Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Instead of notifying Caden, Hank approached Alicia directly.
“Ms. Bennett, Mr. Ward is available now. I can take you to see him.”
Alicia was taken aback. “Already?”
Hank looked confused. “What do you mean?”
Alicia scratched her forehead before saying, “I saw you escort a woman inside. Did Caden wrap things up that quickly?”
Hank’s face shifted suddenly. “You’ve misunderstood. She’s a bodyguard Mr. Ward hired for Mrs. Ward. There’s nothing personal between her and Mr. Ward.”
He was quietly relieved.
He was thankful that Alicia had brought it up; a misunderstanding could have caused major issues. If Caden lost control, he would be the one facing the consequences.
After leading Alicia to the office, Hank quickly exited.
Alicia observed Caden. His demeanor in the office was completely different from how he was at home. Here, he was all business, more rigid than even his suit.
Upon noticing her, Caden continued signing documents without pausing and bluntly asked, “Why are you here?”
Alicia placed the notes she had prepared on his desk and explained her reason for being there.
Caden glanced over the notes and quickly made his decision. “I’ll enhance a batch of products and release them as a limited edition.”
Alicia agreed internally. The enhanced version would likely sell at a higher price, with customization adding emotional value for the consumers. But then she remembered to ask, “Shouldn’t you discuss this plan with the others?”
“It’s not expensive,” Caden replied.
Alicia nodded. She had forgotten just how much money he had at his disposal.
Seeing Caden immersed in his work, Alicia didn’t want to interrupt further. She started to head out.
Caden looked up. “Where are you going?”
Alicia replied, “It’s still early. I’m going to the mall to pick up a few things.”
He paused for a moment, then began to gather his things. “Wait for me.”
Alicia looked confused. “You’re leaving work now? Isn’t it a bit early?”
Caden gave a mocking smile. “What good would it do you if I worked myself to death?”
Alicia was momentarily at a loss for words. Then, she said boldly, “Quite a bit, especially if you’ve included me in your will.”
This time, Caden was the one left speechless.
He switched off the office lights and walked out with her.
Alicia asked, “Are you sure about coming with me? Aren’t you concerned about your family seeing us together?”
“My grandmother respects my privacy. She won’t meddle as long as I don’t introduce anyone as my girlfriend publicly.”
Alicia felt a pang of envy. Ciara was as kind as her own mother.
She asked, “Is Ciara planning to stay here permanently?”
“It depends on her mood.”
“Then you’ll have company for Christmas.” Alicia couldn’t hide her satisfaction.
Caden looked at her. “You’re welcome to come over.”
Alicia was taken aback, feeling a bit shy.
Then Caden added, “That way, I won’t need to hire an extra chef.”
Alicia was left speechless.
Alicia needed to pick up some daily essentials.
She asked, “Hank mentioned the new product is selling fast. Can I get a bonus?”
Caden replied, “Ten percent of the profits.”
Taken aback, she exclaimed, “That much?”
Caden remained unruffled. “It’s trivial change.”
She waved off the offer. “I don’t need the money. Just let me shop in peace tonight.”
He thought she might splurge on something extravagant. Generously, he handed her a card.
“Purchase whatever you like.”
Immediately, she began filling the cart with various pink and white bed sets, pajamas, socks, slippers, and more.
He was at a loss for words.
When he spotted a lace-trimmed towel, he couldn’t help but comment, “You want two of these hideous things?”
“One for you, and one for me,” Alicia replied.
He was taken aback, knowing he would never use such an item.
After completing their shopping, they approached the self-checkout. Alicia impulsively picked up a pair of red socks and added two pairs of couple’s socks.
Glancing up to gauge Caden’s reaction, she instead caught a suspicious look from a stranger.
The area was crowded and chaotic.
She noticed a man in a baseball cap darting quickly through the crowd and instinctively pulled on Caden’s sleeve.
“I think we’re being followed,” she whispered.
Caden protectively encircled her waist and surveyed the surroundings.
“Don’t worry. After Joshua’s ordeal, it’s understandable he’d seek revenge, but his associates lack the capability to harm us,” he reassured her.
Alicia felt a wave of relief wash over her.
Out of the blue, Caden inquired, “Who’s your emergency contact?”
“Contact?”
Alicia’s gaze dimmed.
“It used to be my dad, but after he passed, I set it to quick dial the police.”
Caden took her phone and programmed his number into it.
“Contact me immediately if anything happens. I’m quicker than the police.”
A wave of bitterness washed over Alicia, her eyes shimmering. “Okay.”
Back at home, Alicia wasted no time and started redecorating energetically.
She buzzed around the room, reviving the lackluster furniture like a busy little hamster.
Caden, drinking a glass of water, teased, “Were you always this active with Joshua?”
Alicia shook her head. “He never liked me handling his things, so I stuck to cleaning and cooking.”
“I’m not fond of it either. Why do you think it’s okay to touch mine?” Caden challenged.
Alicia, holding a pile of discardable items, shot him a look. “If you’re bothered, you can sleep with Cade.”
Caden was left speechless.
After completing her tasks outside, Alicia moved to the bedroom.
“Hurry up and help me change the bedding!” she called out.
The thought of the pink lace-trimmed bed set made Caden uneasy, but he couldn’t resist and followed her into the bedroom.
The bright pink was stark, yet the sight of Alicia reclining on it was irresistibly captivating.
Desire overwhelmed Caden.
Later, he removed the damp bedding and washed it. Alicia’s eyes, tinged red from fatigue, conveyed her exhaustion.
Aware of the Yates family’s ominous presence, her thoughts turned to Gina.
The following night, she visited the hospital to see Gina. With Harley about to be discharged, Alicia handed Gina some money.
“Leave Warrington immediately. Find a small town where you and Harley can live without worries for the rest of your lives. And don’t come back,” she instructed firmly.
Gina caught up with the recent news.
The Yates family was in disarray.
Each time Caden exposed their misconduct, the Yates and Green families attempted to suppress the information.