Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Ciara glanced back at Caden, who looked troubled but maintained his stern demeanor. His contradictory behavior left her baffled; why did he have to be so stubborn?
She nudged him, her tone softer. “Get some effective medicine. Women care about their appearance and fear pain. Hurry and find something that will help her heal faster.”
Caden swallowed hard, but before he could respond, Alicia spoke up, “No need, Mrs. Ward. The hospital’s medicine seems effective enough.”
Ciara reassured her with a warm smile. “It’s okay. He hasn’t treated you well, and you deserve better. He ought to do this for you.”
Caden spoke without emotion. “She made it clear she doesn’t want it. Why insist?”
Ciara was seething with anger. She grabbed her cane and struck Caden forcefully.
The sound of the impact was notably dull and heavy, but Caden remained motionless, seemingly unaffected by the pain.
Once the doctor had finished changing the bandages, he stood up and gave them a curious look.
“Which one of you is related to the patient?” he asked.
Ciara gestured toward Caden. “He is.”
Alicia quickly replied, “He is not.”
The doctor looked confused. Hesitating, he asked, “Who is it, then? I need to note down some details.”
Alicia responded, “I will inform my family later and have them talk to you.”
Caden’s face turned even colder. The doctor, unable to cope with the growing tension, quickly left the room.
Alicia decided it was time to address their financial matters. She transferred $10,000 to Caden. He looked at the transaction on his phone, his expression darkening. “What’s this for?”
“It’s to reimburse you for the hospital fees you covered for me,” she explained.
She planned to clear their financial dealings one at a time. Despite their complicated history, she knew they would never truly resolve everything. Her actions were more about provoking him than truly settling their issues.
Caden’s expression darkened further. He accepted the money but attempted to send some back. “This is more than necessary. We should be clear about what’s owed, without any lingering debts.”
However, his attempt to return the funds failed.
Alicia deleted his contact information right before his eyes. Without raising her head, she placed her phone down. “Keep the change; it’s for your troubles.”
Caden was left dumbfounded.
Ciara, seeing the tension and the stalemate, was completely frustrated.
He scolded Caden, “All the effort I put into raising you seems wasted. Why are you arguing with her now? It’s no surprise you’re still unmarried!”
Caden replied coldly, “Let’s go.”
He helped Ciara into the car but didn’t rush to leave. Instead, he waited at the hospital entrance, only heading back to Joy Mansion after spotting Monica.
Ciara questioned him about the argument.
Remembering the look of despair on Alicia’s face, Caden felt a pang in his heart. He confessed that he might have pushed too hard this time. He was aware of Alicia’s sensitivity regarding Yolanda, yet he had still provoked her on that topic.
Ciara didn’t hold back her scolding during the entire drive home.
Once back at Joy Mansion, she drank some water to ease her throat and then asked, “So, you’re just going to let her leave like that?”
Caden’s response was unclear. “I’ll speak with her once she’s settled down.”
“You’re going to wait?” Ciara objected sharply. “If you delay any longer, she might lose all hope. Don’t you worry someone else might take her away from you?”
Caden appeared calm. “It’s not that bad. She’s not going to get over me that easily.”
Ciara had their private doctor prepare some medication and asked Caden to take it to Alicia.
Caden, just finished with a cigarette, responded indifferently, “She won’t accept it if I bring it.”
“Then what will you do to show her you care?” Ciara asked.
Caden insisted, “Let things cool down a bit. Rushing now won’t do any good.”
Ciara was thoroughly annoyed.
She blurted out, “You’re not getting any younger, yet you’re still a virgin!”
Caden was taken aback. “What?”
Ciara continued, “Do you realize how embarrassing that is?”
The corner of Caden’s mouth twitched. “Me? A virgin?”
“Aren’t you?” she asked.
Caden was at a loss for words.
Did he really come across as a virgin?
He had been living with Alicia for so long. Did he come across as a gentleman or someone weak?
Trying to control his irritation, he said clearly, “I’m not.”
Ciara sneered, “Prove it.”
He found himself at a loss for words once more.
“In the Ward family, the men commit to their first love permanently. Since you’ve been with someone, where is she? Bring her home for me to meet.” Caden felt a headache coming on.
Ciara handed him the medication and commanded, “Take this to her immediately. And be pleasant! Do you understand?”
After Caden left, Ciara sighed repeatedly.
Jasmine asked with uncertainty, “Can Mr. Ward manage?”
“If he were capable, would we even be in this situation?” Ciara answered, clearly frustrated. “It looks like I might have to intervene.”
On the eve of Christmas Eve, the Moss family left Warrington. Initially, Yolanda was reluctant, sobbing and making a scene. Dorian eventually had to take her away by force.
At last, peace was restored.
With the company closed for the holidays, Caden returned to Joy Mansion to spend Christmas with Ciara. She was talking on the phone.
She smiled. “Alright, it’s arranged. I’ll send someone to collect the painting immediately.”
Alicia responded, “It’s no problem. I can have it delivered right to your doorstep.”
Ciara playfully suggested, “I adore that painting. How about you bring it over yourself, Alicia?” Upon hearing Alicia’s name, Caden glanced up. He poured himself a cup of freshly made tea and sipped it leisurely.
Alicia asked, “Sure. Where should I bring it?”
“Joy Mansion. Why don’t you join us for dinner?” Ciara extended the invitation.
“Apologies, Mrs. Ward, but I already have plans. I’ll take you out for a meal after Christmas,” Alicia responded.
Ciara wasn’t disappointed. “Alright, make it soon then. I’m looking forward to it.”
After ending the call, Ciara looked over at Caden.
“Have you encountered Alicia recently?”
Caden drank his tea without showing any emotion. “Yes, but we didn’t talk.”
“You’re so ineffective,” Ciara remarked. “Alicia will bring the painting later. You will go out to receive it.”
Ciara teased him. “Don’t tell me you’re stumped by such a simple problem.”
Caden responded with a stern tone, “If Alicia were that easy to fool, I wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Ciara raised an eyebrow and scoffed. “What situation? You can’t keep up your usual tough-guy act anymore, can you?”
Caden’s expression darkened. “It’s Christmas Eve. Don’t push me to be disrespectful.”
Ciara smirked. “Oh? Are you about to scold me now?”
“I could easily take care of your two pet turtles,” Caden replied dryly.
Ciara went quiet at that.
Just before dinner, the landline in the living room rang.
Ciara intentionally asked Caden to pick it up.
He held the receiver, saying nothing at first.
Not long after, Alicia’s voice came through with a light tone. “Mrs. Ward, we’re at the door.”
It had been days since he last heard her voice.
It felt like an eternity. Caden pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes, showing no emotion.
Alicia hesitated for a moment and asked, “Mrs. Ward? Can you hear me?”
Caden remained silent.