Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia shoved him back and said in a cold voice, “Why keep torturing yourself? Just move.”
Caden refused to let go, holding her hand as their faces hovered inches apart. His eyes locked onto hers.
“You want this too. I can feel it,” he murmured in a raspy voice. “But I’m not in a hurry. If you ever want it, just come find me.”
Alicia let out a bitter laugh.
“Do you think you’re some kind of gigolo?”
Caden didn’t flinch. “Didn’t you treat me like one the first time?”
He pressed his face against the curve of her neck, breathing her in deeply.
When he lifted his head, his eyes were filled with emotions so strong that Alicia felt herself tremble. The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.
She had never witnessed this side of Caden before.
His chin brushed lightly against hers as he whispered, “Alicia, can’t you tell how much I feel for you?” Alicia’s breathing became calm.
“You’re sexually attracted to me,” she declared.
Caden’s expression darkened. “Is that all you think this is? Do you really believe I only care about you in bed?”
Alicia blinked slowly.
Her long lashes brushed against his eyebrows, tickling him.
“You’re good to me when we’re not in bed too, but that’s just to make sure we end up back there.”
Caden didn’t respond.
Was she right?
He found himself questioning everything silently.
Alicia laughed softly, clearly catching on. “You’re not fooling anyone.”
“About to confess your love for me, are you, Caden?”
Caden’s body stiffened, visibly unsettled by her words. He quickly shook it off and replied, “Don’t flatter yourself. I’d never say something so ridiculous.”
He added, “Your lips were just soft. I got caught up in the moment.”
Alicia’s expression turned cold as she looked at him.
She shoved him back firmly. “Even if you confessed, I’d only see it as a way to get me into bed. After all, Mr. Ward, with your high-and-mighty attitude, I’m not foolish enough to believe you would ever fall in love with me.”
Hearing that, Caden stood up, wearing a blank expression.
He leaned against the car and lit a cigarette.
The bitter taste of the smoke always helped clear his mind.
Once his thoughts cleared, he regretted the harsh words he had thrown at her and wished he could take them back.
“Damn it! I meant to approach her with patience and finally tell her how I truly feel about her. Why do I have to be so damn stubborn?” he screamed inwardly.
Caden, typically known for his resilience and determination, felt his self-assurance crumble in that moment.
He took a deep inhale from his cigarette, trying to steady himself.
Not being a habitual smoker, the intense puff of smoke overwhelmed him, causing him to cough violently.
Alicia finished getting ready and stood up.
Caden quickly put out his cigarette. “How will you spend Christmas Eve alone here in Warrington?”
Alicia responded indifferently, “I have Lucky.”
Caden added, “You canceled on Grandma tonight, yet she still longs to see you. Won’t you go visit her?”
“I know she bought my painting to reconcile with me, and I knew you’d be at Joy Mansion today. That’s why I didn’t bring it myself,” Alicia said, her voice softening. “Could you explain to her? It’s Christmas Eve, and maybe now isn’t the time for outsiders.”
Caden looked at her, his tone teasing. “We’ve been intimate so many times. How can you still consider yourself an outsider?”
A flicker of emotion crossed Alicia’s eyes.
“Caden, we’ve ended things. Speaking to me like this is harassment. I might even slap you,” she said sharply.
Caden was at a loss for words.
How could she be so harsh?
Her face was gentle and sweet, yet her words were cruel-and she sounded serious.
Still, he wasn’t ready to give up. “You might avoid me, but think about Grandma’s feelings. She’s old, and she’s been looking forward to seeing you. Why disappoint her?”
Alicia’s expression didn’t change. “You’re her grandson. Are you incapable? Why aren’t you taking care of her?”
Caden was speechless again, his face remaining blank.
Alicia continued, “I appreciate all the kindness she’s shown me. I’ll visit her after Christmas. Don’t worry about it.”
He walked towards the car, tugging at his sleeve. “Move aside. I’m leaving.”
Caden crossed his arms, watching her. “You’ve become quite sharp with your words since we broke up. Where’s the woman who used to speak so sweetly to me?”
Alicia opened the car door. “I was always honest. Don’t you remember from our school days?”
Indeed, she had once been incredibly sweet to him. Love often made people act foolishly, and she had been no exception.
However, those days were behind her; she was no longer naive.
After she drove off, Caden stood there for a while.
He had hoped to spend the day with her, but things had not gone as planned.
The gift and cake he had prepared were delivered to her home.
Alicia accepted them without objection.
Caden’s gift was a bank card loaded with 1.2 billion dollars.
He didn’t worry much about money and preferred working with round numbers. But this time, it wasn’t 500 million or 1 billion dollars-it was 1.2 billion. The extra 200 million was compensation for a previous issue with a necklace.
Holding Lucky, Alicia called Caden with the card in hand. “I don’t need money right now. Send Hank over, and I’ll return the card.”
Caden anticipated her response.
He advised, “Keep the money. It’s always handy. In business, without a backup, fortunes can change quickly. If you ever find yourself in trouble, this money could be your lifeline.”
Alicia understood his point.
Women, when faced with tight spots, might not deviate, but they were often vulnerable.
She felt bitter and preferred not to see him.
He didn’t want her seeking assistance from another man if she ever faced difficulties.
Gazing out the window, Alicia said, “I don’t need it, Caden.”
Caden replied firmly, “It’s apples and oranges, Alicia.”
“I don’t need it,” Alicia repeated, her voice resolute.
After ending the call, she put the card aside and opened the box with the Christmas cake from Caden.
He lit a candle and watched it burn down completely.
Past midnight, Caden joined Gerry for a round of billiards. Gerry handed him a charm. “My mom got these for us. One for me, one for Cliff, and one for you.”
Caden slipped the charm into his coat pocket and then quickly pocketed three balls in succession.
Gerry was astonished. “My mom gives you a charm, and you still play hard against me?”
Caden adjusted the cue stick. “I’m being easy. If not, all the balls would be in the pocket by now.”
Gerry was left speechless. He thought to himself, Enough with the showing off.
After missing a few shots, Gerry lost interest and teased, “What’s going on with you? Shouldn’t you be spending time with Alicia right now? Why are you playing billiards with me?”
Caden remained silent.
Suddenly, a ball flew off the table and hit Gerry in the face.
Gerry held his reddened forehead, playing innocent. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
Caden replied coldly, “You know the situation with me and Alicia better than anyone. Why ask?”
Gerry smirked. “Honestly, Caden, this time Alicia is the one who’s wronged. Think about it. Apologizing to a love rival? Would you accept that if you were in her shoes?”
Caden looked at the table.