Chapter 527

Meanwhile, Alicia assumed Caden wouldn't be returning home, so she showered early and attempted to sleep. Rest eluded her, however, a disquiet lingering. When Caden finally arrived, he merely glanced into the master bedroom before heading to the couch, settling in for the night.

Hearing his movements, Alicia rose and quietly approached him. She found him lying there, exhibiting a weariness she rarely witnessed. Noticing her, he asked, "You're still awake?"

Alicia moved closer and instinctively took his hand. "Are you tired?"

Caden rarely displayed his exhaustion around her, but tonight, the moment he lay down, he sank into the cushions, too drained even to speak. "Yeah, I'm worn out," he admitted, barely opening his eyes. "Good night."

Touched by his fatigue, Alicia removed her slippers and curled up beside him on the couch. Caden frowned. "I haven't showered."

Dressed in a soft, white gown, Alicia was clean and fresh; he didn't want to disturb that. Embarrassed to admit she simply craved his company, she whispered, "Just sleep. You're talking too much." Understanding, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. Soon, his steady breathing filled the room, and Alicia finally found peace, drifting into a deep sleep.

However, Caden was gone when she awoke at dawn. She assumed he'd left for work until she heard a faint clatter from the kitchen. Curious, she went to investigate and found him making breakfast.

Seeing him at the counter, memories of his past kitchen mishaps surfaced, and she quickly approached. "What are you up to now?"

Refreshed and in high spirits, Caden was expertly toasting bread, his hands deft and sure. Alicia stared, impressed by the warm, fragrant toast. "Since when did you get this good?"

He grinned. "I had a pastry chef show me a few things in Terriland."

Alicia washed her hands and joined him. She picked up a knife to slice the bread and found it remarkably hard. She paused.

"What's the matter?" Caden asked.

She wiggled the knife with an unreadable expression. "It's... harder than I expected."

Hearing this, Caden glanced at his lower abdomen and smirked. "What's hard?"

Testing the loaf, Alicia realized it was as hard as a brick. She gave it a playful thump against the counter to emphasize her point. The loud bang echoed through the kitchen, leaving Alicia shocked. Caden frowned in confusion. "Who's knocking at the door?"

Alicia almost burst out laughing from sheer exasperation. "You're so good at playing dumb, aren't you, Mr. Ward?" Realizing the futility of pretense, Caden picked up the bread and inspected it. It felt light, yet undeniably hard. How was that even possible?