Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden’s voice came through the phone. “Alicia, I know you’ve never let go of me.”
Tears filled her eyes as she gazed at the incubators before her, all fruits of Caden’s labor. He had adhered to the law for years, with only two exceptions: his secretive trip to Terriland to eliminate Annis, and these clandestine experiments. Now, she stood amid the evidence of his crimes.
Caden’s unspoken message was clear: if she sought retribution for their lost child, she could send him to prison anytime.
Alicia’s smirk was tinged with irony. He was aware that she would never take such a step. Instead, she would acknowledge the efforts he had put in over the last two years.
Without agreeing to anything, Alicia spent half a day in the lab before departing.
Caden’s proposal haunted Alicia’s thoughts. He gave her ample time to decide, without any pressure. Yet, the days seemed interminable.
Today, a new housekeeper was due to start, prompting Alicia to return home early to finalize the employment contract. Meanwhile, a van pulled up, and workers began unloading boxes.
She was confused. She expected a small delivery, not a vanload.
Approaching her, the driver asked, “Are you Ms. Alicia Bennett? These are from Mr. Ward. Please check the list and confirm the items.”
Alicia was momentarily speechless. She scanned the list-everything from essentials to luxuriously priced supplements aimed at boosting vitality and health. The most extravagant item was a massage bed, larger than her balcony.
Alicia exhaled deeply, feeling overwhelmed. After the driver finished unloading, she handed him a tip.
“Is there another brand like Blizzard Group known for secure smart furniture in Warrington?” she inquired.
The driver pondered for a moment before replying, “You might check Starfield Tech. They’re second to Blizzard Group and pride themselves on their security.”
That evening, Alicia explored her options further. As the new housekeeper served her a nourishing soup, she said, “Ms. Bennett, I’m off for the day.” Alicia nodded with a smile. “Okay.”
Feeling reassured, she placed an order with Starfield Tech, and the following day, they installed new locks.
Yet, when she arrived home that evening, she was shocked to find Caden emerging from the bathroom, his muscular frame dotted with water droplets. Alicia froze at the doorway.
Caden caught her gaze. “You’re back. I was just trying out the massage bed. Have you tried it yet?”
Alicia, utterly bewildered, asked, “How did you get in?” Caden looked towards the door lock.
“I reset the system and used the default code.”
Frustration clouded Alicia’s expression. “But Starfield Tech assured me their locks were absolutely secure…”
With a chuckle and a raised eyebrow, Caden replied, “Did Starfield Tech mention that I designed their lock?”
Speechless, Alicia watched as Caden approached the massage bed. His attention then shifted to a small box on a nearby chair, adorned with a dolphin drawing. He picked it up.
“Is this for Ray? His birthday is coming up. I didn’t think you’d remember.”
Before he could continue, Alicia rushed over and said,
Caden squinted and instinctively raised his arm as she lunged to grab the box.
Alicia’s cheeks reddened in the struggle. “This is mine. Who said you could take it? Give it back, Caden!”
Seeing her so flustered, Caden’s curiosity piqued, and his thoughts took a mischievous turn. He flipped the box over to glance at the toy’s instructions.
A smirk played across his lips. “Ah, so it’s meant for personal enjoyment.”
His smile persisted, but his tone turned cool. “What, planning to use this instead of my mouth?”
Alicia, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment, ceased her attempts to snatch the box. Standing resolute, she spoke seriously. “Caden, give it back to me!” Real anger could be more potent than any physical struggle.
Caden didn’t want to upset her. He was prepared to return it but wasn’t ready to let her walk away.
Alicia struggled. “Let go of me!”
Caden, ignoring her plea, fixed his dark eyes on her intently. “Have you used it?”
Annoyed, Alicia shot back, “What business is it of yours?” Caden tightened his grip on her wrist, pulling her closer as he bombarded her with questions. “Did you use it in Xada? Were you careless with your things just like this? Did Corey ever see it?”
His questions hit her like a tidal wave. Feeling dominated by his presence, Alicia found her breath growing uneven. She almost snapped back that she didn’t live with Corey, so how could he have seen anything? But she restrained herself, clenching her teeth. “Caden, for the last time, let go!” Her anger made her formidable. Her eyes, usually soft, sharpened menacingly.
Yet to Caden, this was akin to her being playful. He quickly pieced things together. Seeing Alicia’s flushed ears and sensing the jealousy and fear fading from his heart, he stared into her eyes, his gaze clearing.
“You haven’t used it,” he said.
Alicia, feeling exposed, struggled even more. “What do you know? Are you spying on me? I’ve used it a hundred times!”
Caden challenged, “If you really used it, why would you need to see a psychologist?”
Caught between embarrassment and rage, Alicia felt the pain of his grip fueling her anger. “Caden, we’re over. What right do you have to question my personal matters?”
Suddenly, the room fell eerily quiet. Caden gazed down at her, his expression unreadable.
Alicia’s anger found a voice, and her words cut deeper. “Do you think your coercive tactics are clever? Do you think I still harbor the same feelings for you, that I can’t live without you? What you did at the hospital – I truly despise you for it. Sure, it felt good, but under those circumstances, any man could have elicited a reaction from me!”
Caden remained silent, but his grip on her hand tightened slightly.
Alicia stared at the floor, her resolve hardening to untangle their complex ties. “Stop imposing yourself on me. If you hadn’t forced me to return to Warrington, I’d prefer never to see you again!”
He said nothing for a long while.
Eventually, as though convincing himself, Caden slowly released her hand.
With a flick of her wrist, Alicia hurled the offending sex toy into the trash can, her action as forceful as if she were discarding Caden himself.
Even someone as unyielding as Caden should recognize when to retreat. He turned and exited.
As Alicia stepped into her bedroom, she heard the front door close. Her heart fluttered momentarily, but she quickly dismissed any lingering sentiment.
This separation was necessary. Otherwise, they risked falling back into their old patterns. Without pausing, Alicia headed for the shower, where the hot water began to calm her frazzled nerves. Just as she started to relax, the door burst open, shattering the tranquility.
Alicia, stunned, saw Caden back. For a moment, her mind went blank before she hastily covered herself. Realizing that she hadn’t shielded her lower half, she switched hands, leaving herself exposed once again.
Frustrated, she said, “What on earth are you doing here?”
Caden slammed the door shut.
The steam filled the room, his face obscured, but the intensity in his eyes was clear, stripping away any pretense of modesty.
Without speaking, he pressed her against the wall, his lips meeting hers forcefully. The hot water cascaded down his back, soaking his shirt. His eyes, brimming with tears, didn’t close as they usually did. For the first time, Alicia saw him kiss her with open eyes, his breath mingling with hers in a silent conveyance of his emotions.
Resentment, jealousy, fear, and deep-seated grievance filled the air.
Grievance…
Alicia couldn’t grasp it. How could she feel such a thing from Caden? He was the type who would rather die than lose face.
Their kiss was suffocating and lasted a long time. Caden drained her strength completely, pushing her to her limits.
He then shut off the water and gently carried her out, placing a towel on the sink for her to sit on, preventing the cold surface from chilling her.
Dizzy and with her cheeks flushed, Alicia looked at the man before her, his eyes reddened, and a flicker of clarity returned. “Caden… what do you want?”
Without bothering with the buttons, Caden yanked his shirt over his head by the collar and leaned into her. “To even the score.”
Even the score?
What score?
Alicia tried to pull away, her back pressing against the cold mirror, causing her to shiver. Then she heard the metallic click of a belt buckle beside her ear.
Recognizing the sound instantly, Alicia gasped in fright.
Alicia had expected today to be different. However, thirty minutes into their intimacy, the only thing Caden had accomplished was getting her hands dirty.
Frustrated and annoyed, Alicia blamed him for wasting considerable time.
Seemingly unaffected, Caden drew her close, his arms holding her firmly. From behind, he gently secured her wrists and began rinsing her hands with warm water.
Taking a deep breath, Alicia said, “Wash them several more times!” The odor was still strong.
Caden silently complied, thoroughly cleaning each finger under her watchful eye.
Breaking the silence with a rough, enticing tone, Caden asked, “Why did you stop scolding me? Keep going. I enjoy listening to you.”
Alicia’s face grew colder. Her attempts to vent her anger only fueled her irritation further, while he seemed to take pleasure in her scolding. She was tempted to stop but felt an unresolved tension building inside her. Attempting to provoke him, she snapped, “It’s only been two years, and you’re already lacking stamina. Finishing in half an hour is too soon, don’t you think?” Especially since it was just with her hands.
Previously, when they engaged more fully, it had lasted at least an hour. And with just hands, it had taken even longer.
Caden didn’t feel angry. “It really is my fault,” he said. “After being without you for two years, I became a little too impatient.”
Alicia was at a loss for words.
Caden grinned. “Next time, I’ll make sure you’re not disappointed.”
Alicia tensed, recalling his earlier remarks about settling scores. She became defensive.
Sensing her hesitation, Caden gently picked her up and carried her back to the shower. “I’ve taken care of everything. I won’t pressure you on matters like this. It will only happen if you want it.”
Before Alicia could respond, Caden added, “You’re in charge. The control is all yours.”
Silence fell between them.
Caden carefully bathed her once again, tending to her with gentle hands.