Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Yes. He’s actually quite good at that.”
Once again, Alicia was left speechless.
She simmered with frustration, unable to find an outlet for her anger. After a long silence, she finally burst out, “You’re unbelievably childish!”
Caden regarded her with a cool gaze. “You’re in a bad mood because you didn’t get the invitation, aren’t you?”
Alicia steadied herself and replied, “That’s none of your business.”
“Fine,” Caden said, assuming she was just being stubborn. “If you fail to get it and decide you need my help, I’ll be available until noon. After that, even if you ask, it won’t change anything.”
Alicia scoffed. “Don’t expect me to beg.”
“Suit yourself,” he replied.
Determined, Alicia invited Monica to join her at the art exhibition. She had already selected a dress for Monica and planned to pick it up from the boutique and deliver it to her.
After changing into her own outfit, she left the apartment. Only when she heard the door close did Caden look up. He noticed the untouched breakfast table. She was already gone.
His expression turned cold, and he found himself unable to concentrate on his work any longer. He tossed the documents aside. The papers landed on Cade, the dog resting at his feet, causing him to yelp.
Caden scowled at the dog. “You’re in the way.” Cade felt hurt and wanted to be comforted, but hesitated to nuzzle against Caden’s leg.
Instead, he wandered through the living room, searching for Alicia.
Caden maintained a stern expression. “Come here,” he commanded.
Cade felt afraid and refused to move. He curled up on the pink cushion and lowered his head.
Caden’s scowl deepened. He realized that Cade, despite being a small dog, had quite a temper. The dog reminded him of Alicia.
Caden wondered if he had accidentally hurt Cade. He called out several times without receiving a response and decided to approach him.
The moment Caden crouched down to check on Cade, the door swung open. He looked up and met Alicia’s eyes.
As soon as Alicia stepped inside, Cade’s ears perked up. He rushed over, circling her legs and letting out soft whimpers. She picked him up and gently stroked his fur. Noticing his distress, she turned to Caden. “Did you do something to Cade?” she asked.
Cade whimpered again, as if complaining about mistreatment.
Caden remained expressionless. “You picked a bad time to come back. I was just about to strangle him,” he said.
Alicia stared at him in disbelief. Clutching Cade closer, she glared at Caden. “That’s the most twisted thing you’ve ever said,” she grunted. She headed to the bedroom, grabbed a few belongings, and made her way to the door.
Caden watched her leave. “If you need my help, just say so. No point in wasting time,” he stated.
She ignored his comment, thinking how absurd he was. “If you lay a finger on Cade, you’ll regret it,” she warned.
Caden glanced at the dog. “Once you’re gone, I can’t promise what might happen to him,” he replied.
Anger flared in Alicia’s eyes. Realizing she couldn’t win either an argument or a physical confrontation, Alicia decided to ignore Caden altogether and left the apartment with Cade in her arms. As she exited, she called out loudly, “And you’re not allowed to wear the long johns I bought for you!”
Caden stood there, momentarily speechless.
Alicia chose to leave Cade at a pet store temporarily, planning to pick him up after completing her errands later that afternoon.
When Monica received the dress, she was ecstatic and immediately tried it on.
“Where’s your dress?” Monica asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Alicia, try yours on for me! I’ll even do your makeup.”
“I have important matters to handle today. How I look isn’t a priority,” Alicia replied.
“But it absolutely matters!” Monica stated earnestly. “You’re finally confronting Joshua today. You should look stunning and make him realize what he’s lost.” Her words made Alicia pause.
Yes, today was the day to bring everything to a close. Once it was finished, her agreement with Caden would also come to an end.
These were two significant events worth celebrating.
By the time Alicia snapped out of her thoughts, Monica was already guiding her into the bedroom.
She glanced at herself in the mirror.
There was no joy reflected in her expression. All she could see was her own indifference.
The dress was intricate and difficult to manage. Alicia struggled with it for quite a while.
Just as she was about to zip it up, her phone rang. It was Caden calling.
Alicia’s heart skipped a beat.
She took a deep breath before picking up Caden’s call. “What?” she murmured weakly.
Caden’s voice came through clearly. “Where are you?”
Alicia was in a rush. “I’m changing. If you need to say something, go ahead.”
Caden’s expression soured at the mention of her “changing her clothes.”
Just then, Monica walked into the room.
Alicia quickly hid her phone under the blanket.
Monica sensed the tension and whispered, “Bad time?”
Alicia shook her head. “What do you need?”
“I noticed you’ve been here a while,” Monica said softly. “I thought I’d check on you.”
Monica saw Alicia struggling with her dress and came over to assist.
Thinking the call had disconnected, Alicia collapsed onto the bed. “I’m worn out. I didn’t get to sleep until three in the morning and was up by seven.”
Monica was aware of what had kept Alicia up and offered a sympathetic smile.
The dress being strapless allowed Monica to gently massage Alicia’s shoulders.
Alicia sighed with relief. “Yes, right there. Oh, that feels wonderful… Ah, take it easy,” she whispered.
Their goofing around caused the call to accidentally end. Exhausted, Alicia sprawled out on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Monica noticed her expression. “You seem down, Alicia?”
Alicia shook her head.
“Why would I be down? I’m close to being free.”
Monica leaned on her hand, observing Alicia. “You seemed more upbeat a few days ago.”
“I am happy, just on the inside,” Alicia responded. Feeling self-conscious under Monica’s gaze, she looked away.
“Are you and your partner having some trouble? Did you have a disagreement?” Monica asked, trying to understand.
Alicia laughed lightly. “What would we possibly have to argue about?”
Their relationship had been strained for years. Both had often fantasized about strangling the other. With a heavy sigh, Alicia stood up swiftly. “Come on, it’s time to leave.”
At one o’clock, Caden’s car arrived at the entrance of the art exhibition. Mr. Wade stepped forward to welcome him.
Speaking quietly, Mr. Wade said, “I have a meeting with Joshua later. I’ll manage everything as you instructed, Mr. Ward. There’s no need to worry.”
Caden nodded indifferently. He exited the car, his presence commanding and authoritative.
Scanning the scene, Mr. Wade asked, “Mr. Ward, where is your date?”
Caden’s expression turned grim. “She’s gone, found in someone else’s bed.”
Mr. Wade was taken aback, unsure of how to respond.
Catching up, Hank advised Mr. Wade, “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wade. Mr. Ward isn’t feeling particularly jovial today, so it’s best not to bring up the subject of women.”
With that, Hank signaled for silence.
Mr. Wade agreed. “Understood.”
As Caden was about to enter, Gerry’s car arrived. Gerry leaned out of his window. “Caden.”
Caden turned to face him. As Gerry stepped out, Caden’s eyes caught sight of Alicia. She was wearing the bespoke dress he had organized for her, looking more stunning than he had imagined. The chilly breeze played with her long curls, adding to her allure.
Alicia was smiling, her demeanor effortlessly making her the center of attention at the event.
Caden let out a smirk.
It turned out Gerry was the one she had come with. Linked arm in arm with Monica, Alicia approached alongside Gerry.
Caden remained standing, his stature dignified and striking. He appeared completely detached.
Alicia avoided his gaze. After saying hello to Mr. Wade, she proceeded inside.
Caden also ignored her presence.
They crossed paths as if they were strangers. Gerry, ever light-hearted, remarked, “Why do you both act like you’re enemies? You’re adults, yet you behave like children.” They walked inside.
Caden watched Alicia as she walked away. The dress he had tailored for her fit her waist perfectly, and her movements were elegant and composed. A twinge of irritation struck him.