Chapter 355

“Those are two separate matters,” he replied. “My desire to be with you stems from my love for you.”

Alicia pressed on. “If we were together, but I refused to let you touch me, would your love for me still remain?”

Caden’s expression grew serious. He didn’t believe these aspects of their relationship should be compared. His pause elicited a small smile from Alicia. She shrugged. “See? You can’t give me a straight answer.”

Caden’s voice turned gravelly. “Alicia, why do you want me to deceive you?” He wasn’t the type to act impulsively, sleeping with just anyone. Naturally, with someone he loved, physical intimacy followed. Yet, in this hypothetical, he was forced to lie; he had no desire to be dishonest. It felt profoundly insincere.

Alicia recognized her request was unreasonable. She didn’t want to continue the conversation. They arrived at her private room, and she stopped, facing him.

“We’re done. You can go inside,” she said. “Tonight’s expenses are on me.”

Caden glanced into the room. “What do you mean?”

Alicia replied, “You came all this way, swallowing your pride, for a night of intimacy, didn’t you? I can’t give you that, but others can. This place has high ratings, and the women here are known for their reputation. If you enjoy yourself tonight, you won’t need me. So, please, leave me alone.”

Caden’s expression shifted, his eyes clouding with a stormy darkness. Alicia retrieved a thick stack of cash from her purse and tossed it lightly against his chest.

“I’ll even cover the tips,” she said, her smile bitter. “Go on, have a good time.”

Caden’s expression darkened as he seized her wrist. His intense gaze met hers. “What is the point of putting each other through this agony?”

Alicia met his gaze steadily. “Are you feeling humiliated?” she scoffed. “I doubt anyone’s ever dared to throw money at you before, Mr. Ward.”

Deep down, Alicia knew he didn’t truly love her. If he had, he wouldn’t have blamed her without clarification during their workplace meeting. Nor would he have thrown the medicine box at her like trash. He mistakenly believed financial gifts pleased a woman, oblivious to the wounds his actions caused.

She gently pried his hands away, fighting back tears. Then, without another word, she turned and walked away. She drove home in silence. As she climbed her apartment stairs, she glimpsed a car disappearing into the night. The license plate flashed briefly; it seemed familiar.