Chapter 359

The assistant shifted uncomfortably, glancing around as if the walls held the answer. Knowing the strain between Alicia and Caden, she hesitated, revealing little. “I’m not certain… probably not for a month or so.”

A shadow of impatience crossed Caden’s face just as Gerry arrived. Before Gerry could speak, Caden said, his voice cold and casual, “Don’t bother. She’s not here.”

Gerry blinked, speechless. Caden had planned a dinner reservation for that evening, but the prospect now felt pointless. With a dismissive wave, he handed the reservation to Gerry and returned to his empty apartment, placing a purchased bouquet in a vase. The vibrant petals, still full of life, were a painful reminder of Alicia’s absence.

Lately, their distance had become more than physical. Months had passed with more silence than conversation, more space than closeness. Now, with another month of absence looming, it was clear she was drifting further away. For the first time, Caden felt suffocated. A month. Then two. Then six. Clearly, she was testing the limits of their separation—perhaps indefinitely.

A sharp ache twisted in his chest, an unfamiliar tightness he couldn't shake. His jaw clenched as his resolve hardened. Without hesitation, he grabbed his car keys and left.

Acquiring Alicia’s itinerary was easy. By evening, Caden had reached Bechorion, determination etched on his features. He quickly found her hotel and, after some maneuvering, gained access to her room. But it wasn’t as he’d imagined. Alicia wasn’t there. The room was booked in her name, her details correct, yet she was nowhere to be found. After inquiring, Caden learned the check-in was a ruse. She knew he would come, and she had deliberately misled him. She clearly didn't want to see him. She had gone to great lengths to avoid him, and the sting was sharp.

Caden let out a bitter laugh. Instead of storming out, he showered in the room she'd used to deceive him. Later, he stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at Bechorion’s sprawling skyline, the city lights reflecting his restless thoughts. He smoked several cigarettes, the bitter taste mirroring his mood. It felt awful to be so manipulated. He knew Alicia resented him, yet he couldn’t help but try to win her back. It was pointless, and he resolved not to let it bother him. But his resolve lasted only a moment before Alicia consumed his thoughts again.

What could he do? He had wronged her, then fallen deeply in love—now he was paying the price, trapped in a game he couldn’t win. Naturally, for someone accustomed to getting his way, this was a bitter pill to swallow. Alicia proved far better at evading him than he'd anticipated, creating false leads everywhere. Half a month passed, and he was still chasing her shadow. His work piled up, and his staff pressed him to return.

Eventually, he had no choice but to concede; he couldn’t neglect his responsibilities any longer.