Married into Alpha Lord

Chapter 43

"Are you still awake?"

I look up and found Darren looking down at me. "Hey," I answer him while looking back to my notes. "How's your day?" Darren asked, leaning on the edge of the table while reading the paper from the stack that I've done reviews.

"Same as yesterday, doing work, reading books, how's yours?" I answer, continue writing. "Envious. I need to meet old officials and discuss boring stuff," he sighed

I chuckled. He managed to lift my mood that has been free-falling a little. I bet he already knew the little ruckus this evening but he doesn't look like he's going to talk about it. So I won't either.

Darren put the paper back to the stack and cup my head to give me a kiss on the lips. "Thank you for helping me with my work, Caden. I love you."

I smiled. "It's not like I have other things to do or anything, no need to thank me," I said. I lean forward and kiss his cheek. "Love you too,"

-- Darren's POV --

It's become very difficult for me to understand Caden.

After the new year party, I thought he finally opened up. Sometimes I feel the distance between us has gone but other times I feel the wall is just getting thicker.

I tried showering him with affection, showing that I really care for him. He just accepts everything easily like it's a normal thing. He never questions or denies the things that I do for him. I often thought that he's too kind. He's able to forgive and accept that easily.

I heard what happened today. Harry told me all the things including exactly Caden's words. I never thought of having an Omega or even divorce him. But he's saying it like it's going to happen and he's prepared for it. I never expect him to think like that.

Even his confession doesn't feel more than a sequence of words.

Is that why no matter how many secrets he told me, it never looks like he's opening up a slightest?

On one hand, I feel angry and sad. I trust and really want to make our relationship better. On the other hand, I can't really blame him. The more stories he told me the more I feel how lonely he is and understand his reason to build such a thick wall.

His current state is like calm water, and it's better not to disrupt it.

For now, I tried to strengthen our relationship little by little. As he accepts me as I am, I tried to accept him for what he is. As long as I remain loyal, I know he would never leave me.

Today is the last day I'm going to be here in the capital. 

This morning, I went to the Palace to meet Floyd to finish some works and say goodbye as I'm leaving in the morning. 

"Why so fast?" Floyd grumbled. As I walk accompany him to his office.

"There are many stuffs to deal with in the North," I replied to him.

"Hmm... you look like you finally get a hang of managing the fief. I heard the situations improve a lot. The report also showed that the GDP has been rising a lot," Floyd said. "Great work!"

I only smile, accepting the praise. This conversation brought me back to the memories of last night.

I look up to the paper that Caden had reviewed while I'm gone. I was shocked when I read the notes on it. He wrote solutions and several alternate options in detail. Pointing on what should be done to further improved and prevent similar problems return. For cases that lack on data or evidence, he wrote up things that should further be checked. He also gave strategic actions that should be done to gather that information.

I still need to make several adjustments to befit the real situations, but it already helps me a lot. Things that need discussion with a specialist was solved in instant. The time needed to do research was cut short and I can immediately plan on the solution and beyond.

In fact, most of the problems' solutions were brought up from him. My works had gone easier since he was involved. I learned a lot. Caden said that he will keep helping me, on the condition that I don't expose his help.

"By the way, you came alone again today," Floyd said with a disappointed tone.

"Are you looking for someone?" I asked.

"Your partner! Caden! I really want to talk to him," he said looking overly excited. 

"Why?" I narrowed my eyes, giving him a suspicious look.

"Of course I want to know the person who is marrying my best friend. Your marriage was done in flash, I never heard anything about your partner before!" Floyd argues.

My marriage happened so suddenly, so secretive. Even though the agreement between the families happened years ago, it never publicly known. Even I only know about it several months before. Also, the partner change makes it even chaotic. Both families agree to do it in a very private and close manner. There are so many things behind it that I feel father and mother have not been very honest about it.

"He's having another appointment, next time perhaps," I answered. Caden told me he's going to the University with father today, to meet the Dean. He said it will be over in the afternoon. I look at my watch and found there is still time if I want to catch him. "Sorry, Floyd. I think I'll go now," I said halting my steps.

"What? Why? I need to hear more stories," Floyd said. 

"You have works to mend and I have a person to meet. Until next time."

"Huh? Why are you here?" Caden asked as he approaches me. I stood in the University's front gate, waiting for him to come out.

"Picking you up. It's our last day here, let's go walk in the city for a while," I said. He looks hesitant towards my invitation. "I already told father that I'll pick you up," I assure him.

"I don't really want to go out, tho..."

I look at him with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. Caden used to sneak out to the Northern town a lot. It's only recently that he goes out with Harry. Now, he hasn't gone out except for official matter since he arrived here. I can sense that his mood has been constantly dropping for several days, so I thought strolling a bit could lift him up.

"You don't want to?" I asked again.

He stays silent for a bit, thinking, before answering, "Let's go for a bit."