Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Meanwhile, Caden was on his way to Terriland to look into Pierre, with plans to return in a week.
A week seemed like a lifetime for a man recently married. With only three hours to his flight, Caden found himself hesitating to leave.
Alicia, caught up in urgent tasks, grew impatient with his lingering. “Enough, Caden. You’re about to wear a hole in my patience. It’s time to go.”
Caden felt embarrassed by her teasing. It was already awkward for a man to act like a clingy puppy. He finally let go and said, “You continue with your work. I should head out.”
Alicia sighed in relief, affectionately patting his head. “I’ll give you a reward when you return. How about we go through three boxes of condoms in one night?”
Caden’s expression twitched slightly. “Alright, I’ll get in shape to be ready for that challenge,” he responded. Alicia was only teasing him. Her playful words were like a soothing balm to a child.
Alicia leaned back against Caden’s fluffy back, continuing her work on the laptop. Caden affectionately cuddled her with his nose.
Caden watched this display with a tinge of envy but, too proud to show it, began packing his suitcase. Wanting her attention, he asked, “Did you pack my clothes?”
Alicia answered without looking up, “Everything’s in there.”
“I don’t see them.”
Alicia set her laptop aside, walked over, and just then, Caden seemed to have found what he was looking for. “Oh, there they are.”
Alicia, sitting down in his lap, asked softly, “Should I come with you?”
Caden quickly dismissed the idea, saying, “Terriland is chaotic. Things that are illegal here are legal there. I wouldn’t be at ease.”
He tenderly caressed her face, adding sincerely, “We’ll be apart for a week, and you don’t seem to want me to stay at all.”
Alicia let out a dry laugh and said, “It’s only a week, not a year. Mr. Ward, who was it that said love is just a spice of life? Who said one shouldn’t be too sentimental?”
Caden retorted, “Only a fool would say that.”
“Yes, Mr. Fool.”
Alicia decided to leave her work for the evening and drove Caden to the airport.
Outside their home, Caden wasn’t the type to cling to Alicia, no matter how reluctant he was to let her go. At the security checkpoint, after a quick goodbye, Caden told Alicia she should head home.
But Alicia just smiled and gave his finger a playful tug. “Go on, I’ll wait until you’re through before I leave.”
Her words made it even harder for Caden to walk away, but he had bigger things to deal with. He gave her a nod and turned to go.
Inside, Hank handled the paperwork while Caden found a seat at a restaurant. Caden wasn’t hungry, so he just ordered a coffee and tried to kill time.
With an hour left before his flight, Caden sat there, waiting. The coffee was taking forever.
Caden checked his watch, ready to ask about it, but when he glanced up, Alicia was walking toward him with two cups of coffee. He thought he was imagining it and froze for a few seconds.
Alicia set the coffee down in front of him, flashing a smile. “What’s up? Don’t recognize me, huh?”
Caden definitely recognized her, but he couldn’t believe his eyes. “How’d you get in here?”
Alicia held up a boarding pass with an innocent smile. “I bought a ticket. I just wanted to spend a little more time with you.”
Caden felt a warmth in his chest and smiled at her. Alicia had this way of doing little romantic things, and each time, it felt like a completely new experience. The cost of a plane ticket didn’t matter, but the thoughtfulness Alicia showed was priceless. That extra half hour would stick with Caden for days in Terriland, a memory he would hold onto.
Caden moved his chair to make space for Alicia to sit next to him.
Alicia gave him a warning. “There are people around, so no funny business.”
Caden obediently nodded. “Alright, just a hug then.” It was the same lie Caden had fed Alicia countless times before. She knew it wasn’t true, but she fell for it every time
How could he possibly stay obedient? With his wife in his arms, there was no way Caden could just hold her without taking things further.
Alicia couldn’t resist as his lips got closer. She muttered a soft curse under her breath.
Hank came back after finishing his task and walked right into the sight of Caden and Alicia kissing. He froze for a second, wondering how Alicia had even gotten in. Then, he just shrugged it off, figuring these two would find any excuse to steal a kiss. Without a word, Hank found himself another spot to sit, pretending he hadn’t seen a thing.
When it was time for business, Caden completely transformed. He became cold and decisive and gave off a serious “stay away” vibe. He handled everything fast and efficiently.
In just three days in Terriland, Caden had dug up everything he needed on Pierre.
A few years back, when Pierre was around 25, he had traveled to Terriland for work. The woman who went with Pierre was a mystery, but the photos Caden found hinted at something special between them. It seemed like more than just friendship, something even deeper than lovers.
Caden didn’t waste any time on the woman’s backstory and jumped straight to Pierre’s activities in Terriland. Pierre was supposed to be there for just a week, but he ended up staying for four months. During those months, Pierre had been working with Corey’s people, with Marlon leading the crew.
Hank brought in Marlon’s new fling, and after some threats and persuasion, the woman finally spilled the details. “I remember that man,” she said. “Tall, slender, an intern doctor. He harassed Marlon for months, showing up every day and causing trouble.”
Caden leaned in. “What kind of trouble?”
She hesitated before spilling more. “His woman took Marlon’s money but refused to make a deal with us. So, Marlon had her dragged back and forced her into surgery.”
Caden shot her a sharp look. “Did she die?”
“Yeah, they took out her heart. She got five million for it. Lucky for her, Mr. Hampton wanted her heart. Otherwise, who in Terriland’s life is worth five million?”
“Took out her heart!” Caden’s mind flashed to Alicia and then to Gemma. Corey had used Marlon to kill countless people in Terriland, all for Gemma. The number was…
Caden felt a twinge of unease as he observed the scene unfolding before him. It was impossible to track the complexities of the situation, and his thoughts raced through the potential consequences. Pierre had a small chance of fighting back, but with his current skills, Caden knew that facing Corey would be a death trap for him.
Once Caden confirmed that Pierre’s goal wasn’t Alicia, he decided not to concern himself with the rest of the details. He had the woman released but made sure she wouldn’t return to Marlon. Instead, Caden gave her some money and arranged for her to be barred from ever entering Terriland again.
On their way back to the hotel, Hank, ever the loyal assistant, asked, “Mr. Ward, do you want to let Corey know about this?”
Caden wasn’t interested in other people’s affairs. “Keep it quiet,” he instructed Hank.
As Caden finally allowed himself to relax, the car started moving. But just as he did, Marlon emerged from the shadows, pulling his new fling back again. She cried and pleaded, swearing her innocence.
Unlike Caden, Marlon wasn’t interested in being merciful. He resorted to brutal methods, forcing the woman to reveal everything Caden had asked. She spilled the entire story without hesitation.
As Marlon listened, his mind started piecing everything together. Caden and Corey didn’t get along, so why would Caden ask about a bodyguard?
Later that evening, after dinner, Caden returned to his hotel. He dialed Alicia’s number, swiping his card to enter the room. But as soon as he stepped inside, he froze. The sharp, unmistakable smell of blood hit him like a wave.
Taking a step back, he used the hallway light to confirm his worst fear. The woman they had questioned earlier was sprawled on the carpet, her eyes wide and unblinking, staring directly at him. Fresh blood pooled around her, the crimson stain even reaching the tips of his shoes.
The silence on the phone line piqued Alicia’s curiosity. “Caden? Is the signal bad?”
Caden’s face darkened, but his voice remained eerily calm. “No, I just arrived at the room. I’ll call you back after a shower.”
Alicia, sensing something was off, replied softly, “Okay, I won’t call too late.”
Caden kissed the phone screen before he responded, his words low and tender. “Love you, honey.”
Alicia hung up the phone, a smile tugging at her lips from Caden’s sweet words.
Caden pocketed his phone and motioned for his bodyguard to come over. He knew exactly who was responsible for the situation but deliberately chose not to engage the legal authorities of Terriland. Involving them would only complicate matters and delay his return.
After disposing of the body, Caden checked into a different hotel and took a long shower.
Not long after, Marlon called. His voice deceptively calm, he said, “Mr. Ward, if you fancied my girl, you could have simply told me. Why resort to kidnapping her behind my back?”
Caden swirled the wine in his glass and replied with a nonchalant drawl, “Didn’t my team notify you beforehand?”
Marlon’s voice was skeptical. “Is that so? Then perhaps I misunderstood, Mr. Ward. Since you’re interested, it doesn’t really matter. I’ve sent her to your room personally. Have you seen her? Do you like her?” Through the phone, Caden could feel the seething rage in Marlon’s words. His tone was tight, his words grinding out as if through clenched teeth.
Caden hadn’t expected Marlon to attach such importance to his flings. Years ago, Marlon’s cherished Candy Becker had been killed to frame Yolanda. The bitterness lingered. But all Marlon could do now was make empty threats.
Caden disregarded Marlon completely and scoffed. “Not in the least. Your taste is as dreadful as ever.”
Marlon seethed silently, too filled with rage to respond.
“What was your ex-girlfriend’s name again? Sandy? Sendy?” Caden taunted, drawing out his words.
Marlon’s tone hardened. “What did you say?”
Caden exhaled sharply. “Oh, I remember now. Her name is Candy.”
Marlon’s breathing grew heavier.
Caden continued, his voice smooth but chilling. “Although your taste is questionable, Candy was quite attractive. It’s a shame she met such an untimely end, especially in a more tragic manner than the woman you sent today.”
Marlon’s voice trembled with suppressed anger. “Caden Ward!”
Caden chuckled darkly. “Remember now? I was concerned you might have forgotten, so I had someone send you a video to jog your memory.” Marlon instantly fell silent.
With a sinister smile, Caden added, “The video isn’t encrypted. Take your time enjoying it.” Then, he abruptly ended the call.
Upon his return to Warrington, Caden turned on his phone and discovered two unread messages from Alicia. The first message read, “I’m caught up with something here and might be late to pick you up.”
Shortly after, a second message followed, “I can’t make it, Caden. Go back home on your own and call me when you arrive.”
Caden was at a loss for words. He had been yearning to see her throughout the long hours on the plane, looking forward to their reunion with eager anticipation. Now, he felt a deep sense of disappointment settling in. After regaining his composure, Caden texted her from the car. “When will you be back?”
Ten minutes later, Alicia’s reply came through. “I might be very late. Don’t wait up for dinner.” Caden’s frown deepened, his unease growing.
Caden’s inability to concentrate at work only increased with Alicia’s absence. Finally, unable to bear the separation any longer, he asked Hank to drive him to the hospital. He wanted to see the baby. Their baby was in an incubator, a tiny figure that wouldn’t be home until February of the next year. Caden would spend hours there every time before he could bring himself to leave.
On this particular day, as Caden was leaving, he bumped into Corey, who was delivering supplements for Gemma. Corey, always chatty, didn’t miss a beat. “Heard you took a trip to Terriland?”
Caden, prepared for such inquiries, had already fabricated a cover involving a project. He responded casually, “What’s up?”
Unaware of the deeper story, Corey pressed on. “Just curious-why’d you go to Terriland to rough up Marlon?” Caden’s tension eased momentarily. He recalled it. That night, he had arranged for Marlon to be roughed up. He had assumed Marlon was seriously hurt, but the fact that Marlon was still capable of complaining to Corey proved he was far from dying.