Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Her glare at Caden was scorching.
Yet, Caden remained unconcerned. “What’s wrong?”
Alicia’s breathing quickened slightly. “Is that jacket yours? Why did you throw it away?”
Caden glanced at the discarded item. “It’s not mine, but it’s so hideous that it irritates me. I don’t like it,” he said provocatively. “Whose is it? They must have terrible taste.”
Alicia was too incensed to just be upset with him. “Caden, do you realize what your actions imply?”
Caden responded calmly, “It implies nothing. I just threw it away. That’s all.”
Alicia scoffed. “It reflects your insecurity. Only a man who feels threatened would act so possessively.”
Caden remained cool. “You could try to insult me more sharply. That comment hardly scratches the surface.”
Alicia was speechless. She had always recognized Caden’s talents in many areas, but she never imagined his brazenness could be this extreme. Her insults were ineffective. In fact, harsher words might even amuse him.
With nothing more to add, Alicia turned to walk away. After a few steps, a thought struck her, and she turned back to ask, “Caden, do you remember how we first got together?”
Caden replied instantly, “Of course. A memorable night at the private cinema. We had sex five times.”
Alicia suppressed the impulse to slap him and said, “Technically, it started with a jacket.”
Caden’s eyelid twitched. Alicia continued, “I borrowed your jacket three times, each time owing you a favor. You’re well aware of this tactic, aren’t you?”
Caden found himself at a loss for words.
Now, Alicia wore a blank expression. “If things turn out well with Mr. Langstaff, I’ll be sure to thank you for your inadvertent assistance today.”
Caden was left speechless once more.
Alicia then returned to the hall and apologized to Blake, explaining that she had accidentally misplaced his jacket. She handed him her assistant’s business card. “Give her your address, and after I buy a new jacket, she’ll deliver it to you.”
Blake chuckled, appreciating how clearly she set boundaries. Understanding that she didn’t want to owe him, he accepted. “Alright.”
Alicia felt relieved by how agreeable Blake was. He was so polite and gentlemanly. Compared to him, Caden seemed like such an unruly jerk.
After the birthday party concluded, the guests began to trickle out. As Blake stepped through the door, he spotted Caden casually leaning against a pillar, one hand in his pocket, observing him with an unreadable expression.
Blake paused in his tracks. “Mr. Ward.”
Under the glow of the lights, Caden’s demeanor was enigmatic.
“Don’t you think calling me Mr. Ward is a bit too formal, my distant nephew?” Caden remarked.
Blake felt a tension rise as the veins on his forehead throbbed. He was taken aback by how quickly Caden recognized him. They hadn’t interacted much over the years, only catching glimpses of one another during family gatherings as children. Back then, their exchanges were limited to silent glances, while the adults talked around them. Their relationship had never been particularly close.
In fact, Blake was two years older than Caden. Yet, due to the intricacies of family hierarchy, Caden technically held the title of uncle, albeit a distant one. Young men often placed great importance on such titles. As a child, Blake had never regarded Caden as an uncle, and Caden had never paid him much attention. Now, years later, they found themselves face to face once more, drawn together by a woman.
Caden regarded him with a smile. “So, what’s your impression? Isn’t my future wife stunning?”
While Blake usually wore a friendly smile, he found it hard to maintain one in Caden’s presence. “You’re overthinking it. My admiration for Ms. Bennett is based solely on her skills and abilities.”
Caden leaned in slightly, his tone deceptively casual. “Then why not answer my question directly? She’s stunning, isn’t she?”
Blake felt a rush of tension, sensing he was being cornered. A nagging instinct told him that Caden was wielding a metaphorical gun, ready to pull the trigger at any moment. Caden had a knack for veiled threats, his words cutting like a knife.
Taking a steadying breath, Blake replied, “Of course. She’s very beautiful.”
“Good to know you can see that,” Caden said, his smile unwavering. “Now, go home, look in the mirror, and think about whether you truly deserve someone as beautiful as her.”
Blake shot back, “And who are you to her?”
Without hesitation, Caden responded, “I am the love of her life.”
Blake’s skepticism was evident. “She said that to you?”
Caden sneered, leaning in with a smug air. “You couldn’t handle the details, trust me. If you’re smart, you’ll know better than to provoke me.”
Blake remained silent.
Time had shown no mercy. Back when they were kids, Blake had assumed Caden’s aloofness meant he was simply ahead of his peers, destined to be some kind of genius. In truth, Caden had proven exceptional, though not always in the ways Blake had expected.
Without prolonging the conversation, Blake turned and walked away.
A short distance off, Alicia emerged, holding her purse in one hand and gathering the hem of her dress with the other. Blake noticed her from the corner of his eye and stopped.
He hadn’t planned on saying anything, but Caden’s smug demeanor had rubbed him the wrong way.
“Ms. Bennett?” Blake approached Alicia with a composed smile. “It’s still early. I was wondering if you’d allow me the pleasure of visiting your gallery tonight?”
Caden let out a quiet, dismissive scoff.
Stepping closer, he glanced over at Madison and casually said, “Mrs. Hopkins, isn’t it time for the fireworks?”
The subtle tension in his words broke Alicia’s train of thought, and her eyes instinctively met Caden’s. Madison smiled warmly. “I’ve already arranged everything.”
As if on cue, a loud boom reverberated through the air, followed by a spectacular burst of color that lit up the night sky.
The villa, perched on the hillside away from the city’s hustle, provided the perfect vantage point for the display. The fireworks bloomed against the wide-open sky, vibrant purple sparks reflecting in Alicia’s eyes. While the crowd marveled at the sight, Caden kept his gaze fixed solely on her.
Madison sighed with appreciation. “Caden, you are so considerate. These fireworks are truly a luxury-something not easily arranged, no matter the cost. You’ve really gone out of your way.”
Caden smiled. “I’m glad you like them.”
Alicia’s heart skipped a beat. The way he looked at her when he spoke made her feel as though the words were meant for her alone. She quickly turned her gaze elsewhere, an uneasy feeling twisting in her chest, and a sharp pang of bitterness settling deep inside.
The fireworks continued to light up the sky, their colors and sounds filling the air. But Alicia couldn’t stay. Without a word, she quietly slipped away, leaving the display behind her.
As she opened the car door, a hand reached out to stop her.
Alicia’s hand tightened on the door handle, but she didn’t move. She didn’t need to glance back; his familiar scent gave him away immediately.
Caden’s stare bore into her profile. “Did you not enjoy them?”
Alicia dropped her gaze. “They are fireworks. How could they not be beautiful?”
But those fireworks were never meant for her. What authority did she possess to judge their beauty?
Caden stepped closer, his voice steady. “I arranged the fireworks some time ago. Since you chose not to meet with me, this was the only way I could share them.”
As Madison had mentioned, fireworks of this caliber were truly rare. It required significant effort on his part.
He wasn’t seeking recognition; he simply remarked, “Alicia, it feels like ages since you’ve allowed me to hold you the way I want.”
Alicia remained motionless.
Caden interpreted her silence as agreement and wrapped her in his arms.
Her cheek rested against his chest, where the steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoed in her ears, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within her. Given her current state, she could sense everything more clearly. Was it really the fireworks that captivated her? What resonated more profoundly were all the thoughtful gestures he had shown her.
Unable to resist, Alicia instinctively clutched at his shirt, seeking comfort in the moment. Slowly, she raised her head.
Caden, sensing her unspoken desire for a kiss, leaned in closer, closing the distance between them.
Alicia rose onto her tiptoes.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Caden snapped back to reality.
He placed his hand between them, halting her advance.
Alicia’s eyes flickered as they locked with his.
His voice came out hoarse. “Does our agreement still stand?”
Alicia remained silent, but the quick flash in her eyes told him everything he needed to know.
It counted.
Her attempt to kiss him had been a calculated move, meant to void their agreement. Had they kissed, it would have signified his loss.
Frustrated by her failed plan, Alicia stepped back and moved toward the car.
Caden, his heart racing, pulled her back. “I want to hold you a little longer.”
Alicia didn’t resist.
After all, everything depended on his mood. If he was feeling generous, he would honor their agreement; if not, he might overstep, and she would have no control.
Caden cradled her face gently, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance as he said, “You’ve become quite the strategist, Alicia.”
His tone was both resigned and restrained.
That restraint only made him more captivating.
Alicia felt a warmth surge through her palms, and responded evenly, “I learned from the best, Mr. Ward.”
Caden brushed his lips lightly against hers, his eyes filled with desire.
“You make me fall for you even harder.”
Men are often drawn to the thrill of the chase. A difficult target is especially appealing.