He shouted, his voice filled with intensity, yet his fingers shook involuntarily, as if fearful, pulling her close into his embrace.

His breathing was heavy, his embrace nearly crushing her.

His tone softened abruptly as he continued, “I never mind what you've become. I was just too frightened, too enraged. I could end him, but I knew you'd despise me for it. Alicia, you're all I have left."

Alicia was silent for a long moment before she pushed him away.

Her face was marked by dried tears, her eyes empty, like those of a ghost.

She said nothing, turning to leave.

Caden, desperate, clung to her. "Alicia."

Alicia didn't resist or lash out.

She said plainly, "Caden, I never want to see you again."

The door shut with a sound, and a chilling breeze swept through, tousling Caden's hair.

He stood frozen, unable to move.

His hand stayed in a stiff position for some time, and eventually, he clenched it. Yet it felt empty, lacking Alicia's warmth.

Her desperate, shattered voice resonated in his ears, stabbing at his mind Like sharp needles.

"Caden, let's end it here."

"Caden I never want to see you again.”

He was mistaken.

It wasn't him who had nothing; it was Alicia, who had entrusted him with her heart, only to see it broken.

Alicia kept to herself.

Now wealthy and well-known, she owned multiple properties, making it easy to find a place for the night.

Yet the house felt unbearably cold - so cold that sleep eluded her throughout the night.

With solitude her only companion at night, she confined herself to a small corner, giving in to her emotions and grief.

However, with dawn approaching, she had a long list of tasks to do.

She was still pregnant, and despite the expected challenges, she needed to maintain her health. No matter her sorrow, Alicia had to gather strength to ensure she received proper nutrition.

She was one month pregnant.