Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “I didn’t think you’d ask, so I wasn’t planning on telling you.”
A chill ran through her as she trembled. “You… you actually used it?”
“Yep.”
Her heart dropped. “How much? Was it just that stuff?” Though she had never seen substances like that up close, she knew enough about their dangers: once you start, there’s no going back.
“Oh, it’s something even stronger,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her neck, laughter hidden in his voice.
Her chest tightened as panic set in. “Stronger? Caden, what’s it? Is there any way to stop it?”
He threw his head back, laughing. “It’s your body, Alicia. It’s like an aphrodisiac, and there’s no cure.”
Alicia’s heart, wound tight with fear, suddenly relaxed as relief flooded her.
Anger replaced her panic, and tears of frustration brimmed in her eyes.
Caden’s laughter faded, and he gently brushed her tears away. “Why are you crying?” he asked softly, a hint of concern in his voice.
She punched and kicked at him, furious and too overwhelmed to form words.
He knew she’d believe whatever he said, yet he’d toyed with her feelings, watching her panic just to amuse himself.
She pushed him away, turning her back, refusing to say another word.
Caden leaned in, pressing against her from behind. “Come on, let’s just finish this, and then you can be mad.”
She whirled around, her hand aiming for a slap. He caught her wrist quickly, but it was a diversion-her true target wasn’t his face; it lay elsewhere.
With a swift move, Alicia’s hip collided with his lower body.
He let out a strangled groan as pain radiated through him, his vision momentarily blurring as he stumbled back. Not satisfied, Alicia gave him one last kick, sending him off the bed.
“Serves you right!” she muttered, pulling the blanket around herself as she turned over and promptly closed her eyes, letting sleep claim her.
Caden lay sprawled on the floor, wondering if he’d taken the joke too far.
How did she react so fast?
He shook his head, silently cursing himself for teaching her self-defense.
Meanwhile, Alicia had drifted off to sleep, completely unaware of the chaos she’d caused.
The next morning, she stirred, feeling a strong arm wrapped securely around her.
She blinked, then relaxed into his warmth, turning to hug his waist tightly.
Caden’s eyes opened slowly, a frown settling on his face as he let out a low groan.
She pulled back slightly. “What’s wrong?”
His gaze met hers, full of unspoken complaints. “Did you forget? I’m still sore from last night.”
The memory of last night’s events flashed in Alicia’s mind, and she looked down.
Sure enough, a large bruise marked his side.
She winced and then tried to deflect. “You didn’t just bruise yourself to blame me, did you?”
Caden stared at her, momentarily speechless.
With a sigh, he dropped the argument, his gaze remaining fixed on her.
Ignoring her own embarrassment, Alicia took a deep breath. “Caden, there’s a reason I came all the way to Terriland to find you… Something happened at home that I couldn’t handle alone.”
Caden’s expression softened. He seemed unsurprised, replying calmly, “It’s about my mother, isn’t it?”
Alicia was caught off guard.
She hadn’t expected him to be aware of it.
“So, you…” Alicia found her throat suddenly dry, worried it might overwhelm him. “Are you okay?”
Caden responded with a hollow chuckle.
With a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he said, “If I were so easily shaken, I wouldn’t have survived this long.”
Casually, Caden sat up and reached for a fresh shirt to wear.
Alicia stood there, frozen, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion.
She didn’t move even once Caden was fully dressed.
Caden asked, “Feel like sleeping more, or should I help you get dressed?”
Jolted back to the present, Alicia hurriedly began searching for her clothes.
“What’s our next step?” she asked.
“We go back and meet Corey.”
Meanwhile, Corey had just pulled up to a hillside villa, his car loaded with bags brimming with gifts.
The moment he parked, a cheerful figure dressed in white bounded toward him, leaping into his arms – his younger sister. “Corey, you made it!”
His face lit up with a warm smile as he hugged her back. He affectionately tousled her silky hair. “I’ve brought some tasty treats and fun toys for you. Let’s head inside and see if you like them.”
Gemma Hampton embraced Corey tightly, burying her face in his shirt. “I don’t need gifts. I just wish you’d come see me more often.”
Corey, holding her hand, guided her inside. “I’ll visit as often as I can.”
“Alright.” Gemma acknowledged his demanding schedule without any resentment, even though his visits might be limited to once or twice a month.
Corey caressed her arm gently. “Have you been eating well recently?”
“I have,” Gemma answered. Detailing her meals, she continued, “Today, Libby made meatballs, and I had two servings of pasta.”
From the kitchen, wearing an apron, Gemma’s maid Libby emerged into the living room. “Good day, Mr. Hampton.”
Corey acknowledged her with a nod. “I’ll be having dinner at home tonight. Please get it ready.”
“Understood.”
Post-dinner, Gemma remained by Corey’s side, playing with the robot he had brought her.
This Q Robot, designed specifically for Gemma, was a companion in the villa, aiding her sleep and providing entertainment.
“Corey, it’s so lovely when she sings to me,” Gemma said while lying on the carpet, her legs kicking playfully as she rested her chin in her hands and laughed. “Who recorded the songs? I’d love for her to sing more for me.”
“I’ll have her here tomorrow,” Corey said as he watched her with affectionate eyes.
Gemma commanded the robot to play her favorite song. She lay there with her eyes closed, a smile curving her lips.
The robot tenderly touched Gemma’s cheek, humming softly while clearly articulating the lyrics. “The dark sky hangs low, with bright stars shining. Fireflies dance in the night. Whom do you long for?”
Corey’s face stiffened, his eyebrows knitting together. The voice was unmistakably familiar, and he instantly recognized it. He had acquired the chip to enhance the robot’s functionality, never anticipating this unexpected feature.
Could this be a standard feature in every robot?
As Gemma drifted toward sleep, the robot suddenly stopped all sounds, its indicator light flashing red.
With a frown, she asked, “What’s wrong with her, Corey?”
Upon inspecting the robot, Corey discovered a minor glitch and promptly fixed it. Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder how such a simple malfunction could occur unexpectedly.
“Corey,” Gemma’s voice broke through his thoughts, her desire to continue listening evident. “Is the lady who sang going to come sing for me tomorrow?” she asked, full of anticipation.
“Yes, she is,” Corey responded with a gentle laugh.
If Alicia wasn’t available, he’d find someone else. There were plenty of talented female singers to choose from.
Gemma, now yawning contentedly, leaned against Corey’s leg. “Corey…”
“Yes?” Corey answered, softening his voice to avoid waking her.
“Stay with me until I fall asleep, will you?” Gemma whispered.
A wave of emotion swept through Corey. He tenderly stroked her cheek with his hand.
Corey set aside the growing stack of tasks in his mind and assured her readily, “Okay.”
Gemma quickly drifted off to sleep.
Watching her peacefully sleep, Corey felt a pang of sorrow. Her health was frail, affecting her ability to eat and sleep properly. At twenty, she was delicate and fragile, seemingly breakable by the slightest touch.
Every day she hoped for his return, yet her wishes were seldom fulfilled. Despite this, she remained concerned about his hectic life, reluctant to cling too tightly to the fleeting moments of affection from her brother. To hasten his departure, she often pretended to be asleep.
Corey’s gaze lingered on Gemma, his voice steady and gentle as he whispered, “Gemma, I promise to find a cure for you. I love you.”
He departed late into the night.
The darkness enveloped him as Libby approached with a coat, saying, “Mr. Hampton, drive safely.”