Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia pulled out her phone. “I’ll call you a cab.”
After Monica left, Alicia decided to visit Caden’s company. As she turned to leave, a men’s scarf in a shop window caught her eye.
The scarf’s simple design and elegant color instantly made her think of Caden, who seldom wore scarves despite the chilly Warrington winters.
On impulse, she purchased the scarf.
Arriving at the company, Alicia found Caden occupied in a meeting.
Hank approached her with a cheerful demeanor. “Ms. Bennett, are you here to join Mr. Ward for lunch?”
Alicia smiled, shaking her head. “No, I came for something else.”
“The product details are on the desk in Mr. Ward’s office. He’ll be tied up for a bit. Why not wait in there?” Hank suggested.
Alicia nodded in agreement.
Mindful of the sensitivity of the information, she inquired, “Is it alright if I use Caden’s computer?”
“Of course,” Hank responded without hesitation, as the investment in product development was primarily for Alicia.
Reassured, Alicia entered the office to access the product file.
She sat down and began making several adjustments.
Half an hour passed quickly.
Alicia glanced towards the door, but there was still no sign of Caden.
Holding the scarf, she allowed herself a tender smile, thinking of giving it to him. They rarely exchanged gifts despite their numerous intimate moments.
Surprisingly, she felt more nervous about this gesture than any of their previous encounters.
Deciding to make it a subtle surprise, she chose to hide the scarf in a spot where he would easily find it. She opened a drawer to place it inside, but her attention was caught by a document labeled “Health Report.”
Driven by curiosity, she couldn’t resist picking it up to read.
The report detailed Caden’s health, stating that he was in good condition and his illness was under control.
Flipping through the pages, she read about the specific nature of his condition, his treatment schedule, and the comprehensive medical advice provided.
Her expression hardened as she digested the information. She had never heard of such an unusual illness, which explained certain aspects of his behavior that had puzzled her.
The report also mentioned that Caden had discontinued his medication months ago, which coincided with improvements during the times they had been intimate.
Realizing the dates matched their encounters, a chill ran through her.
It dawned on her that Caden’s methodical involvement with her, the sudden business opportunities, and his persistent attention were not mere coincidences-they were driven by his health needs.
She was the unwitting solution to his medical condition, nothing more.
A deep sense of betrayal washed over her. Carefully, she replaced the report in the drawer, her heart heavy with the realization. A profound sadness filled her, as if her heart had been pierced, leaving an empty void filled with coldness.
She remained still, overwhelmed. As memories of the past months with Caden surfaced, her heartache grew gradually.
She tried to reassure herself, dismissing it as not a big deal. So what if he had hidden agendas? She had her own too.
He sought her out physically because it eased his need for medication, while she relied on his assistance to handle Joshua.
But…
Throughout their intimate time together, he had been nothing but kind to her. Could it really be devoid of any real affection? Not even a little?
Alicia struggled to shake off the bitterness swelling in her heart.
How absurd. How could someone like Caden easily develop feelings for her? He didn’t like her, did he?
His closeness was merely to avoid medication.
With a sarcastic smirk, she took several deep breaths. She was relieved to have discovered the truth before her feelings grew too deep.
Their agreement was nearing its end, and parting ways after settling everything seemed manageable. However, breaking the routine of constantly being together might prove challenging.
Soon after, Caden concluded his meeting and entered. He shut the door and asked in his usual tone, “Have you looked over the product file?”
By then, Alicia had regained her composure.
She nodded and passed it to him for review.
Caden briefly glanced at the file, then noticed the scarf on the desk.
“Is this for me?” He recognized the brand as one for men and casually examined it. “You’re quite generous.” Alicia observed his handsome features.
“I’m not as generous as you are,” she replied, her smile warm but her eyes cold.
Caden didn’t scrutinize her. Instead, he handed the scarf back to her. “Put this on me. Let’s see if it fits.”
Alicia took the scarf and fell silent for a moment. Eventually, she rose on her toes to assist him.
Their close proximity inevitably led to some physical contact.
As he breathed in her scent, he drew her near and kissed her with practiced ease.
She tensed momentarily, her thoughts wandering during the kiss.
Caden released her, his gaze intense. “What’s happening?”
Alicia was feeling upset. Having uncovered his secret, she struggled to maintain the same level of intimacy with Caden as before. The words were just about to burst out of her mouth. She lowered her gaze.
Abruptly, she confessed, “Caden, I went through your drawer without asking.”
He appeared unaffected. “You don’t need my permission.”
“I found your medical record,” she blurted out. “I know about your condition.”
Caden’s expression grew more serious. He had always intended to keep his illness concealed. Their physical chemistry had been remarkable, and she was the only one who had such an effect on him. Truthfully, it confused him and was somewhat embarrassing.
Now that she knew, he didn’t bother concealing it any longer. “So? What are you trying to say?”
Alicia respected his honesty. At the same time, she acknowledged that her suspicions had been correct.
She asked, “Will you keep working with me?”
Caden was not naive. Alicia had always been transparent with her emotions, and he had been aware of her feelings for him. Yet, he felt those feelings were insignificant.
“I plan to continue, but I won’t force you,” Caden responded in a matter-of-fact tone.
Alicia remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together. Now that the secret was out, he was straightforward. “If you’re fine with it, we can proceed as usual. I’ll fulfill your needs without conditions.”
Alicia suddenly felt as though he were a stranger.
Then, she realized her mistake. His earlier kindness and attentiveness had been merely a facade for his motives.
The harsh Caden before her now was his true self. Instinctively, she declined. “No. I don’t want that. Isn’t this just like being kept by you?”
Caden let out a laugh.
“What do you want then?” he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. “A title?”
She opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off. “That won’t happen. Get real.”
His merciless words stabbed Alicia’s heart. She felt wounded and embarrassed. The atmosphere between them grew cold and biting.
“You’re thinking too much. I’ve had a title before. It doesn’t mean much,” Caden said, unphased.
“So, what’s troubling you?” he added, his voice growing more detached.
Alicia tightened her fists, standing her ground. “Am I troubled? Didn’t I just say I don’t want to continue this with you?”
Caden found her reaction amusing. He studied her intently, watching her emotions grow more turbulent by the second.
Unable to bear the tension, Alicia turned away.
He spoke bluntly, “You like me, and you enjoy our time together. Why complicate things for yourself?”
Alicia felt a sharp sting in her chest. She struggled to keep her composure.
“I acknowledge your skills, but to say I like you? That’s going too far,” she replied, her voice steady. “Don’t overestimate yourself.”
Caden sneered, his patience thinning. “You’re so stubborn.”
He sensed she wasn’t being truthful, and it irritated him. His tone turned even sharper. “You’ve already been hurt once with Joshua. Why stay so naive? Wouldn’t a no-strings-attached arrangement suit us better?”
Alicia’s eyelashes fluttered as she faced him, a mix of frustration and sadness in her eyes.
He made it clear: their relationship could only ever be casual. No deeper connection was possible.
Her eyes filled with tears, but her expression was resolute.
“Enjoying being intimate with you doesn’t mean I like you. Understand that,” Alicia clarified, her voice unwavering. “This is purely physical. If I want intimacy, it doesn’t have to be with you. There are plenty of others who could take your place.”
Caden smirked. His eyes sparkled with mockery, causing her pain. With all the cards on the table and their argument reaching its peak, Alicia declared with resolve, “There’s no need to discuss this further. This ends today.”