Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Caden,” she began softly, her voice tinged with desperation, “I promise I won’t interfere with your relationship with Alicia. I won’t stand in your way. Please, don’t send me away.”
Caden regarded her silently for a moment before pulling out his phone and sending a quick message.
“Please, Caden,” Yolanda continued, her voice trembling. “I’ll take care of my health. I won’t be a burden. Just let me stay in Warrington, okay?”
The more she pleaded, the more indifferent Caden’s expression became.
“Yolanda,” he said evenly, “don’t invest your emotions where they’re not wanted.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, stinging as she struggled to hold them back.
Was loving him silently, from the shadows, not even an option?
Her throat tightened, and when she spoke again, her voice was barely a whisper. “Alright, Caden… I’ll do as you say. I’ll focus on recovering.”
For now, staying in Warrington was the best she could hope for-it kept her close enough to cling to a faint glimmer of hope.
Caden glanced at his watch before giving her a curt nod. “You should head back to Joy Mansion.”
He reached for his coat and walked past her without looking back.
Yolanda blinked in surprise. “Caden, aren’t you going to spend some time with Lina?”
“Another time,” he replied coolly. “I have something else to take care of tonight.”
Stunned, Yolanda felt a sinking sensation in her chest.
A vague idea of what Caden might be planning flickered in her mind, and a shadow of gloom passed through her eyes.
Ten minutes after he left, she quietly made up her mind-she would follow him.
Alicia’s celebration party continued until nine in the evening.
Thanks to meticulous planning and the presence of several seasoned drinkers, the atmosphere remained vibrant, and the event ended on a high note. Alicia took the time to personally see off each friend and client as they headed to their cars.
Eventually, Gerry pulled up. “Alicia, let me give you a ride home,” he offered.
Home? Back to where? Back to the hotel?
Alicia hesitated, her thoughts drifting to Caden. A wave of emptiness swept over her, leaving her unsettled. She felt the need to clear her mind, to walk and gather her thoughts.
“You can go ahead, Mr. Hopkins. I have some work to finish at the office,” she replied.
Gerry frowned, his concern evident. “Are you sure you’ll be safe alone?”
Before Alicia could respond, a pair of headlights pierced through the darkness, shining directly into her eyes. She raised a hand to shield herself and squinted at the approaching car.
Recognition washed over her as she caught sight of the familiar license plate.
Why was Caden showing up at this hour?
The car barreled forward, tires screeching as it came to an abrupt halt, narrowly avoiding a collision with the rear of Gerry’s vehicle.
Irritated and flustered, Gerry shouted, “Are you blind behind the wheel?”
The engine cut off, and the door opened.
Hank stepped out of the car.
Recognizing him, Gerry’s tone softened. “Oh, it’s you?”
Hank exchanged a quick greeting with Gerry before turning to Alicia, urgency etched into his face.
“Ms. Bennett, we have a serious situation. You need to come with me,” he said, his voice tense.
Alicia’s heart skipped a beat. “What? What do you mean?”
“Mr. Ward has fallen into the sea.”
Her pulse quickened. “What? How did that happen?”
“He was conducting business on a cruise ship today and accidentally went overboard. No one knows if he’s still alive!” Hank’s anxiety was palpable, his words heavy with dread.
Alicia’s complexion turned pale as she processed the news. Without hesitation, she climbed into the vehicle.
“Have the authorities been notified? Are they conducting a search?” she demanded, her voice trembling with urgency.
Hank secured his seatbelt, his expression somber. “The search is underway, but with the stormy conditions, the chances of him making it are slim. I came to get you, hoping you could say goodbye.”
Alicia felt a ringing in her ears.
All day, she had chastised Caden for his callousness, never anticipating such devastating news.
As the car raced down the road, Gerry followed closely behind.
Alicia stared out the window, her hands clenched tightly as silent tears streamed down her cheeks before she even realized it.
Hank noticed her distress and fumbled with his words, unsure how to comfort her. “Ms. Bennett, don’t worry. Mr. Ward is strong… he’ll pull through. He always does.”
Alicia nodded mechanically, her thoughts spiraling.
The winter shoreline stretched out before them, silent and haunting in its emptiness. A massive cruise ship loomed nearby, its imposing silhouette contrasting with the desolate scene.
As Alicia stepped out of the car, she scanned the area. The absence of any visible rescue operation left her confused and on edge.
“Hank, didn’t you say the police were already involved?” she asked, her voice tight with concern.
Hank’s lips curled into a sheepish smile. “Ms. Bennett, Mr. Ward made a mistake earlier today, and he’s been trying to make things right. He set up this whole surprise for you on the cruise. But… he was worried you wouldn’t come if he asked directly, so he had me tell that little lie to get you here.”
Alicia was speechless.
Her cheeks were still streaked with the remnants of her tears. For a moment, she hesitated, uncertain whether to brush them away or let them be. Finally, she quietly wiped them away, her emotions a tangled mess.
Hank gestured toward the entrance of the cruise ship. “This way, Ms. Bennett.”
With a mix of confusion and lingering frustration, Alicia followed him. When they reached the door, Hank paused and motioned ahead.
“This way,” he repeated, his tone almost apologetic.
Alicia’s expression was a mix of disbelief and apprehension. After a silent nod of acknowledgment, she stepped forward and pushed the door open.
Behind her, Gerry hurried onto the ship, catching up just in time.
“What happened to Caden?” Gerry shouted, breathless. “Did you manage to save him?”
Hank swiftly stepped in, blocking Gerry’s path. His tone was calm but firm. “Mr. Hopkins, there’s no need for either of us here right now. Let me escort you back.”
Gerry froze, panic creeping into his expression as his mind jumped to the worst conclusion. His eyes widened in horror. “What are you trying to say?”
Hank opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Gerry grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him roughly.
“What does that mean? Has Caden… passed away?”
Hank stammered, “No, he’s not-“
But before Hank could finish, Gerry, fueled by sudden desperation, shoved him aside and bolted forward without waiting for an explanation.
Hank caught Gerry by the arm. “Mr. Hopkins! Please, get a hold of yourself!”
Gerry slammed his fists against the door, shouting, “Caden! Open the door, damn it! This joke’s gone too far!”
Desperate to maintain control, Hank pleaded, “I swear to you, Mr. Ward is perfectly fine! Just stop knocking, please!”
Internally, Hank was panicking. If this fiasco ruined Caden’s carefully laid plans, his hopes of a hefty year-end bonus were as good as gone.
But Gerry, oblivious to his pleas, continued banging and kicking at the door like a man possessed. Hank was almost ready to drop to his knees and beg.
After what felt like an eternity, the door finally swung open, revealing a visibly irritated Caden.
His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his posture relaxed, and his face betrayed no emotion. However, the faint smear of lipstick on his lips was impossible to miss.
Hank, seizing the opportunity, immediately let go of Gerry and silently slipped away, eager to distance himself from any further chaos.
“Mr. Hopkins, you’re on your own now,” Hank thought as he retreated.
Seeing Caden alive and well, Gerry’s frantic shouting came to an abrupt halt. Overcome with relief, tears of joy welled in his eyes. “I knew it! Guys like you don’t go down that easily!” he exclaimed, half-laughing.
But as he raised a fist to give Caden a playful punch, his gaze fell on the unmistakable lipstick mark, and his expression froze in confusion.
Gerry’s body stiffened as his eyes caught the faint outline of Alicia’s figure inside the room.
Realization hit Gerry like a lightning bolt, disbelief flashing across his face. “You tricked me?” he exclaimed.
Caden remained unruffled, his voice calm and measured. “What exactly did I lie about?”
Gerry’s frustration boiled over, his tone sharp. “You had Hank tell me you fell into the sea-that you were on the verge of dying!”
Without a flicker of remorse, Caden replied evenly, “I did fall in. I just happened to get back up again.”
Then, with an unsettling nonchalance, he added, “And after that, I went to kiss a woman. Is there a problem with that?”
Gerry stormed off, muttering curses under his breath. Even after stepping off the cruise ship, his anger clung to him like a heavy cloak.