Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia’s smile was tight, her eyes catching the sunlight, making them sparkle with a dazzling charm. “After I returned from Xada.”
Caden had long ago preserved his sperm and granted Alicia full access to his laboratory. Additionally, managing the fertility treatment project had always been their responsibility. Thus, Alicia had all she needed to surprise him on her own.
“Today, I received news that the in vitro fertilization was successful.” Tears welled up in Alicia’s eyes as she said, “Caden, you’re going to be a father again.”
Three months later, Caden admired the ultrasound image of his and Alicia’s child. His relentless research over the past few years had all been dedicated to protecting this tiny, newly formed life.
Although Caden received daily health updates from his team about Alicia, he still insisted on multiple hospital visits for thorough checks. Even on the eve of their wedding, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the ultrasound images.
Alicia, wearing a facial mask, noticed his smile as he gazed at the images. She sighed. “We’re heading to the hotel early tomorrow. Aren’t you going to prepare anything?”
Caden tucked away the ultrasound images and pulled out his notes for the wedding vows, which were filled with clich?d expressions and standard vows. He frowned. “I think I’ll come up with something more heartfelt on the spot.”
Alicia seemed unconcerned. “Do whatever you want. Just make sure you don’t mix up the ultrasound photo with the wedding ring.”
Caden laughed, drawing Alicia close. “But our baby is cute, isn’t it? Looks just like you.”
Alicia replied, “It’s only three months along. You can’t really make out much.”
“I see it perfectly. My eyes are better than any machine.”
Alicia removed her facial mask and rubbed the serum into her hands before applying it to Caden’s face. “Let’s get some sleep.”
The long-awaited wedding was a lavish affair organized by Caden. He rented an entire island, sending invitations to every business in Warrington to ensure all important guests attended. He scheduled fireworks every night for two weeks, each display extravagantly expensive, costing hundreds of millions in total. For a smile from Alicia, Caden spared no expense, investing a fortune without hesitation.
After the wedding, Alicia was so worn out that she could barely stand, leaning on Caden for support. The massive diamond on her ring finger, as large as a pigeon’s egg, weighed her hand down as she admired it.
Caden held her gently. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”
Alicia shook her head with playful sarcasm. “I love it. I’m just admiring my reflection in it.”
Caden laughed, loving her humor even in her exhaustion. “Why don’t you go home first? I’ll join you after saying goodbye to the guests.”
Alicia straightened her back. “No, it would be rude to leave early. I’m not that exhausted.”
Caden sighed. She always insisted on being thorough, even when tired. How had he been so fortunate to find such a gem in his life?
With their families handling the farewells, Caden and Alicia found a moment for themselves. He led her to the wide balcony.
Outside, the continuous burst of fireworks brought them both joy and serenity.
With no chairs available, Caden squatted down, offering his lap for Alicia to sit.
Alicia balanced delicately on her toes, careful not to weigh him down.
Caden noticed and drew her in closer. “I’m strong as an ox right now. Just relax.”
Alicia laughed and wrapped her arms around him. The fireworks cast a glow on her face, her makeup as intricate as a doll’s.
Caden couldn’t take his eyes off her. They had proclaimed their love on stage earlier that day, yet at this moment, he still asked, “Alicia, when did you first fall in love with me?”
Alicia met his gaze, her mind drifting back to their dramatic reunion, that first chaotic night, and the complex web of their destinies. Her heart softened, feeling as if a piece of it had melted away. “At Yates Mansion, when Jerald lost his temper and attacked you. I felt then as I do now.”
Caden, puzzled, smiled more broadly. “You wanted to marry me that early?”
Alicia shook her head. “It was more about feeling sorry for you.”
Now it was Caden’s turn to be moved, feeling a pang in his heart. Always the one playing with others’ emotions, he had been overtaken by true affection.
Alicia added, “I’ve felt sorry for many, but you, I care for the most.”
Caden’s breathing quickened, overwhelmed by his feelings. “You can’t care for anyone else,” he said slowly. “You can only love me.”
Alicia smiled. “Only you.”
Then, she asked, “What about you? When did you fall in love with me?”
Caden couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment.
Alicia persisted and said, “If someone else had walked into the cinema that day when you returned, would you have slept with her?”
Caden answered without hesitation. “No.”
“So why with me?”
Caden thought back to that day. It was the first time he had seen Alicia show her vulnerable side, and it stirred something deep within him. It seemed as though he had finally caught her, and naturally, he felt an urge to make her his own. The emotions were complex and tangled, defying easy explanation.
Caden intertwined his fingers with hers, the joy from their wedding radiating through the city in a surreal, beautiful wave.
“How could sworn enemies end up married? How could I feel such a strong pull toward someone I once disliked so intensely?” Caden kissed her softly, murmuring as if conceding a point long fought against, “Maybe I’ve been taken with you for quite some time, Alicia.”
Their kiss deepened passionately, their silhouettes projected against the wall by the fireworks, painting a scene reminiscent of a cinematic masterpiece.
From a luxury car below, Corey watched their embrace, his eyes shadowed by complex emotions.
The morning after their wedding, Caden took Alicia to visit his mother. Later, they returned to Joy Mansion for dinner with Ciara.
The house was alive with the sound of laughter, friends and family staying late into the night, playing games before heading home.
Since it was getting late, Caden and Alicia decided to stay at Joy Mansion instead of returning to their new home.
Ciara had transformed the house into a festive wonderland, complete with fresh bed sheets and a duvet. Alicia reached out to touch the luxurious fabric, marveling at how smooth and silky it felt.
The warm light of the room illuminated Alicia’s flawless skin, making it glow softly.
Caden struggled to keep his hands to himself. He was captivated by her radiant appearance, whether it was the light or the sensitivity of her skin to his touch-it was hard to say.
With a shy, sweet gaze, Alicia looked at him, her eyes sparkling. She was incredibly alluring.
Caden could hardly contain his desire, but his attention was soon diverted by the lavish decorations around them.
The room exuded delicate, feminine charm, with lace-adorned pillows and a chandelier shimmering with tiny crystal beads. Cute little toys adorned the walls, their eyes seemingly watching them like an attentive audience.
Caden took a deep breath and joined Alicia under the covers.
However, the duvet was lined with tiny bells that jingled with every movement, turning what was meant to be a cozy retreat into a noisy cacophony.
Frustrated, Caden tossed the covers aside and lay down. Alicia giggled, climbing atop him and playfully suggesting, “Maybe we skip sex tonight. Let’s just get some rest, okay?”
Despite his earlier arousal, the spinning pendant light above them made him dizzy, and the sparkling decorations on the bedside table only added to his disorientation. With a resigned sigh, he said, “Fine.”
Alicia’s laughter, at his capitulation, filled the room.
The next morning, after breakfast, Caden brought Alicia back to their new home. As soon as he opened the door and was greeted by the familiar minimalist decor, he was overwhelmed with emotion. They ended up making love right in the entryway.
Afterward, they noticed Cade, their dog, watching them curiously. The dog sat there, head tilted, looking utterly bewildered.
Alicia flushed with embarrassment. “Oh no! I can’t ever look that dog in the eye again!”
Caden, however, burst into laughter and draped his coat over Alicia’s shoulders, lifting her with a grin. “What a lucky dog, getting a front-row seat to my exclusive techniques!”
Alicia rolled her eyes. “Exclusive techniques? Really? Have some dignity.”
“How could my dog not appreciate this? Just seeing the master’s moves should charm all the lady dogs in the neighborhood.”
Alicia was speechless. The more Caden joked, the more absurd it became, so she chose to remain silent.
Cade had been eagerly awaiting their return, hoping for some attention after their moment together. Unbeknownst to him, they hadn’t even glanced at him before heading straight for the bathroom.
Cade wagged his tail and followed, but they closed the door on him. His tail drooped, and he whimpered softly against the door.
Feeling sorry for Cade, Alicia suggested, “Poor dog. Let’s take a break and play fetch with him.”
Caden, his voice raspy, replied, “I’m even more pitiful than he is. Can’t you pamper me a bit?”
“What grounds do you have to compare yourself to a dog?”
“Once I’m satisfied, I’ll take him out for a two-hour adventure to make up for it.” Alicia was left speechless.
After their intimate moments, Caden refreshed himself with a shower and took Cade for a walk.
Meanwhile, Alicia was dozing when her phone rang. She answered it groggily without checking the caller ID.
Corey’s playful voice came through the line. “Are you still sleeping? It’s noon now.”
Alicia perked up, her tone slightly cooler. “What’s up, Mr. Hampton?”
Corey laughed. “Your voice sounds a bit rough. Has your man kept you in bed for three days straight, or is this just how you two celebrate?”
Corey, known for his casual flings rather than serious relationships, had worked with Alicia for two years, giving her a full view of his flirtatious tendencies. She responded lightly, “If you’re looking for pointers, you might want to consult Caden.”
Corey replied, “I’m not ready to settle down yet. To me, marriage feels like a prison.”
Then, shifting the conversation, he said, “Let’s grab lunch sometime.”
Alicia declined promptly. “I’m busy.”
There was lingering tension between Corey and Caden from a past argument when both had been intoxicated, and Alicia preferred not to stir up old conflicts.
Corey changed the subject. “Gemma is in town.” He then passed the phone to Gemma.
Gemma’s voice was low but sweet. “Hello, Alicia.” Alicia’s heart warmed, and she couldn’t suppress a smile. “Hi, Gemma!”