Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Relaxing in the warm water of the tub, cradled by Caden’s arms, Alicia found herself unable to move. Releasing her hold, Alicia tilted her head to gaze upon the shimmering water.
Caden nestled his head into her neck, his eyes gently closing.
“Lucky, allow me the opportunity to win you over.”
Alicia’s eyelashes flickered softly. She replied flatly, “Is that a request or an order?” Had he ever truly asked for her permission for anything since he came back? His actions seemed thoughtless, as if he were performing for an unseen audience.
Caden kissed her skin. “Seeing that sympathy doesn’t move you, I resorted to this method, though you seem to dislike it.”
Alicia said, “Knowing that, you should release me now.”
Caden hesitated. After a moment, he let her go.
“I realize now my biggest flaw is my assertiveness, always grabbing what I want without showing you the respect you deserve.” As he spoke, he turned her to face him, cradling her face earnestly. “Let’s start fresh with a real relationship. From now on, everything I do will depend on your decision, alright?”
It felt surreal to Alicia. Hearing such words from Caden struck her as utterly unexpected, like lightning from clear skies.
A frown creased her face, her doubt evident. “It’s difficult to believe,” she said.
Caden responded, “If I’m unable to do it, you have many ways to handle me, don’t you?” There was nothing for her to worry about.
Alicia couldn’t decide if she was more shocked or touched. She just remained silent in his embrace.
Caden’s voice lowered, pressing his lips together. “My earlier loss of control was driven by fear.”
Alicia blinked. “Fear of what?”
“Fear that I might be replaced.”
Her surprise was evident. Throughout this admission, Caden maintained steady eye contact. His gaze was an unusual mix of sarcasm and jealousy. Alicia had never witnessed such a bizarre expression before.
Without quite understanding why, she blurted out, “I bought that…” She meant to clarify that purchasing the sex toy was merely a spur-of-the-moment decision, not a response to Caden’s manipulations. Yet, she realized that saying this seemed pointless.
“I was harsh earlier too,” Alicia murmured, her eyes downcast as she tendered a gentle apology.
Caden’s face stiffened.
“I deserved that. I wasn’t thoughtful.” His perspective seemed altered, briefly touching on her words. “I understand you have feelings for me.”
Alicia was left speechless.
As steam swirled around them, Caden bowed his head, his lips seeking hers.
Startled, Alicia’s body shook. She pushed him back, inhaling deeply.
What had she been about to do? It felt as though they were on the verge of a deeply personal moment.
When Alicia pushed him away, Caden stopped, as if determined to honor his promise. “Shall I carry you out once you’re finished bathing?”
Alicia’s frown was so intense that it looked like she might crush a fly.
“Where did you pick up these surprisingly charming techniques?”
His tender approach had taken her completely by surprise.
With a deep look in his eyes and no words, Caden lifted her from the bath, carefully toweling off her body.
Now fully alert, Alicia cautiously tried to guide him out of the bedroom, and Caden did not return.
She lay on the bed, caught between belief and skepticism, her eyes fixed on the door.
But soon, her eyelids grew heavy. Despite her exhaustion, a persistent ringing in her ears kept sleep at bay.
After struggling to find sleep for a while, she was just beginning to feel a bit sleepy when the sound of the door creaking open shook her awake.
Alicia’s eyes flew open, wide with surprise. She watched as Caden silently entered the room.
He didn’t switch on the light and directly climbed into bed in the darkness, gathering her into his embrace.
Alicia blurted out, “So much for your promises.”
Caden remained silent.
Caden tightened his grip around Alicia.
“I take my promises seriously, but today has slipped away. We’ll begin anew tomorrow.”
Alicia let out a scornful laugh. She was aware of his underlying motives, but instead of rejecting him, she merely turned away.
Caden enveloped her from behind.
Yawning widely, Alicia felt her eyelids beginning to droop. “I thought you were gone for good when you stormed out earlier, just as I was about to shower.”
“I needed to take out the trash,” Caden explained. “Your maid is very experienced; I didn’t want an awkward encounter if she saw me later. And did you feel relief or disappointment when I left?” he inquired.
Before she could answer, he cut her off and said, “Actually, never mind. I’d rather not know.”
Rolling her eyes, Alicia felt her fatigue deepen.
Though she yearned for sleep, his closeness was unsettling, especially with something pressing against her. She shifted her hips slightly.
Noticing this, Caden adjusted his position.
“It’s been unruly lately. Is it too much to ask for some understanding?” His tone was serious, yet the comment felt inappropriate.
Alicia exhaled slowly. “The bed is spacious enough. There’s no need to cling so tightly.”
“How am I supposed to sleep without holding you?” he countered.
Realizing that his approach was off, he softened. “I’m the one restless, needing to hold you.”
Raising an eyebrow, Alicia responded, “If you can’t be gentle, perhaps you shouldn’t try at all. It just unnerves me.”
Caden fell silent.
A moment later, Alicia added, “Could you give it a rest? It’s pressing on me, and it’s very uncomfortable.”
Caden swallowed hard.
“I can’t control it.”
“Then let me be, or better yet, get rid of it!” she snapped.
Caden quietly adjusted his position again.
For Ray’s birthday, Alicia had intended to buy a gift and ask Caden to deliver it until Ray contacted her directly, inviting her to the celebration.
“Alicia, I may have upset you previously due to some misunderstandings. Would you visit me? I miss you,” he said earnestly.
Alicia paused, conflicted. Rejecting his plea proved difficult.
“Alright, Ray, I’ll be there.”
Ray exhaled, his relief palpable.
“Thanks.” His voice carried a tremble of gratitude.
Alicia sensed something amiss and asked, “Ray, are you alright?”
He replied quickly, “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Choosing not to delve deeper, Alicia hung up.
Ray remained standing, casting a glance at Caden beside him.
Caden eased his hold on Ray’s neck, his tone nonchalant. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to harm you. But you’re sweating.”
Ray was too intimidated to speak.
After living two years with Ciara, they had grown close, almost like family. But Caden was a different story.
Ray always felt tense around him.
Caden had coerced Ray into making the call, disguising it as a friendly suggestion. Now, having achieved his goal, he feigned kindness, which only intensified Ray’s silent frustration.
“I would have invited her even without your coercion,” Ray said.
Caden quirked an eyebrow. “My coercion? Am I pressuring you?”
Feeling cornered, Ray replied hesitantly, “No, that was just a firm neck massage. You weren’t trying to choke me.”
Caden adjusted Ray’s head. “Your spine seems off. You might want to have that looked at in a hospital.”
Ray’s birthday celebration was set in a luxurious five-star hotel nearby. Naturally reserved, he had limited the guest list to the Ward family, resulting in a gathering primarily of relatives.
Alicia drove into the parking lot just as Caden emerged from the hotel, his suit impeccable, his features sharply defined. With every step, he captured the gaze of many bystanders.
Suddenly, a border collie darted from behind him. The dog sprinted toward her. Alicia instinctively bent down to greet the excited animal.
Cade had noticeably grown in the two years since then, his hair thick and glossy. As he jumped into her arms, his enthusiasm nearly toppled her.
Cade nestled into her, his whimper conveying a deep longing for her presence. His vigorously wagging tail expressed his sorrow. Alicia felt a blend of warmth and melancholy as she stroked his head.