Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“There’s someone else who deserves to die more than she does,” he said coldly.
“Who?” Lilliana asked, intrigued.
“Monica,” Joshua replied, his tone icy. “The drug Alicia used on me was supplied by her.”
At this, Lilliana’s smile turned wicked.
Caden’s new relationship was the latest buzz in town. While Alicia and he had kept their connection discreet, it had become an open secret among their social circle. Now, with Alicia appearing vulnerable, those who had issues with her previously were quick to seize the opportunity, eager for gossip.
Mrs. Reyes was particularly eager to get involved. After enduring humiliation at the Gray family’s event, Mrs. Reyes was noticeably tense. The finger-pointing from everyone had only added to her embarrassment. With Alicia now in a vulnerable position, Mrs. Reyes didn’t hesitate to rush to the school and stir up trouble.
Rather than confronting Alicia directly, Mrs. Reyes went to the principal’s office. In a prestigious private school, maintaining a good reputation was essential.
After giving it considerable thought, the principal decided to speak with Alicia.
“Ms. Bennett, Gerry spoke highly of you. With your connections, I believe you’ll easily secure another position. You’ve been exceptional these past few months, and as an apology, we’re prepared to offer you a generous compensation package.”
Alicia stood tall in front of the principal’s desk, ready for this moment since her split with Caden. The principal’s earnest approach was an unexpected relief. She nodded her head in agreement.
“To prevent any disruption to the school, I will step down voluntarily.”
The principal was startled. “You don’t feel mistreated?”
“Not in the slightest,” Alicia smiled, her eyes shining. “I’m grateful for your recognition. Regardless of everything, I hope we can remain friends. Perhaps we could have dinner tonight?”
The principal was unprepared for such an amicable reaction. His favorable opinion of Alicia, combined with his feelings of guilt, made it difficult to decline her invitation. He even started thinking about a suitable gift for her.
After their conversation, Alicia didn’t stay on.
Alicia bid farewell to her students, ensuring there would be no confusion, and then left the school.
Outside the gates, Mrs. Reyes was engaged in conversation with several parents. Though her remarks weren’t overtly harsh, they were laced with sarcasm aimed at Alicia. The parents, familiar with Mrs. Reyes’s pretense, saw through it quickly and dismissed it with laughter.
As Alicia walked out with her belongings, the assembled crowd, now realizing her presence, could no longer maintain their act and quickly dispersed.
Mrs. Reyes, clutching Ted’s hand, looked pleased with herself. “Well, Ms. Bennett, aren’t you fortunate? Now you can stop working for crumbs. Actually, I’m in need of a maid. Interested?”
Alicia halted abruptly, her eyes meeting Ted’s for a fleeting moment. Ted, still haunted by their last encounter, trembled under her gaze and cowered behind Mrs. Reyes.
Mrs. Reyes, annoyed, pulled Ted forward, insisting he show no fear.
Alicia smiled and said, “I remember that Ted isn’t registered for any classes here. What brings you two to the school?”
Not about to admit she was there to taunt Alicia, Mrs. Reyes quickly fabricated an excuse. “I’m here to enroll him in some classes.”
Alicia responded with a calm smile, “You’ve come at just the right moment. I’ve recently obtained my swimming instructor certification. I could give him private lessons.”
She knelt down, looking at Ted with a warm expression. “How would you like to have some fun in the water, sweetie?”
The mention of water triggered Ted’s memory of a past traumatic experience, and he immediately began crying out loud. Mrs. Reyes, taken aback by his intense fear, rushed to comfort him. Ted clung tightly to her, his sobs growing louder.
Alicia, observing quietly, suddenly pointed at Ted’s bottom. “Mrs. Reyes,” she said, feigning surprise. “Ted wet himself!”
She then waved over a security guard. “I’m sorry, but it looks like someone had a little mishap here.”
Mrs. Reyes’s face reddened with embarrassment.
Mrs. Reyes flushed with embarrassment as she hurriedly covered Ted, snapping at Alicia, “Shut up!” Alicia stepped aside to give the security guard room. Humiliated, Mrs. Reyes checked Ted for any signs of wetness but found none.
Stunned by the realization that she had been fooled, she turned to confront Alicia, only to find that Alicia had already slipped away.
After Alicia’s resignation, the school promptly notified Gerry. He had just finished a meal at Joy Mansion and immediately headed to see Caden.
“Caden, there’s something I need to discuss with you…” As he swung the door open, he was taken aback by the presence of a woman and abruptly stopped speaking.
In the room, Caden was relaxing on the sofa, engrossed in a financial newspaper, while Yolanda, dressed in a loose sweater, was beside him, offering him fruit. While their interaction was not overtly affectionate, Yolanda’s gaze towards Caden was unmistakably suggestive, especially since they were alone, creating a subtly intimate atmosphere.
Gerry cleared his throat. “Sorry, seems I’ve come at an inconvenient time.”
Caden looked up, his expression impassive, and declined Yolanda’s offer of fruit. “You’re not disturbing anything. Come in.”
Noticing Caden’s polite refusal, Yolanda’s expression softened slightly. She placed the fruit tray down and said with a gentle tone, “It seems you two have matters to discuss. I’ll go spend time with Ciara.”
“Alright,” Caden responded.
Once Yolanda exited, Gerry approached Caden.
“What’s going on with Yolanda? She returned days ago, and yet nothing’s progressed. You haven’t even addressed the rumors circulating online. Are you just leading her on?”
Caden, with his usual neutral tone, replied, “What did you want to talk about?”
Gerry raised an eyebrow. “It’s about Alicia. Does that pique your interest?”
Caden’s face showed little emotion, but Gerry could sense his irritation.
“No,” Caden replied curtly.
Gerry, enjoying Caden’s discomfort, continued to provoke him. He detailed Alicia’s recent troubles, exaggerating them to make her seem particularly unfortunate.
“She’s alienated so many people. I doubt she’ll last the year,” he mused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Such a tragedy for someone so promising.”
Caden remained stoic, his attention still focused on the newspaper, unresponsive.
“People die every day. Why should we mourn her?” he remarked, his tone devoid of emotion.
“You don’t feel any sympathy for her?” Gerry prodded, observing Caden closely.
“I don’t have time for this,” Caden dismissed.
“And what if something does happen to her? Would you intervene?” Gerry asked, smiling knowingly.
“No,” Caden replied quickly and emotionlessly.
“You didn’t even hesitate,” Gerry noted with disbelief. “You once saved her when you were competitors. Now that you have feelings for her, you won’t act?”
Caden furrowed his brow. “Why do you think I care about her?” Since Alicia had left, Caden hadn’t spared her another thought. He had reverted to his strict routine, immersing himself in work, ensuring that no time was wasted.
He had even managed to visit Joy Mansion during his hectic schedule.
However, Gerry, ever the idler, remarked, “You’re avoiding the truth by burying yourself in work.”
“You have too much free time,” Caden retorted.
Gerry laughed. “Struck a nerve, did I? You’re upset because I’m right.”
Caden folded the newspaper and stood up.
Gerry taunted as he followed, “You fall for a woman for the first time, and look where it gets you. I should feel pity, but somehow, I find it amusing. Even I, who’ve never been with anyone, am happier than you. What is it about you that Alicia disliked? Could it be how you are in bed? Or was it why she left with someone else that day?”
Caden stopped at the door, contemplating his next move. Gerry spotted Ciara and Yolanda outside, and immediately stopped talking.
Ciara, who was arranging flowers with Yolanda, noticed them. “Are you leaving already?” she asked.
Yolanda glanced up at Caden.
Caden responded coolly, “Gerry’s having an episode. We need to get him to the hospital for a shot.”
Gerry, caught off guard, remained silent, especially with Ciara present.
It was getting late, so Ciara didn’t try to keep them any longer.
As they settled into the car, Caden asked nonchalantly, “Did Alicia mention the gallery to you?”
Gerry was puzzled. “What gallery?”
Caden’s expression turned somber. “Never mind.” It seemed Alicia wasn’t interested.
“Fine. I won’t push it,” Caden decided.
Ciara then advised Yolanda, who was lingering, “You’re not feeling well. Try to get some rest early.”
Yolanda hesitated, her thoughts preoccupied. She had overheard Gerry’s comments about Caden experiencing love for the first time. Could Caden be involved with someone?
Yolanda had harbored feelings for Caden since her childhood, but her frail health had often sidelined her. Now, seizing an opportunity for a marriage alliance, she had disregarded Dorian’s advice and come to Warrington, hoping to forge a closer bond with Caden.
Was it too late?
If Caden was indeed involved with someone, why hadn’t anyone spoken of her? Yolanda voiced her concern to Ciara. “Is Caden still single?” she asked.
Ciara observed Yolanda’s anxious expression and replied with a gentle smile, “He keeps his personal life private, so I’m not sure.”
Yolanda bit her lip. “But if he’s already committed, why would he accept my father’s marriage proposal?”
“He agreed to your father’s proposal?” Ciara replied in surprise. “That’s news to me.”
Yolanda was taken aback. She grew slightly pale and expressed her concern. “I thought Caden brought me to Warrington for that reason.”
“You should speak with Caden to clear up any misunderstandings,” Ciara suggested before heading upstairs.
Once Ciara had closed the door behind her, she exhaled deeply and remarked to Jasmine, “I’m relieved I’m not young anymore. Living day after day with such a difficult daughter-in-law would wear me out if I were Caden’s mother.”
Jasmine, who tended to take things at face value, responded, “But Mrs. Ward, isn’t she quite gentle?”