Chapter 209

A knock sounded at the door. "What are you doing up so late?" The door was slightly ajar, allowing Gerry to enter. The room was unlike anything he'd expected.

"Why are all these bags lying around? Are they planning to move?" Gerry's arrival diffused the tension, but Alice 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 hear anything you two were arguing about."

Alicia was speechless. Her poor acting betrayed her enjoyment of the situation. Feeling awkward, she lowered her head and began tidying up, trying to conceal her feelings. Her sensitivity contrasted sharply with Caden's directness. Without hesitation, she turned to Gerry, asking, "Why are you so late?"

"I was just leaving a party and thought I'd stop by on my way home," Gerry explained, entering the room. "Why don't you get up? I'm a guest here. Bring me a glass of water."

Caden's expression remained impassive. "There's water in the bathroom. Feel free to help yourself." Gerry was momentarily speechless.

As the two men spoke, Alice, seeking to avoid the situation, grabbed a bag in each hand and headed for the door. Gerry stopped her. "Are you leaving already?" "Yes, I'll be right back," she replied. Caden watched her go, his expression grim. The bags were heavy, and she struggled with each step. Just as Caden moved to help, Gerry reached her first.

"These bags are almost bigger than you. Are you sure you can carry them?" He took the bags from her. "Let a man help you when there's one around. Don't try to do everything yourself."

Caden's expression darkened. Alice felt slightly embarrassed. "They are quite heavy. Be careful not to strain yourself," Gerry added. Gerry waved away his concern. "I'm strong enough for this. Don't worry…"

He didn't finish his sentence. Caden silently gathered the four bags into his hands. Both Gerry and Alicia stopped, surprised, their gazes drawn to him. Caden's voice was flat. "It's just trash from my apartment. Don't bother." He walked past them, putting distance between himself and the couple before exiting the room.

Gerry's lips twitched slightly, amusement in his voice. "What's with the cold shoulder? You'd think I was trying to steal your girlfriend."

Now that Alicia had her hands free, she picked up a carefully wrapped painting. She followed Caden to the elevator, keeping close. Curiosity overcame Gerry. "What is that?"

"It's a painting my mother made," Alice answered, glancing quickly at Caden. She deliberately positioned herself on the opposite side of him, avoiding contact. Noticing this, Gerry moved to close the gap, bringing her closer to Caden. "I'll stay here, by the garbage," Gerry said mockingly. Alicia was speechless.

The elevator ride was short, and she remained silent. Unable to remain quiet, Gerry asked, "Caden, have you been doing any renovations?"

Alice tensed. Why was Gerry asking that? Had he seen something embarrassing? Caden looked at him, clearly puzzled. "Why do you ask?"

Gerry shrugged. "When I came in, I noticed a large mirror in your living room, near the balcony. Why did you put it there? It looks a bit… creepy."

Alice looked puzzled, lowering her head and retreating to a corner. Caden chuckled, perhaps in response to Gerry's comment or Alice's reaction. "It's good for something."

Gerry wasn't worried. "Alice, do you like using the mirror in the living room? I thought you had a dressing room, didn't you?" Alice remained silent. Would she ever stop asking questions?

Caden's thoughts drifted to the mirror, bringing back memories of their intimate moments. He remembered the first time they stood before it; Alicia, overcome with shyness, had cried. The memory was so vivid it felt recent. Caden swallowed, feeling a rush of heat.

"Yes, Alice is stunning," he said, his voice distant and uncertain. "The mirror really brings out her beauty."

Alice felt a chill at his words. She recalled Caden's playful habit of looking at his reflection and whispering, "You're so beautiful, Lucky. Come on, open your eyes and look." The memory resonated deeply with both of them. Alice tried to dismiss her thoughts but couldn't ignore his intense gaze. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.