Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden added, “This place feels safer than a bank, doesn’t it?”
“Right,” Alicia agreed with a smile. As she hung the painting, she asked, “How much did you spend on this piece?”
Caden replied bluntly, “Two hundred million dollars. You owe me, and you’ll repay me in bed.”
Alicia’s expression shifted several times. Her face flushed with a mix of shame and sadness.
“This painting belongs to me. Joshua sold it, which makes him a thief. I’ll make sure he pays you back every cent,” she declared with conviction.
Caden said playfully, “Ms. Bennett, you’re impressive. I can’t wait to see how you take your revenge.”
Alicia felt a surge of shyness at his compliment. “Oh, stop it!”
After hanging the painting, Caden stepped back, standing on the floor.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Caden,” Alicia said as she helped him down.
Caden looked into her eyes and asked, “Is that all I’m getting in return?”
Alicia felt warmth rush to her cheeks. She approached him quickly, rising onto her tiptoes to press her lips against his.
She stared into his eyes, her own filling with tears. For a moment, she wanted to ask him why he was being so kind to her.
His affection enveloped her like the sun on a chilly day, but she sensed that Caden’s kindness was intentional. She couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t entirely genuine. This only deepened her confusion. What could be the reason behind it?
Her thoughts swirled, and she pushed the matter aside, feeling flustered. She turned her attention to other tasks.
Caden smiled at her, remaining silent, wanting to preserve the moment.
As they admired the new painting in the apartment, Caden suggested, “Since we’re already doing renovations, why not update a few other things as well?”
Alicia furrowed her brow. “What renovations? We just hung a painting.”
“True, but that still counts.”
For a moment, she was at a loss for words. Since it was his apartment, she assumed he had the freedom to make any changes he wanted. She nodded in agreement. “It’s up to you. I’ll take care of the expenses.”
Caden wore a knowing expression. “Aren’t you curious about what I plan to change?”
Alicia almost replied that she didn’t mind, but as soon as she looked into his eyes, an uneasy feeling washed over her.
She hesitated for a moment before asking, “What are you planning to change?”
Caden raised an eyebrow. “I can’t say right now.”
She found herself at a loss for words. Then why bring it up?
With the apartment undergoing renovations, Alicia decided to stay with Monica while Caden chose to remain at the office. Since they were spending nights apart, they had little opportunity to meet. She focused on her classes and studies, and time flew by.
Every now and then, she heard bits of gossip.
Joshua had been busy preparing for his company’s listing, rushing around to manage various projects. The fatigue on his face was clear whenever he was photographed. In contrast, Caden’s news received significant attention. His company had launched new tech products and established a partnership with another leading group. In the photos, he radiated confidence without the need for retouching.
The contrast between the two was striking.
Alicia glanced at Caden’s face and instinctively smiled. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching.
It was Monica.
Alicia quickly closed the page.
Monica noticed her flustered reaction. “What are you hiding? Were you watching something inappropriate?”
Alicia cleared her throat. “I was looking at male models.”
Monica leaned closer, curious. “Who? I want to see too.”
Alicia was at a loss for words as she casually scrolled. Articles about Joshua caught her eye.
Monica lost interest in the male models and remarked, “Finally, he’s hit rock bottom, just like we expected. Do you think Lilliana will actually marry him? I bet their wedding will be canceled!”
Alicia countered, “Joshua won’t let it end like this. He’ll ensure his company goes public as planned.”
“How can he do that?”
“He’ll figure it out. He always manages to find a way.”
Given Caden’s rising profile, Alicia realized that Joshua would stop at nothing to revive his company. He might lose to anyone, but not to Caden.
It would be intriguing to see who he sought out in desperation.
However, nothing would truly change. In the end, he would fall right into Caden’s trap.
Monica blinked curiously, her expression showing clear confusion. “Alicia, how come you don’t seem worried at all?”
Alicia responded without hesitation, “What is there for me to worry about?”
“You mentioned that Joshua always finds a way. I’ve been thinking about it, and you’re right. He always seems to be one step ahead, and he probably has some kind of backup plan. Does that mean everything we’ve done so far will amount to nothing?”
Alicia smiled. “But I’ve almost gathered all the proof I need. Even if he makes it public, it won’t change a thing. I will still bring him down.”
Watching how calm and composed Alicia was, Monica felt her own anxiety ease.
Unable to resist, Monica offered a compliment. “You’ve really changed lately. You’re so much more composed and steady.”
Alicia felt a bit flustered, a touch of shyness creeping in. “Is it because of him?” Monica asked, her tone curious.
Alicia was caught off guard. She immediately knew who Monica was referring to. She parted her lips, ready to explain, but the words seemed tangled in her thoughts.
How could she introduce Caden?
Their connection was strictly contractual. Once Joshua was brought down, their partnership would end. “Perhaps,” Alicia replied, her uncertainty palpable.
Recently, she had truly found a sense of calm.
Caden was undoubtedly the reason for this newfound feeling of safety.
The evidence she had gathered seemed trivial when confronted with the influence of those formidable players. If Joshua chose to escalate the situation, she could be in serious trouble. Yet, with Caden as her steadfast support, the situation felt entirely transformed.
Monica beamed at her, choosing not to pry further. As long as Alicia felt content, nothing else truly mattered.
On the day Caden was set to return, he reached out to Alicia ahead of time.
“Are you available tonight?” he messaged.
Having just wrapped up her class, Alicia began to gather her belongings and responded, “Absolutely.”
Caden replied, “I’ll be landing tonight at eight. Be at the apartment when I get there.”
Alicia stared at the screen for a moment, took a deep breath, and then powered off her phone.
The thought crossed her mind that the music teacher sitting beside her might catch a glimpse of the screen, but fortunately, the teacher was too caught up in conversation to notice anything odd. Alicia responded here and there, though her thoughts were already elsewhere.
Caden had been out of town on a business trip for several days. The time apart had stretched long enough that she was certain a sleepless night awaited her.
When they arrived at the school gate, the music teacher waved enthusiastically toward Alicia. “Goodbye, Ms. Bennett. I need to grab a birthday present for my husband.”
Alicia smiled and returned the wave.
The thought crossed her mind-should she be planning something for Caden as well? He had been there for her in so many ways ever since they began working together. Cooking was starting to feel repetitive, and she couldn’t contribute much to his work. She chewed on her lip, her thoughts wandering.
She struggled to think of something Caden might truly appreciate. After what felt like forever, an idea finally dawned on her, and her face brightened.
This is perfect!
Once Caden stepped off the plane, he glanced at his phone.
A message from Alicia sat unread: “I have planned something special for you.”
His imagination started to drift, wondering what she could be up to. He had clearly instructed her to wait at the apartment earlier. Now, she mentioned a surprise.
What else could it possibly mean?
His thoughts spiraled, leading him to vivid assumptions about what might be waiting for him. He imagined Alicia stepping out of her usual comfort zone, dressed in something he always admired, her delicate frame enhancing the allure in his mind… A rush of anticipation hit him, catching him off guard. With the airport bustling around him, he had to keep himself in check, making sure not to let any of it show. He straightened his trench coat, masking his thoughts, and called out to Hank, “Grab me a bottle of water.”
With suitcase in hand, he casually shot off a message to Alicia: “Just landed. Where are you?”
Her response came almost immediately: “Exit A.”
Caden raised an eyebrow, squinting in mild surprise. “You’re that forward?” he texted back, half disbelieving. His mind was already brimming with enticing visions.
Meanwhile, standing at the exit, Alicia glanced at his message with a confused look, unsure what he was expecting. Although she had planned a surprise, it wasn’t anything particularly daring.
“Come quickly! It’s really cold out here,” Alicia texted, impatiently waiting.
Caden slipped his phone into his pocket and started making his way toward the exit. When Hank returned with the water, he stood there, confused, glancing around. Where had Caden disappeared to?
Outside, the area was crowded, full of people coming and going, creating a constant buzz of activity. Caden’s eyes swept over the crowd, but Alicia was nowhere to be found among the sea of faces. Despite the crowd, Caden’s tall frame and commanding presence made him stand out easily.
Alicia spotted him almost immediately. She rushed over, calling out, “Sir!”
Hearing her voice, his heart gave a sudden jolt. Turning toward her, he saw her approaching. She was sporting two neat braids, bundled up in a long black cotton coat, her face partially hidden behind a mask. With playful energy, she raised a cardboard sign high in the air.