Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Alicia, how have you been?” Dorian murmured, though it was clear she was faring well.
Seeing him, Alicia felt disoriented, as if she was meeting Dorian for the first time. How had the once formidable man become so diminished and meek? She replied icily, “Sir, do we know each other?”
Dorian’s heart shattered at her cold detachment. For two years, he had searched for her and pleaded, but she never agreed to see him. Now, seeing her again, he understood that her heart was irreparably shattered, and his attempts at amends were futile.
Dorian gave a resigned chuckle, choosing not to disturb her further. However, as the elevator doors opened on the ground floor, Dorian felt compelled to confess. “Alicia, this is all my fault.”
Alicia stopped. She reminded herself to remain resolute, yet her feet felt as though they were cemented to the ground, immovable.
Dorian said softly, “If I hadn’t been so blind to my mistakes, you and Caden wouldn’t have spent two years apart, and you wouldn’t have lost your baby.”
Alicia’s pain resurfaced. “Dorian, you have no right to say such things.”
Dorian’s eyes were red. “I know I can’t undo the past, Alicia. I just hope you can find happiness. I owe you and Caden too much. It doesn’t matter if you refuse to acknowledge me, but you and Caden should be together. He truly loves you.”
Alicia remained silent, not turning to acknowledge him.
The brief encounter left Alicia reeling with conflicted thoughts. She felt no familial connection with Dorian, only a deep sense of irony. He had caused her pain and should have remained distant. Why did he have to confront her now, addressing her in such a pitiful tone? And didn’t Corey mention that Dorian had taken Yolanda back from Terriland? Her mind buzzed with unsettling thoughts, leaving her agitated.
A sharp honk jolted Alicia back to the present. She realized the traffic light had turned green and quickly drove off. However, she had taken a moment to collect herself, which provoked another honk from the driver behind, who yelled, “Think you’re all that driving a stupid Ferrari?” Alicia ignored him and continued driving calmly.
Yet, the car behind aggressively followed her, its engine roaring menacingly as the driver alternated between speeding up and slowing down to harass her. Alicia checked her rearview mirror and stayed to the side, avoiding any provocation from the reckless driver.
The driver, seeing Alicia as a vulnerable target, became more aggressive. He revved his engine to intimidate her, but suddenly, a silver Pagani cut in front of him. He hadn’t even fully noticed the car’s emblem before he had to slam on his brakes, immediately calming down.
The Pagani then slowed to match Alicia’s pace. A hand emerged from the driver’s seat, flipping the middle finger at the earlier reckless driver.
At the next red light, Alicia rolled down her window to see the Pagani alongside her. Corey removed his sunglasses, flashing a wide grin. “Ms. Bennett, don’t you recognize me?”
Alicia glanced at his car. “What did this set you back?”
“Over thirty million,” Corey quickly added with a smirk, “Embezzled funds.”
Alicia smirked and rolled up her window, choosing to ignore him.
Corey had anticipated a reaction from Alicia, but she remained impassive. Curious, he asked, “Weren’t you always opposed to my reckless spending? Why aren’t you bothered now?”
“It’s your money and meant for you to spend,” Alicia responded calmly.
Corey scoffed. “Seems like you’re back with Caden. With him looking out for you, you wouldn’t mind my minor expenses.”
Alicia stopped him, blocking his way. “This is my private residence. You should stop here,” she stated firmly. “Mr. Hampton, please leave.”
Despite her warning, Corey insisted on entering. He wasn’t in Warrington for business and had time to spare. Alicia’s expression darkened as he pushed past her into the house.
Corey casually strolled into the living room and examined the shoe cabinet. He found a pair of men’s slippers and slipped them on without asking.
Alicia’s displeasure was evident. “Who said you could touch my belongings?”
Seeing her reaction, Corey was sure of his suspicions. “Caden’s slippers, huh?” he taunted. “Looks like you two live together once again. Has he slept with you? Isn’t it too easy for you to let him back into your life, Alicia? After everything he had done to you, you still fell for him in such a short time.”
Alicia, sensing Corey’s uncharacteristic fury, didn’t take offense at his words. Unlike Caden, Corey was two years older and had climbed the ranks through sheer grit and determination. Known for his composed demeanor, he seldom lost his temper unless he encountered significant challenges.
At the moment, Corey was furious and didn’t mince his words. Alicia surmised it was likely due to a recent event in Xada, possibly involving Gemma.
Alicia asked, “Is the machine you bought malfunctioning?”
Corey’s mind flickered from the machine to Gemma, and his expression clouded over, losing its aggressive edge. Realizing she had hit the mark, Alicia bent down to change her shoes. “Tell me, what’s happening?”
Corey watched her, his gaze filled with deep, impenetrable gloom. The issue wasn’t the machine. It was a more grave and despairing illness that had surfaced.
Corey managed to temper his anger and sat down on the sofa. “I just insulted you. Why aren’t you mad at me?”
Alicia responded, “You grew up in an orphanage, often scraping by with whatever was available. You have few family members in this world. I couldn’t bring myself to be mad at you.”
Corey was speechless. His mood was already sour, and her biting tone worsened it, leaving him without an outlet for his frustration. He lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply.
“The machine is fine, but Gemma’s immune system is deteriorating rapidly. She’s been sick almost every day,” he said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “She can’t leave the house, confined to one room, with doctors constantly at her side.”
Alicia’s heart ached. Gemma had always been protected by Corey. She was gentle, kind, and innocent. During the past two years, Gemma often brought comfort to Alicia. Gemma was talented in cooking, baking, art, and music. If not for her illness, she would have been exceptional.
Alicia asked, “What do the doctors say?”
“Slow recovery,” Corey replied, tapping ash from his cigarette, his expression laden with worry. “The best they’re hoping for is that she remains in a semivegetative state, barely able to care for herself.”
Alicia felt a pang of sadness. “Is that the best or the worst?”
Alicia hoped Corey had simply misspoken, but his silent, bitter smile confirmed her fears.
They both sat in silence until a message notification broke the quiet. Alicia inhaled deeply and checked her phone. It was a message from Caden: “You’re not at the apartment. Did you go back? I’m coming over.” The message was delayed, sent ten minutes ago. Feeling a pang of sympathy for Gemma, Alicia typed, “I’ve already had dinner. Don’t come over.” Caden did not respond.
Alicia turned to Corey. “Think of another way to help with Gemma’s situation. I’ll travel to Xada in a few days to see her. I need to eat soon, so I won’t keep you.”
Corey sat motionless. “Can’t you have dinner with me?”
“I’m not interested.”
“Not interested, or afraid Caden will find out?” Corey challenged. “During those two years in Xada, Caden must have suspected us being together. You’re keeping your distance now because you’re afraid of his misunderstanding, right? Do you really care about him that much?”
Reflecting on all the turmoil Corey had caused over the years-and how undeserving Gemma was of it-Alicia retorted, “If you had focused on doing good for Gemma, maybe her condition would have been better by now.”
Corey scoffed. “I don’t buy into that whole divine intervention thing.”
Deciding not to engage further, Alicia signaled her bodyguard to escort Corey out. Just two minutes later, someone knocked on the door.
Corey reclined on the sofa, unperturbed. “Your bodyguards are quick, but not necessarily a match for me.”
Alicia found it odd. How could her bodyguards arrive so quickly? She glanced at the video screen and saw Caden standing outside. Her mind blanked for a moment. Hadn’t she told him not to come? Why did he still show up?
Another thought flashed through Alicia’s mind: Corey would undoubtedly cause a scene if he saw Caden. And why was Caden knocking? Since when had he become so courteous? With these questions swirling in her head, she switched off the intercom. She looked back at Corey, wondering how best to handle the situation.
Yet, Corey, ever observant, noticed Alicia’s hesitation and realized it was Caden at the door. Caden seemed to sense something amiss and waited patiently outside.
Corey, never one for kindness, especially during tough times, seemed keen on making things difficult for others. “Caden’s here?” Corey extinguished his cigarette, neatly tucking the ashtray under the table before standing. “Then I’ll leave.”
Alicia eyed him warily. Was he genuinely being considerate? She held back from questioning him, knowing all too well that pressing Corey could prompt him to do the exact opposite of what she wanted. Corey picked up his car keys and slipped out through the balcony’s back door.
Alicia hesitated for a moment before approaching the front door, immediately feeling a pang of regret. Why did she feel uneasy? There was nothing between her and Corey. It would have been simpler to let Caden in and explain the situation as it was. Moreover, Corey’s earlier actions had seemed suspicious.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Caden ringing the doorbell once more, snapping her back to the moment. She threw the pair of shoes Corey had slipped on into the trash and swung the door open.
Caden entered, balancing bags of groceries, his long strides carrying him into the room. “Were you busy? It took you a while to open the door.” His eyes quickly scanned the living room.
Alicia hadn’t felt this uneasy in ages. It felt like she was caught in a trap, and she was cornered.
Alicia cleared her throat and said, “Oh, I wasn’t busy. I was just in the bedroom and didn’t hear the doorbell.” She figured a little lie wouldn’t hurt, especially now that Corey was gone. This thought made her feel less agitated as she reached out and took the stuff from Caden’s hands.
Caden raised an eyebrow at her unusual movement. He opened the shoe cabinet, only to find his slippers missing. “I threw them out,” Alicia blurted out.
Caden gave her a look, his expression unfathomable. “Why did you throw them out?”
“They were old, and I meant to get new ones, but I haven’t had the time yet. I’ll order a new pair online later. Just wear something else for now,” she said, trying to sound normal.
Caden frowned and pulled out a pair of oversized slippers. There were no other suitable slippers for him. Only the tossed pair fitted him. The rest were smaller, clearly meant for guests.
Feeling a bit silly wearing them, Caden said, “I’ve worn them less than five times. What makes you think they’re old?”
Alicia blinked, unsure of how to respond. It felt like he was just venting, but she couldn’t tell if he was serious or joking.
Alicia tried to keep her cool. “Don’t you usually swap out your loungewear after, like, five wears? So, what’s the big deal?”
Caden fired back, “When did I say it was a big deal?” Alicia didn’t know what to say.
Before she could figure it out, a bodyguard rushed in. “Ms. Bennett, do you need anything?”
Alicia quickly waved him off. “No, I’m fine. You can go.”
Caden, already rolling up his sleeves, headed into the kitchen. He planned to make seafood pasta and coconut chicken soup for dinner.
Alicia glanced at the balcony, letting out a breath of relief when she saw no sign of Corey. Gathering herself, she walked into the kitchen to join Caden. Feeling like she needed to clear the air, she said, “I don’t owe you an explanation, but there’s…”
Alicia hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “There’s something I should tell you.” Without looking up, Caden replied while cutting the coconut shell, “Go on.”
Alicia’s eyes lingered on his hands, finding his long fingers oddly intriguing as he stayed surprisingly focused on the coconut. In a low voice, she said, “Corey came by tonight to talk about something, but he was only here for less than ten minutes.”
Caden’s hands froze mid-cut. He looked up and asked, “Where is he now?”
“He left a while ago.”
“So, did he leave before I got here?”
“No, he just left when you knocked on the door.” Alicia sensed her lie falling apart, so she quickly added, “He went out the back. I didn’t want you two to run into each other.”
Caden seemed bothered but stayed calm. “Why didn’t you want me to meet him? You were with him for two years in Xada…”
Alicia’s lips twitched. “If there was something between him and me, why would I come back to Warrington?” Then, she quickly corrected herself. “I came back for my own reasons, not because of you.”
Caden’s face stayed blank. “So, you let him wear my shoes? Do you see him and me as equals?”
Alicia felt a headache coming on. “He insisted on wearing them just to annoy you.”
Caden didn’t say anything and just kept focused on his cooking.