A tightness coiled in her chest.

Caden had a way of deflecting conflict, steering it into unexpected territory. He was relentless, weaving through emotions with practiced ease.

But there was no doubt - his love for her ran deep, and he knew she felt the same, even if she refused to admit it.

But before she could say another word, he gently lifted her onto the sofa, placing his thick coat over her knees. He knelt down, resting his head in her lap, the gesture so tender it made her breath catch.

“You know I can't live without you," he said softly, eyes searching hers. “Who else would I want to have a child with?" His voice dropped, vulnerability breaking through. “It's not just about a child, Alicia. You're the only one who makes me feel alive. If you don't want this baby, there won't be any heir for the Ward family."

Alicia scoffed, her voice laced with bitterness. "Didn't you and Yolanda have your fun in Terriland?"

Caden's jaw tightened. "We didn't. I needed her cooperation, so I let her into my room. I wasn't thinking straight, and she took advantage of that to leave a mark on my neck."

Alicia's gaze remained cold and unyielding.

He sighed, reluctantly admitting, "Yes, I was petty. I wanted you to see things from my perspective and feel what I was going through. But apart from that mark, I didn't let her touch me. The door was open the whole time. I can show you the surveillance footage if it helps."

He had been clouded by frustration then but had known enough to leave himself an escape route. He had kept the evidence ready, knowing Alicia's anger would be fierce.

Alicia's retort was sharp. "You and Yolanda make a fine pair. If the chemistry isn't there yet, you can build it over time. And if you still can't feel anything, well, modern fertility treatments work wonders. Soon enough, Yolanda could give you a child every year, filling the Ward house with heirs."

Caden's eyes softened as he took in her words. “I only want you, Alicia. Your health is fragile, and this pregnancy was a miracle — one in a million. If you don't want this child, there may never be another. Can you live with that, Lucky?"

His words pierced her, striking at the most vulnerable part of her heart.

Caden knew all too well where her defenses faltered, leaving her with nowhere to hide.

Her eyes reddened, betraying the inner turmoil she'd tried to suppress. Caden saw the exhaustion etched on her face and knew she must have cried herself to sleep countless nights. The sight twisted his heart, and he leaned in to kiss her.

Alicia turned her head away, the disgust clear in her expression.

Undeterred, Caden pressed a gentle kiss to her chin, brushing away the tears that escaped down her cheek. “Dorian and Corey pushed me to my limits, and Gareth's betrayal was the final blow. That's when I lost control and said things I shouldn't have. I'm sorry, Alicia," he whispered, the weight of his words laden with genuine remorse.

"The battles between men can be brutal, Alicia. I wanted to keep you safe, which is why I didn't take you abroad or explain my decisions. As for Yolanda, she was a necessary part of the plan, not a tool I use to retaliate against you."

Alicia turned her head sharply, straining her neck in an effort to escape the warmth of his breath.

Caden's voice was low and rough. "Lucky, trust me — Yolanda won't come out of this unscathed."

Alicia froze, her mind spinning with countless dangerous scenarios.

“What about Dorian?" she whispered, unable to shake her lingering worry.

Caden's expression darkened as he seized the moment to capture her lips. "He won't touch me," he murmured, his words melting into the kiss as his tongue traced the familiar sweetness of her mouth.

Annoyed at being taken advantage of, Alicia tried to bite him, but Caden's strong tongue pressed past her resistance, deepening the kiss.