Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Ciara’s face lit up. “Are you thinking of marrying her?”
Caden didn’t respond definitively.
“If she agrees, I’ll marry her.”
Alicia had just learned that Ray was afraid of the police.
Though she didn’t understand why, she avoided mentioning the police and instead encouraged him to eat.
Ray gazed at her intently, his look earnest and questioning, as if wondering why she was so kind to him.
She explained, “I brought you here, so it’s my responsibility to take care of you.”
She offered him some warm soup. “You seem well cared for, so you must have relatives. Did you come to Warrington alone to find them?”
Ray stayed silent, his eyes fixed on the soup as he swallowed hard.
Alicia spooned some soup, cooled it with a gentle blow, and brought it to his lips. He opened his mouth right away.
After feeding him a few spoonfuls, she handed him the bowl to continue eating on his own.
Even when he had finished, he didn’t reveal who his family was. His face showed a mix of stubbornness and resentment.
He realized he was holding a grudge against his family, which led him to remain silent.
Seeing that Ray appeared comfortable here, Alicia chose not to press the matter further.
As she exited the room, she encountered Caden.
Caden peeked inside at Ray, who was staring intently at Alicia without blinking. When their eyes met, Ray seemed slightly frightened and quickly looked away.
Alicia was about to walk past Caden, but he raised his hand and gently pulled her into a warm embrace.
Alicia didn’t pull away, though she furrowed her brow.
Caden reached for the doorknob and closed the door, casually saying, “Relax. I was just closing the door.” Then, he let go of her.
It seemed he really had just been closing the door, and Alicia had no reason to argue. She was about to leave when he caught her wrist.
Alicia remained expressionless. “What’s your excuse this time? Did your hand slip?”
Caden replied, “No excuse. I simply wanted to hold your wrist.”
Alicia was at a loss for words.
He was so shameless and clever.
He pulled a small box from his pocket, revealing a stunning sapphire necklace.
“I took one from you yesterday, so today I’m giving you one.”
The gemstone was larger than a pigeon’s egg, its sparkle captivating even in the soft light.
Alicia stared at it briefly before speaking, “I must be dreaming. Despite all the harsh things I’ve said, Mr. Ward, you still choose to indulge me with gifts.”
Caden looped the necklace with his finger and draped it around her neck.
Alicia resisted slightly.
“It was crafted for you. You’re its rightful owner. Please, don’t reject it.”
As the necklace clasp clicked into place, the sapphire rested against Alicia’s pale skin, shimmering brilliantly. Caden gently traced her collarbone with his fingers, his touch tender against her delicate skin.
Just as his hand moved toward her cleavage, she swiftly caught his wandering hand and twisted it upwards.
Caden didn’t withdraw his hand, but he deftly maneuvered to avoid any harm Alicia might have caused. Despite everything, her strength and resolve were undeniably real.
After a short scuffle, it became clear to her that she wasn’t going to hurt him, so she finally released his hand.
He gazed at her delicate face, his voice soft as he teased, “You’re so aggressive. Are you really trying to break my hand?”
Alicia replied firmly, “I don’t hold back against anyone who tries to take advantage of me.”
Caden’s eyes dropped slightly, landing on her pale neckline.
“You’ve got a strong heart, but the slightest touch makes your body weak.”
Alicia found herself momentarily speechless.
How could he throw out such flirty lines so effortlessly? Her fingers absently traced the necklace around her throat.
Though she admired it, she wasn’t willing to accept it without paying.
“Thank you for helping me get this gem. I’ll send you the payment when I return.”
Caden smiled. “You obviously like it. Why not just keep it?”
“Jewelry carries a lot of meaning, and given our situation, it’s hardly appropriate.”
“And what kind of relationship would make it okay? If Blake gave it to you, would you take it?” Caden’s gaze bore into hers, demanding a response.
Alicia’s tone was flat. “Not at this moment, but who’s to say? Mr. Langstaff is a fine man. I might fall for him any day now.”
Caden’s face remained neutral as he asked, “Can you fall for two men at once?”
Alicia’s eyelashes flickered softly.
She couldn’t tolerate his smugness any longer; it felt like he had her completely under his control.
It was as if breaking free from his hold would be impossible.
With her head bowed, she murmured, “Change doesn’t come overnight, and people aren’t meant to stay stuck forever.”
Caden’s brow furrowed in irritation.
Yet he held his irritation back and said, “Fine, we’ll go at your pace.”
Alicia could sense the impatience creeping into his voice. “You don’t need to put up with me. I’m difficult, fragile, and overly emotional. Even if I agreed to try again with you, it wouldn’t last.”
Without another word, she ripped the necklace from her throat and threw it at him.
She shoved him aside before turning to leave.
Caden remained rooted to the spot, his lips pressed into a hard line, clutching the necklace in his hand.
He drew in a long, deep breath.
He stayed where he was, making no move to follow her.
Shortly after Alicia left, Jasmine approached him. “Mr. Ward, Mrs. Ward asked me to check in on how things are progressing between you and Ms. Bennett.”
Caden remained silent for a moment.
Finally, with a somber expression, he replied, “Tell her everything is going well.”
Caden opened the door in front of him and took a seat, facing Ray directly.
Ray huddled into a tight ball, too intimidated to utter a single word.
They locked eyes for a while, and it seemed Ray’s autism was on the brink of overwhelming him.
Caden inquired, “Do you like the lady from earlier?”
Ray quickly shook his head in response.
“Then why do you only eat the food she offers you?”
Ray felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He hadn’t anticipated being called out so swiftly, so he reluctantly nodded.
“It’s not that I like her; I just think she’s a genuinely good person.”
Caden stated coldly, “So you can talk after all. I thought you were mute.”
Ray dropped his gaze to the floor.
Caden approached Ray, resting his hands on his knees as he leaned closer.
Ray felt a surge of fear but dared not to move a muscle.
Caden stated, “If you like her, you should invite her over for dinner tonight.”
Ray stammered, his voice trembling, “Me?”
Caden nodded firmly. “Yes, do whatever it takes to make sure she comes.”
Ray shook his head in refusal.
He lacked the confidence to believe he could actually ask her to come over.
Caden’s expression grew cold as he warned, “If you can’t manage it, I’ll have no choice but to turn you over to the police.”
Ray’s eyes went wide with disbelief.