Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
His feelings pulled at him, igniting a persistent ache in his chest. Driven by an urgent need, he grabbed his phone and called Alicia.
She didn’t ignore him.
She picked up.
For a few seconds after connecting, neither spoke. Alicia’s soft voice finally cut through the silence. She asked, “Did you get my gift?”
When he heard her voice, Caden felt a sudden calm.
“I did,” he answered, his voice rough.
Alicia kept her words brief.
With sincerity, she said, “Happy Christmas, Caden.”
Caden’s hands shook.
She knew exactly how to offer love and inflict pain.
He always knew how to strike where it hurt the most.
He had braced himself for any reaction she might have-he imagined she would cry, create a scene, or even curse him.
But he never expected the simple words, “Happy Christmas.”
His throat went dry. “You hate me now, don’t you?”
Alicia responded, “Hate? I never hated you, except when I was nine.”
Caden was caught off guard. Nine?
When Alicia was nine, Caden was mourning his mother’s death and had taken a year off from school. Eventually, to avoid sinking deeper into grief, he forced himself to recover and transferred to her school.
That year, their lives became closely intertwined.
He was dark and withdrawn from the loss of his closest family, while Alicia, cherished by her parents, was vibrant and full of life, like a pearl.
He was jealous and resentful. He used his exceptional intelligence to take the top position, outsmarting her at every turn.
“I’m sorry,” Caden murmured.
Alicia replied flatly, “Too late.”
Caden swallowed hard and remained silent.
Then, Alicia’s tone deepened. “Caden, do you know why I hated you back then?”
She revealed a pain she had long concealed. “My father never liked me. Only the highest grades and achievements got his attention. The year you outshone everyone, he slapped me in front of our entire family.” As she spoke, the memory felt as raw as if it were happening all over again.
She laughed amidst her tears. “It hurt so much, Caden. I was his child. Why couldn’t he love me?”
After that, she returned to school and faced Caden’s cold indifference.
He resented her. Just like her father, he seemed to dislike her for no apparent reason.
From that point on, the next twelve years of her life were marked by defiance.
Until her parents died, Alicia had never managed to outperform Caden.
After the call, silence followed. It marked an unspoken conclusion to their troubled relationship.
They parted ways gracefully, without arguments or unresolved feelings.
Caden settled onto the couch, his mind clouded. He smoked absentmindedly, lost in thought, and stayed in that daze until morning.
Having known the sting of defeat, he understood the dangers of indulgence.
So, he didn’t allow himself to wallow in sadness for long. He got up, took a shower, and pulled himself out of the struggle.
Next, he bought Christmas gifts and returned to Joy Mansion.
When Ciara saw him, she immediately knew he had a fight with Alicia.
She chose not to press him further and discreetly instructed the maid to prepare his favorite meals.
Even in times of distress, it was important to eat well.
Ciara then mentioned, “Yolanda called today. She’s still asking about you and Alicia. She also offered help with any work issues. Just give her a call if you need anything.”
Caden listened without really paying attention.
Ciara added a warning, “Work is just an excuse. Don’t get involved with her again. It took a lot to get rid of them. Don’t bring trouble back.”
Caden reclined in his chair, his face devoid of emotion.
Ciara moved closer, her tone soft. “Caden, are you asleep?”
Caden looked up, his voice cold. “No, what is it?”
“I was speaking to you. Were you listening?”
“No. Could you say it again?”
Ciara, surprised, moved to feel his forehead. “Are you sick?”
Caden dismissed her hand with a slight motion. “I just didn’t sleep well last night.”
“What’s wrong? Haven’t you reconciled with Alicia yet?”
“I don’t think reconciliation is possible.”
A sharp pang of pain struck Caden’s heart. “It’s definitely over.”
Caden didn’t go into the details of the breakup, but Ciara had a good idea of what had happened. If Caden had decided to move on, it seemed that he and Alicia might truly be parting ways for good.
Ciara expressed her concern. “What about your health? Are you planning to live the rest of your life alone?”
Caden shrugged indifferently, brushing off her concern. “I won’t die just because I don’t have a woman.”
“Fool,” Ciara replied, her tone heavy. “If you were so good at being alone, why does the memory of your mother still affect you so deeply? How many more years do you think I’ll be around?”
Caden grew upset and closed his eyes briefly. “Grandma, if you can’t comfort me, please don’t say anything at all.”
Ciara took his hand gently. “Alicia is a wonderful woman, and I can see that you really care for her. Why not try again?”
Caden’s face darkened, and he remained silent. Raised with a strong sense of pride, he wasn’t one to beg. Alicia had completely lost faith in him. Leaving her alone was the kindest thing he could do for her now. And he succeeded in doing just that.
In the months following Christmas, Caden meticulously organized his life. Everything continued as normal.
Seeing no change, Ciara eventually stopped urging him. He was still young, and Ciara wasn’t ready to give up, so she continued arranging for doctors to see him. Caden complied; taking medication had become routine for him. As for his recovery, he left it in the hands of fate.
The doctor, reviewing his test results, looked up in surprise. “Do you feel any attraction to other women now?”
Caden responded indifferently, “I’ve been quite busy lately and haven’t really been around any women.”
“What about adult films?”
“I haven’t watched any,” Caden replied, still indifferent.
The doctor then made a bold suggestion. “Should I select a few for you to watch?”
Caden frowned. “No need for that. I’ve already reacted.”
The doctor seemed momentarily taken aback. “Already?”
Caden’s response was blunt. “A feeling of nausea.”
The doctor looked more confused. “That doesn’t sound typical…”
Caden’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Just get to the point. Have you discovered another condition? Something like cancer?”
The doctor observed him for a long pause before cautiously suggesting, “Let’s be direct; how about we conduct a practical test? It will only take a few minutes of your time, Mr. Ward.”
Caden gave a slight nod of agreement.
Ten minutes later, an exceptionally attractive woman entered.
As per the doctor’s instructions, she tried to seduce Caden. She had everything-beauty, a great figure, and a seductive demeanor.
After a few minutes of her attempts, the doctor looked hopefully at Caden’s reaction, only to see none. He dismissed the woman and turned to Caden. “So, what do you think?”
Caden answered flatly, “Her pelvic tilt is a little too severe.”
The doctor was speechless, jotting down notes. “Vision appears normal, but prospects for future generations are unclear. Expect the Ward family line to end.”
With a heavy sigh, the doctor said, “I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?”
Caden replied, “The bad news first.”
The doctor hesitated. “You might never have a normal sex life again.”
Caden was left speechless. Well, he didn’t see that as a major issue, really.