Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Assuming it was room service, the escort answered, only to be met with a punch that struck him in the eye. The loud impact instantly alarmed Alicia.
The male escort was struck in the eye, temporarily blinded, and left defenseless. He quickly collapsed to the floor.
Alicia seized a nearby object and sprang into action.
The attacker had underestimated her, engaging half-heartedly. He was unprepared for her swift and powerful response. In the midst of his distraction, she shattered a vase over his head.
Blood poured from the wound immediately.
The man stiffened, his eyes vacant as he collapsed to the floor under Alicia’s intense gaze.
Gasping for breath, Alicia swiftly dialed the police and knelt to assess the escort’s condition.
Thankfully, his injuries were minor.
The police and an ambulance arrived at the same time, taking the assailant and the escort to the hospital, while Alicia headed to the police station.
In the back of the police car, Alicia observed the assailant on the stretcher, her mind reeling from the shock. She wasn’t surprised by the altercation, considering her previous entanglements with Joshua and Lilliana. Lately, Caden had managed to maintain stability, allowing her a semblance of peace.
Her recent preoccupation with Caden had made her forget about potential dangers.
Reflecting quietly, Alicia realized that without the self-defense training from Caden’s coach, she might not have been able to protect herself so effectively tonight.
She could have been seriously harmed.
At the station, Alicia cooperated fully and gave her statement with candor.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Bennett. We’re thoroughly investigating. Your ordeal won’t be in vain,” reassured the officer.
This unexpected kindness caught Alicia off guard.
She didn’t feel worthy of such courtesy from an officer but responded with a grateful nod.
After completing her statement, the officer informed her, “Your family has been notified. Please sign here, and you can go.”
Confused, Alicia responded, “My family?”
Knowing Monica was incapacitated, she wondered who they had contacted.
The officer clarified, “Mr. Ward. He vouched for you during your last visit here. We remember you clearly.”
Alicia remained silent, now understanding the source of the courteous treatment-it was due to Caden.
She thanked the officer and then called Caden once outside the interrogation room.
His response was detached. “You gave in faster than I expected.”
Alicia tensed, her lips tightening.
“I just wanted to clarify that the police misunderstood our relationship, so they contacted you. There’s no need for you to come. I can manage on my own.”
A brief pause followed.
Caden’s voice came again. “I’m outside the station. You’ll see me when you exit.”
As the call ended, Alicia looked up at the reflective glass, her hand falling to her side.
The events had left her feeling unrested and in shock.
Her stomach churned uncomfortably.
Her complexion was ashen.
She massaged her face vigorously, trying to revive her pale features and summon some strength.
Turning her head, she accidentally caught the sergeant in a quiet conversation.
The sergeant’s face looked troubled.
Noticing Alicia’s gaze, he dismissed the other person and approached her.
“Did the suspect confess?” Alicia inquired.
“The hospital certified him as mentally ill. We can’t proceed with charges,” the sergeant disclosed.
Alicia’s expression darkened with frustration.
Realizing the influence of the Yates and Green families, she understood the limits of police intervention. Needing rest, she requested, “Could you direct me to the back door?”
The sergeant, puzzled, asked, “Aren’t you waiting for Mr. Ward?”
“He’s occupied,” she responded curtly and made her way to the exit.
Stepping outside, she noticed a familiar car nearby, its hazard lights flashing. Her surprise was evident.
Wasn’t he supposed to be at the front?
How did he get here so quickly?
Caden, sitting casually with one hand on the wheel, stared out emotionlessly from the rolled-down window. “Get in,” he commanded, making it clear it wasn’t a suggestion.
Alicia disregarded his command and moved aside.
Caden remarked, “I can come out and carry you if needed.”
This left her momentarily at a loss for words.
Caden then exited the car and lifted her.
She grimaced in resistance.
He leaned close, his voice low and resonant. “Your lips are pale with pain, yet you resist?”
Alicia felt her strength waning.
Her hands fell limp, and Caden helped her into the car seat.
Realizing escape was futile, she chose to remain silent and address the situation calmly.
The car’s interior was already heated, providing some comfort.
Without thinking, she began to warm her chilled fingers.
Caden, expression unchanged, removed his coat and offered it to her.
She initially refused.
His tone was icy as he presented an ultimatum. “Wear it, or I’ll hold you. Decide.”
Alicia was left dumbfounded.
It seemed he was behaving irrationally again.
Arguing seemed pointless.
She quietly took the coat and was about to wrap it around herself when Caden drew her close into his embrace.
Worried that any abrupt movement might complicate things, she blurted out, “I’m on my period. It could get messy.”
Caden’s response was unwavering.
“I know.”
Alicia was taken aback.
Caden drew her close, their bodies fitting perfectly together.
“How did you know?” she asked, bracing herself against his shoulders. The space was cramped, their faces nearly touching.
Caden tilted his head slightly.
“I remember your time of the month,” he said plainly.
Alicia was at a loss for words.
Caden’s laughter was low and steady. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let him leave with you.”
She was puzzled. “Why would that be something you remember?”
To her, it seemed like a minor detail, especially since their relationship was casual. Most men don’t even remember their partner’s cycles.
How did he remember hers?
Caden observed her surprised look and explained, “It’s simple. Since we agreed to see each other regularly, I noted the days we couldn’t. Those days were difficult for me, and they’ve stayed in my memory.”
Alicia’s lips quivered slightly.
She knew better than to expect kindness from him. As her nerves settled, she pressed her lips firmly together.
Caden gently lifted her chin with his fingers, his smile mocking. “What? Did you think I remembered because I cared?”
Feeling both embarrassed and angry, Alicia muttered a curse.