Chapter 331:

When she loved Caden, it was because of his past, her tireless efforts focused on helping him escape his shadows. Yet, he'd overlooked something crucial: she, too, had been enveloped by darkness. She had journeyed this far alone, without ever truly experiencing care or cherishment. This explained her tender nature; she believed sincerity alone would earn her the love she craved—a simple measure of attention and affection. He had offered her wealth, influence, jewels, and recognition, but not love.

Regret consumed Caden. He felt suffocated, gasping for air like a fish out of water, a persistent ache igniting in his chest. Driven by urgency, he called Alicia. She answered. A few seconds of silence followed the connection before Alicia's soft voice broke the stillness. "Did you get my gift?"

Hearing her voice calmed him. "I did," he replied, his voice rough. Alicia's words were brief, sincere: "Happy Christmas, Caden."

Caden's hands trembled. She knew precisely how to both offer love and inflict pain; he knew how to strike at her most vulnerable point. He'd braced himself for tears, a scene, even curses—anything but her simple, "Happy Christmas." His throat tightened. "You hate me now, don't you?"

"Hate? I never hated you, except when I was nine," Alicia responded.

Nine? When Alicia was nine, Caden was mourning his mother's death, having taken a year off from school. To escape the depths of his grief, he'd eventually returned, transferring to her school. Their lives intertwined that year. He, dark and withdrawn from loss, and she, vibrant and full of life, cherished by her parents—a pearl. He had been jealous, resentful, using his intellect to outmaneuver her, to claim the top position.

"I'm sorry," Caden murmured.

"Too late," Alicia replied flatly.

Caden swallowed hard, remaining silent.