Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Before Alicia could open the door, Caden swiftly donned a robe. His breathing was heavy, overwhelmed by the exasperating situation.
Scarlette rushed into Alicia’s arms, sobbing.
Alicia knelt down, cradling her daughter gently. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
Scarlette struggled to express herself, her sobs unrelenting.
Caden turned just in time to see his little girl resting her head on Alicia’s shoulder, her face flushed from crying. Yet, surprisingly, not a single tear was visible on her cheeks.
Catching her father’s gaze, Scarlette nervously buried her head into Alicia’s chest and continued to cry.
Caden knew his daughter well, including her little schemes. She was still upset from being scolded earlier that day, and knowing how much her father adored her mother, she chose this moment to disrupt his plans. Irritated yet resigned, Caden went to the bathroom to calm down. When he returned, as expected, he found Scarlette clinging to Alicia, already asleep.
Alicia gently stroked Scarlette’s hair and whispered, “She’ll sleep with us tonight.”
Caden grunted and lay down in resignation.
Since turning one, Scarlette had often sneaked her way onto her parents’ bed, seeking their comfort, although she was usually cooed into sleep by her nanny before that.
Caden carefully lifted Scarlette, positioning her on his chest. She loved this spot, her round belly comfortable as she preferred sleeping on her stomach, and Caden’s firm chest made the perfect pillow. Alicia watched him, amusement in her eyes. “Have you given up?”
Caden closed his eyes. “Don’t tempt me.”
“It’s rare to see you concede so easily,” Alicia teased. Previously, Caden would have found a way to carry out his plans regardless.
Caden sighed deeply. “She’s determined to thwart me tonight. There’s no way around it.”
Alicia frowned slightly. “She’s just a child. She can’t be that cunning.”
Caden responded wistfully, “I was a child once too. I know their tricks.” As a boy, he had employed similar tactics to sleep next to his mother. Scarlette was simply using the same strategies he once did.
Caden rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. “These pesky genes are a real nuisance.”
Alicia laughed softly. “Now you see how mischievous you were as a child.”
Then, correcting herself, she added, “Actually, you haven’t changed much as an adult.”
Alicia switched off the light and carefully tucked the thin blanket around Caden and Scarlette.
Caden stretched out an arm for Alicia to lie on.
Being considerate, Alicia said, “You’re already holding Scarlette. There’s no need to hold me too. You might wake up with a sore arm.”
Caden pulled her close anyway. “I’m not that fragile.”
The movement slightly disturbed Scarlette, who frowned and lifted her face. She sleepily opened her eyes, caught sight of Caden’s face in the lamplight, and snuggled closer, cheek to cheek. “Daddy, I love you.”
Caden’s heart softened, any lingering frustration melting away. His heart completely melted. He whispered back, “I love you too, my sweet girl.”
Alicia watched and sighed lightly. Indeed, Scarlette was just like Caden. When she grew up, she would surely captivate hearts just as easily.
Quarterly family getaways were Caden’s sacred tradition, carefully planned around perfect weather windows. Their destination this time was Cruasa, home to an approaching celestial spectacle. While meteor showers dotted the night sky throughout the year, this one promised something extraordinary: a decennial event shrouded in folklore, said to bestow fortune and ward off misfortune upon its witnesses. Premium viewing locations had been claimed by the affluent, but Caden’s determination secured them a spot, albeit at a premium.
Alicia’s eyebrows furrowed at the cost, though her husband’s enthusiasm proved infectious. “For a shrewd businessman who understands marketing’s tricks, you’re surprisingly drawn to such mystical promises,” she teased.
Meeting her playful jab with quiet confidence, Caden replied, “Consider it an investment in peace of mind. Besides, nature’s light show puts man-made fireworks to shame. You’ll see.”
His words stirred something deep within Alicia’s heart. Marriage had transformed Caden into an even more attentive romantic than during their courtship. While work might occasionally steal his mealtimes, he never failed to orchestrate moments of wonder for her. Each surprise still kindled the same flutter of excitement as their first date.
Rising to her tiptoes, Alicia draped her arms around his neck. “Fireworks have lost their charm,” she breathed, her words carrying a hint of sweetness. “I’ve discovered something far more captivating.”
Caden’s gaze intensified as he played along. “And what might that be?”
“Take a guess.”
“Cade?” he ventured, feigning innocence.
Laughter bubbled from Alicia’s lips.
Her soft, fragrant mouth hovered tantalizingly close, and Caden surrendered to the magnetic pull, leaning down to claim her kiss.
Their arrival in Cruasa brought an unexpected encounter at the hotel-Ellis, a prominent Banta businessman, and his family.
Caden owed Ellis a favor, and their mutual respect demanded acknowledgment. Without hesitation, Caden extended a dinner invitation.
Ellis moved through the world with a natural polish that made Caden’s careful manners seem studied, especially when interacting with children. Caden held Scarlette in his arms, while Alicia and Jaida sat nearby, exuding beauty and grace.
Alicia’s gaze drifted to the Reed family’s second son, a small figure perched on his chair. At five years old, his delicate features already echoed his father’s distinguished profile, though youth still softened the resemblance. The vibrant child she remembered had vanished, replaced by a listless boy who seemed to find no joy in his surroundings.
“He hasn’t been himself lately-quite fragile,” Jaida confessed, her voice heavy with maternal concern.
“The flu season has been particularly harsh,” Alicia ventured gently.
“Is he recovering well?”
Jaida nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Something in Jaida’s manner told Alicia the child’s ailment ran deeper than a simple illness. Perhaps the Reed family shared Caden’s hope that the meteor shower’s promised fortune might touch their ailing son. As the celestial display neared its ten o’clock peak, their post-dinner departure plans were interrupted when Caden received an urgent project call demanding his attention.
Alicia suggested that Caden handle it first, and she would ride with Jaida’s family.
Caden considered briefly before agreeing, promising to rejoin them afterward.
Their journey abruptly halted when Scarlette burst into inconsolable tears. Her face streaked with anguish, she wailed with such intensity that it shattered Alicia’s heart, compelling them to redirect toward the hospital.
Jaida, with her maternal experience, took Scarlette in her arms for a thorough examination but found no apparent cause.
Yet, Scarlette’s distress only intensified until her complexion turned an alarming shade of purple.
Fear clutching at her throat, Alicia cradled Scarlette while attempting to soothe her. Jaida’s expression grew grave as she instructed the driver to hasten toward the city’s premier medical facility.
Ellis, meanwhile, activated his network of hospital connections to ensure that medical staff and a bed would be ready upon their arrival.
The car veered onto its new course, accelerating through the night. After what felt like an eternity, Scarlette’s desperate wails finally softened to quiet whimpers. Alicia rocked her gently as her exhausted daughter clung to her clothes, drifting into a restless sleep.
“I’m so sorry for ruining your evening, Mrs. Reed,” Alicia whispered, unease evident in her voice.
“A meteor shower hardly matters in comparison,” Jaida assured her. “Has Scarlette ever cried like this before?”
“Never,” Alicia replied, concern furrowing her brow. “This is the first time since her birth.”
Their conversation faded as Scarlette sank into a deeper slumber.
Without warning, their smooth journey was abruptly interrupted, jerking to a halt.
Ellis instinctively shielded Jaida, his eyes fixed on the window. Horror transformed his features as he witnessed the scene outside.
Following his gaze, Alicia’s breath caught at the sight-a distant bridge spanning the sea, its center crumbling into the depths, dark smoke billowing upward. The night air split with the wail of emergency sirens.
Ice-cold dread seized every occupant of the car. That bridge had been their only route to the meteor viewing site. If not for Scarlette’s mysterious distress, they would have been crossing that bridge- their lives claimed by the unforgiving sea below.
“Your daughter somehow sensed the impending danger. It’s beyond explanation…” Jaida whispered, her voice tinged with shock.
Alicia drew her sleeping child closer, protective instincts surging. Could it be true? The idea defied logic, yet the evidence lay in their salvation. The tense silence shattered as Alicia’s phone lit up with Caden’s call.
Alicia suspected that Caden had seen the accident, prompting him to check on her safety. She answered the phone quickly.
Sure enough, Caden’s voice quivered as he asked, “Where are you?”
Alicia replied, her own voice shaking slightly, “I’m not on the bridge. Don’t worry.”
Heavy breaths filled the other end of the line. Even knowing Alicia was safe, Caden couldn’t calm down.
Alicia gave him her address and urged him to come.
Caden insisted on keeping the line open.
Alicia glanced at Jaida beside her, placed the phone down calmly, and waited for Caden.
As the initial shock wore off, everyone in the car settled. Jaida, moved by their concern for each other, smiled and said, “Your husband really cares about you.”
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Alicia responded, “That’s typical of men who are newly married.”
Alicia kept the call open as Caden had asked, allowing the ambient sounds to reassure him. Yet, talking endearments with him while others were around made her feel both delighted and bashful. They didn’t wait long before Caden’s car pulled up dramatically. He drove so quickly that he nearly collided with Ellis’ car.
Alicia stepped out, holding Scarlette, and before she could balance herself, Caden, breathless, wrapped her in a tight embrace. Her feet dangled briefly before landing on Caden’s toes.
Ignoring the discomfort, Caden fervently checked over and over that both his wife and daughter were unharmed. Eventually, he regained his composure and tenderly held Alicia’s face to look into her eyes. He then took Scarlette into one arm.
Noticing the redness in Caden’s eyes, Alicia’s heart twisted, and she said, “I told you I was fine. Why did you rush?” He paused and then kissed her deeply.
“Mmm!” Alicia tried to protest, mindful of the onlookers, but the kiss was too intense to break.
Alicia reluctantly allowed the moment to linger. Once the kiss ended, Caden and Alicia got back into the car. They resumed their journey, catching the meteor shower just in time. It was as stunning as they had hoped.
After the meteor shower, Caden and his family joyfully returned to the hotel. Jaida, cradling her quiet second son, was consumed with worry. She hoped for her son’s recovery, yet deep down, she doubted divine intervention would come in time.
Ellis, gripping her hand firmly, reassured her, “Jaida, this trip was worthwhile.” Jaida smiled weakly.
Ellis added, “You were invited to Caden’s daughter’s first-month celebration, remember? Which month was it?” After a moment’s thought, Jaida replied, “February.”
She hesitated, recalling the diviner’s words that her son would soon recover from a marriage alliance, and that the girl would ideally be born in February.