caden accepted the box, thanking her calmly. Alicia, however, had a bad feeling about it. “What else did you buy?” she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

Without a hint of embarrassment, Caden answered, “A box of condoms.”

Alicia was stunned. “A whole box?”

Caden fought to suppress a smile but kept his face straight. “Yes, there are 150 condoms inside.”

Alicia was speechless. She stood there in silence for a few moments, before stepping back and starting to search for something.

Caden raised an eyebrow. “What are you looking for?”

“My phone,” Alicia answered without missing a beat. “I’m calling the police to get me out of here.”

Caden remained unfazed. “Wherever you go, we’ll still need to use those condoms first. Now, lie down on the bed,” he instructed, opening the box.

Alicia was stunned. “Caden, have you lost your mind? My back still hurts!”

Caden pulled out a tube of ointment and waved it in front of her. “Even if your back wasn’t hurting, I’m too busy to do anything with you right now.”

Alicia was rendered speechless. Too flustered to look at him directly, she turned away and fiddled with the tablecloth.

Caden clicked his tongue in annoyance. “What are you messing around with? Get on the bed.”

The room was cozy, and Alicia lifted her thin shirt, revealing her smooth, slender waist. Initially, Caden had no improper thoughts.

But as soon as she lay down, his mind began to wander. He didn’t rush to apply the ointment. Instead, he allowed himself to enjoy the feel of her skin for a moment. Alicia bit her lip, burying her face into the pillow.

Caden knew how sensitive she was to touch, and it had been a while since they’d been intimate. A small gesture could easily ignite a flame. He gave in to his urges and bent down to kiss her.

Alicia lifted her head slightly, and Caden felt satisfied, letting his hands roam under her clothes. She didn’t resist.

“Why are you being so compliant?” he asked.

Alicia’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

In the gentlest tone, she spoke the harshest words. “You won’t be able to do anything anyway. If you’re okay with feeling frustrated, go ahead.”

Caden remained silent, adjusting his behavior. He squeezed out some ointment and began applying it to her bruises.

Alicia could sense his patience as he carefully massaged the sore spots over and over. It was completely unlike him.

She lay there quietly, a small smile on her lips. Then, teasing him, she said, “You’re definitely making an effort to have sex sooner.”

Caden caught the sarcasm in her voice but didn’t deny it.

Alicia learned a lesson.

To continue receiving his attention, she knew she had to maintain her value. Their physical attraction was undeniable, but one day, it would inevitably fade. To remain relevant, she needed to grow in every aspect of her life.

She turned her gaze to Caden, imagining him being admired by many, gracing headlines, and shining under the spotlight. Caden noticed her stare.

“What is it?” he asked.

Alicia replied calmly, “Your actions have made me realize something.”

“And what’s that?” he inquired.

“I need to be strong and self-reliant, so no one can take advantage of me.”

Caden responded instinctively, “With a man like me by your side, no one will dare to bully you.”

Alicia smiled softly. “When I married Joshua, he promised me the same thing.”

Caden noticed the mocking yet determined expression on her face, feeling a moment of unease. She had come to her own conclusions, no longer placing the same trust and dependence in him as she once had.