Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Gemma added, “I’m so sorry I missed your wedding day. I was in the hospital at that time. I’m feeling better now, and I begged Corey to bring me to Warrington.” After a brief pause, Gemma asked, “I really miss you. Can we meet up for lunch?”
Moved by Gemma’s words, Alicia agreed.
Preferring not to entertain at home, Alicia made a reservation at a restaurant. She then instructed Caden to bring the dog back, and they set off for lunch.
Caden had seen Corey once at the wedding, where he had given an unexpectedly extravagant gift, nearly rivaling Ciara’s generosity. This had made a lasting impression on Caden.
“While you were leaving the Hampton Group, wasn’t there some tension with Corey?” Caden asked casually as he dressed in front of the mirror. “Why is he suddenly so generous? Has he lost his mind?”
Alicia sighed. “He’s never been one to follow logic.”
Caden selected a tailored shirt and, after putting it on, meticulously adjusted his hair, ensuring not a strand was out of place. “People usually have reasons for unusual behavior,” he said nonchalantly.
Alicia blinked, sensing an undertone in his words. “What’s going on? Do you think Corey is trying to provoke you?”
“Yes, he’s definitely trying to irritate me intentionally,” Caden replied.
Alicia knew Corey was indeed capable of such antics. Yet, what difference did it make? Corey was currently overwhelmed with his own troubles. Even if he aimed to provoke Caden, it would only be a slight annoyance.
After about ten minutes, Caden was ready.
Alicia inspected him and joked, “You look the same as always. What took so long?”
Caden shrugged. “It wasn’t that long.”
He kept to himself that he had tried several outfits before reverting to his usual style. Meeting Corey while appearing relaxed made Caden feel in control.
Being married to Alicia solidified Caden’s confidence. No one could take her from him. With this thought, he intertwined his fingers with Alicia’s.
Alicia glanced down at their hands. “Do we have to be this affectionate just after getting out of bed?”
Caden replied playfully, “Is this too much? For newlyweds, it’s actually quite subdued not to be hugging each other everywhere we go.”
Alicia was left speechless. She sensed Caden was competing with an unseen rival, his attempt to hide his true feelings almost amusing to her.
Once in the car, Caden checked himself in the rearview mirror and casually unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt, revealing a faint love bite. A few more glances would make it quite noticeable.
Alicia had agreed to the meal primarily to see Gemma. She had promised Gemma an outing, and today presented the perfect opportunity. After dining, Alicia took Gemma on a stroll around Warrington’s renowned scenic spots.
Gemma, who seldom ventured out, was intrigued by everything but refrained from purchasing.
“Why don’t you buy anything? If you see clothes you like, I’ll cover it,” Alicia said.
Gemma shook her head. “Once I return, I’ll be confined at home again. Who would I even dress up for?”
Alicia’s heart ached, but she bought the clothes for Gemma anyway.
Corey, observing from a distance, watched with a shadow over his eyes. He discreetly purchased everything Gemma showed interest in, accumulating so many bags that he couldn’t carry them himself.
Corey looked at Caden, who was also laden with bags from Alicia’s purchases, unable to assist. So, he summoned a bodyguard.
The bodyguard was tall and muscular, clad in black, with a stern and distant expression.
Caden recognized him instantly. He was the cardiologist from Xada who had faced complaints and was later introduced by Alicia as Gemma’s personal bodyguard. In a short time, Corey had molded him into a subordinate.
As the bodyguard caught Caden’s glance, he respectfully bowed his head. “Hello, Mr. Ward.”
Following the greeting, Caden noted a shift in the bodyguard’s demeanor.
Corey gestured for the bodyguard to move the bags farther away.
“Interested in him?” Corey inquired, looking at Caden.
“I don’t need a bodyguard,” Caden responded tersely. His interest had been piqued because this bodyguard was different, and his interactions with Corey carried a certain intensity.
Caden wondered if the bodyguard’s initial attention toward Alicia wasn’t solely based on the job, suspecting other motives. However, he viewed this as Corey’s personal issue and chose not to get involved.
Ahead, Alicia and Gemma entered a maternity store.
Gemma, excited to buy gifts for Alicia’s baby, eagerly pulled Alicia inside to pick out items. Her expression was pure and charming.
Corey watched Gemma with a soft smile and affectionate eyes. Yet, as he observed the tiny garments in her hands, his smile slowly faded.
“Congratulations, Caden,” Corey said, his voice tinged with a cold edge. “You’ve married the woman you love and become a father-truly a winner in life.”
Corey and Caden stood outside the store, watching the women they cared about.
Caden responded without emotion, “Is that a sincere congratulations?”
Corey scoffed. “What else could it be? Do you really think there was something between Alicia and me during those two years? You’re married now, yet you still question her.”
“I trust her, but not you,” Caden stated plainly. “The extravagant gift you gave on our wedding day wasn’t just a gesture of friendship, was it, Corey?”
Corey remained unruffled even when his motives were questioned. His smile grew more mischievous. “Is it wrong to enjoy spoiling beautiful women with gifts?”
Caden’s expression twisted into a cool smirk. Originally, Corey had returned to Warrington to get close to Alicia in order to secure a blood donor for Gemma. After resolving that issue two years ago, he had indulged in a lavish lifestyle. However, a few months ago, Corey’s interest in Alicia had resurfaced.
Caden had suspected Corey’s romantic interest in Alicia, but today’s observations suggested a more complex situation. He decided to look into the matter discreetly, to ensure Corey didn’t overstep his boundaries.
Corey and Caden stood together, each lost in their own thoughts, their true intentions veiled. They watched the women inside the store.
Toward the end of their shopping, Gemma appeared somewhat unwell, likely from fatigue. Trying not to worry Alicia, she maintained a cheerful demeanor.
Corey noticed Gemma’s discomfort right away and instructed Pierre Lewis, the bodyguard beside him, “Check if Gemma feels unwell.”
Pierre quickly entered the store.
Corey’s expression was etched with concern, his eyes fixed on Gemma.
Caden said casually, “The last time I saw your sister, she didn’t seem so fragile.”
Corey gave him a wary look. “Caden, this is none of your business.”
Caden chuckled, a hint of defiance in his eyes. “I’m not interested in your sister. I’m just curious why she seems so different without Alicia around. Is it because my machine isn’t sufficient for you, or…?”
Caden suspected there was another issue with Gemma. He didn’t finish his sentence, though. Despite his confidence, he refrained from striking without complete certainty.
Corey clenched his fists, the silent rivalry between the two men simmering.
Caden crossed his arms and warned in a low voice, audible only to Corey, “If you have any designs on Alicia, I won’t spare Gemma.”
Corey stood still, his expression unreadable. His plans, known only to himself, had been formed but shattered countless times.
The constant tug-of-war between risk and conscience had long tormented him. He hardly took Caden’s warning seriously.
Inside the store, Alicia noticed Gemma’s discomfort and accompanied her to a rest area. Corey’s eyes turned colder. “I’m not so vile as to act on a soon-to-be mother.”
Gemma, fearing further worry for both Alicia and Corey, decided to return to the hotel early. Aware that her condition couldn’t tolerate prolonged outings, she felt it was the best choice.
As they said their goodbyes, Gemma held Alicia’s hand, her eyes glistening. “I’ll visit again after your baby is born, Alicia.”
Alicia nodded, smiling as she gently wiped the tears from Gemma’s eyes. “Everything will be alright.”
Gemma bit her lip. “Can I be the baby’s godmother then?”
“Of course.”
Gemma smiled faintly, her cheeks pale, her eyes a rosy hue, evoking a sense of pity. Watching their car drive away, Alicia’s calm facade crumbled, and her eyes brimmed with sadness.
Alicia got into the car distractedly, and Caden fastened her seatbelt, meeting her eyes with concern. “Did you notice anything?” he asked.
Alicia was jolted back to the moment. “Did you notice it?”
Caden spoke earnestly. “Her symptoms suggest something serious, perhaps more severe than a tumor or cancer. She needs a thorough medical evaluation.” Alicia’s heart clenched. She remembered that Corey had traveled to Terriland months earlier seeking an organ, likely returning empty-handed. Gemma’s blood type was rare, and suitable donors were scarce and unreachable for Corey.
“Gemma is such a kind soul,” Alicia murmured. Despite Corey’s dark past, marked by violence and crime, his actions were driven by desperation to save Gemma. Gemma was his one untainted refuge.
Caden understood Alicia’s distress but could only offer so much solace. “Let’s see what fate has in store.” Alicia squeezed his hand in silent agreement.
Back at the hotel, Gemma’s breathing became labored, and she fainted from lack of oxygen.
Corey quickly set up an oxygen tank and frantically searched for medication, but the pills weren’t enough.
Gemma’s sudden health crisis had thrown Corey’s plans into disarray. A return to Xada was out of the question; she couldn’t survive the journey.
Gemma’s condition remained a secret from Caden, and the local treatment options in Warrington were not advisable. Corey’s only option was to secure medication from a reliable source.
Reassuring Gemma, Corey said, “I’ll be back in half an hour, Gemma. Hang in there, and once I get the medicine, you’ll feel better.”
Gemma’s body seemed to spasm as she curled up, whispering, “I’m fine, Corey.”
Corey caressed her cheek, setting aside his hesitation, and stood up. He instructed Pierre, “Stay with Gemma at all times.”
Pierre nodded affirmatively. “Rest assured, Mr. Hampton.”
After Corey left, Gemma’s tense nerves finally relaxed, and she drifted into unconsciousness. She hadn’t been asleep long when a sudden sensation of suffocation jolted her awake.
Enveloped by fear, Gemma flailed helplessly, noticing a silhouette standing before her. The figure was tall and somewhat unfamiliar.
Gemma assumed it was Corey and silently called for him. But why was he just standing there, not coming to her aid? If it had been Corey, he would have rushed to her side in panic.
As her vision focused, Gemma realized it wasn’t Corey at all. It was Pierre, the bodyguard. He stood over her, his gaze cold and detached, like black holes.