Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
He then asked, “What’s the good news?”
“All tests show that you are completely healed.”
Caden frowned. “Healed?”
“Yes, your health data matches that of an average person. Your lack of interest in that woman might just indicate you have high standards.”
The doctor adjusted his glasses and cautiously suggested, “Mr. Ward, perhaps… have you considered other possibilities? Like… men, or even non-human?”
Caden stared at him, momentarily speechless. Life seemed to surprise him at every turn.
He hated feeling unjustly treated. When weighed down by frustration, he sought a way to vent his anger.
He bought a few items and made his way to the cemetery.
Alicia’s parents were buried separately-one in the north, the other in the south. Alicia’s mother’s gravestone was always immaculately maintained, with regular cleaning done by visitors. A bouquet of white chrysanthemums lay nearby, likely placed by Alicia. Had she come back?
Alicia had left with Monica after Christmas. It seemed she might have returned the day before.
Caden also carried a bouquet of flowers with him. He considered placing his flowers atop Alicia’s, but instead, he chose to place them beside each other. This arrangement made it look as though they were a couple.
His voice carried on the wind, “Happy Christmas.”
After paying his respects, Caden gave the driver an unusual task-to deliver a wooden figure of a priest and a cup of holy water to Phil’s grave. The priest figurine was meant to ward off evil spirits, directed specifically at Phil for not loving Alicia. The holy water was intended for Phil to “drink,” ensuring his torment in the afterlife.
When the driver returned, his face reflected mixed emotions. “Mr. Ward, don’t you think this is a bit harsh? After all, he’s dead. It feels a bit disrespectful to the deceased.”
Caden asked, “Did you wish him a Merry Christmas?”
The driver hesitated. “Um… I didn’t dare.”
“Well, that’s a form of respect too,” Caden replied.
The driver was taken aback. “Oh my,” he thought. “Is this how successful people think?”
As Caden turned to leave, he noticed Alicia stepping out of a car.
He stopped, their gazes locking.
Caden finally understood the truth in the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” He hadn’t seen Alicia in fifteen days.
It felt more like fifteen years to him.
The yearning was so intense that it pained him deeply.
Yet, when Alicia’s eyes met his, her gaze was cold and indifferent, showing no emotion. Caden, driven by his pride, managed to keep his face just as unreadable.
They walked past each other.
In that brief encounter, Caden caught the faint scent of her perfume, which only made his heart ache further.
He spoke, “In a few months, Joshua’s second trial is set to begin. Jeffery mentioned that he could be looking at over five years.”
Alicia stopped, turned around, and responded politely, “Thank you for the update.”
“You’re welcome.”
Silence fell between them.
The atmosphere was thick with awkwardness, as if they were strangers.
They were both putting on an act.
Alicia didn’t say anything more and continued walking toward the cemetery.
Caden got into his car, glanced through the window, and watched her walk away.
The driver noticed Caden’s hesitation but heard no command, so he cautiously asked, “Mr. Ward, are we waiting for Ms. Bennett?”
Caden looked at him. “Why?”
The driver, unsure of what to say, responded cautiously, “So… are we leaving?”
Caden pursed his lips, choosing not to answer.
If Hank had been there, he would’ve known what to do. Hank would have already found some excuse to delay-perhaps stalling the car or even pretending to have a flat tire.
That way, Caden would have had a reason to share a ride with Alicia.
Seeing the driver’s unease, Caden decided not to press further.
Caden decided not to complicate things. “Let’s go.”
As the car pulled away, he took one last look out the window.
From the corner of his eye, Caden spotted a shadowy figure glancing into the distance. He narrowed his eyes slightly.
The figure seemed unskilled, perhaps someone Alicia had upset. Her business was still in its early stages, so encountering competitors was expected.
One thing puzzled him, though. Why did she always find herself in dangerous situations? How would she manage without his help?
After paying her respects at the grave, Alicia noticed that Caden’s car had already left. She got into her own vehicle, oblivious to her surroundings.
To her astonishment, Caden was sitting in the passenger seat. She jumped, about to pull away, but he reached out and pulled her back in.
The car door slammed shut.
He leaned toward her while maintaining a respectful distance. “You’re being followed.”
Alicia stopped resisting and looked into his eyes.
Caden examined her closely.
At this proximity, he could clearly see her delicate cheeks and found himself drawn to her alluring fragrance. His Adam’s apple moved noticeably as he spoke, “I couldn’t see the person’s face, but I’m certain they followed you here.”
Alicia was doubtful. “If I’m the target, why are you in my car?”
Caden responded earnestly, “With me here, the person wouldn’t dare to approach.”
“They wouldn’t dare even if you weren’t here!”
Alicia opened the glove box, revealing an assortment of self-defense tools.
Large and small, these were tools she could use to defend herself in any situation.
Caden found himself speechless.
She closed the box.
After what happened last time, I’ve learned to defend myself. You don’t need to worry.”
Caden seemed unfazed.
“If the attacker is skilled, you might not even get the chance to reach for your tools,” he pointed out.
“I’ve been trained,” Alicia replied. “I can handle an average adult male without trouble.”
“If he’s brave enough to follow you, he’s not an average male.”
Alicia frowned at his persistence. “Your assumptions are pointless.”
“It’s just a precaution. If he’s armed-say, with a gun-you wouldn’t be able to defend yourself,” Caden explained.
The corner of Alicia’s mouth twitched. “If he really had a gun, both of us would already be in trouble. Your jumping into the car to intimidate him would be quite useless, wouldn’t it?”
Caden was momentarily taken aback by her words.
Alicia tapped the touchscreen, unlocking the car door automatically.
“Get out. I need to head back.”
Caden remained seated.
“My driver’s already left with the car. Ms. Bennett, since you’re heading in my direction, could you give me a ride?” he asked.
Alicia looked annoyed.
What was his deal? Hadn’t they settled this already? Why was he behaving like this again? It hadn’t even been twenty days.
She was aware of her lingering feelings for him and knew she couldn’t stay around him for long.
She made up an excuse. “I’m not going your way. I have other stops to make.”
“Just drop me off anywhere in the city.”
With that, he casually switched on the news channel.
Alicia opened her mouth to say something, but he interrupted her. “My grandmother is one of your best clients. Can’t you do me this small favor?”
Alicia was left speechless. She silently cursed him in her thoughts.
Caden’s lips curled into a slight smile, as if he understood. “Don’t worry. This is the last time I’ll ask for your help. Next time I encounter you, Ms. Bennett, I’ll make sure to keep my distance.”