Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Who says I’m afraid of you?” she snapped, though her voice trembled just enough to betray her. “Even your breathing’s changed.”
Being exposed so easily, she instinctively held her breath, but his knowing silence only made things worse.
Caden, not wanting to waste time, got straight to the point. “You don’t have to come to me. Just give me an hour of your precious time and stay on the phone.”
Her gut twisted.
This was a trap-and she had walked straight into it. Though they’d been intimate before, this was the first time she found herself engaging in phone sex.
Caden took the lead, guiding her into something far more intimate. His control was absolute, leaving no room for shame.
Halfway through, Caden’s voice broke the rhythm. “Answer three questions, and I’ll cut the call short by twenty minutes.”
Alicia, her mind still reeling from the intensity of the conversation, fell silent. She could barely think straight, let alone string together a coherent response. But somehow, her muddled thoughts told her that answering his questions wouldn’t do her any harm.
“Go ahead…” she murmured softly.
Hearing her tender voice, Caden became even more aroused. His tone dropped an octave, rough and deep. “Now that we’re apart… do you miss me?”
Alicia’s mind scattered, her pulse quickening. How could he ask something so shameless? What an asshole.
She sucked in a shaky breath, feeling like a fish gasping for air. She knew he wouldn’t believe her answer, but she refused to admit the truth. “No.”
Caden wasn’t looking for honesty. He simply wanted to toy with her, and his knowing chuckle made that clear.
“Second question-at the bar that night, did you enjoy it when that male escort flirted with you?”
Alicia blinked, trying to recall the guy’s face. She couldn’t even remember it clearly. She licked her dry lips, trying to bring the memory back. But no matter how hard she tried, all she could see was Caden’s face.
“No,” she replied, choosing the simplest answer.
Caden hummed in satisfaction. “Good girl.”
His breath grew heavier, and the tension in the air was palpable. Alicia bit her lip, feeling cornered in this game he was playing.
“One last question,” she urged, her voice trembling. “Then I’m hanging up.”
Caden paused, drawing out the silence before asking in a low, almost teasing tone, “Did this call… make you feel good?”
Alicia’s scalp tingled. She couldn’t bring herself to answer, but her ragged breathing gave her away. Caden couldn’t help but laugh. Sure enough, she was as easy to read as a book.
“Seems like you really enjoyed yourself.” His voice thick with seduction, he added, “I thought you’d be used to me by now, but I have to say… you picked up the trick on your first try.”
In response, a sharp beep blared into his ear. Alicia had hung up on him.
Caden stared at the phone, his chest rising and falling with laughter. How could someone so stubborn be so obedient at the same time? She always did whatever he asked, yet she acted like she had no choice.
He took a deep breath, glancing down at his restless body. It felt like a bundle of nerves-tense, unsatisfied, and in a word, a real headache.
With a resigned sigh, he rose and made his way to the bathroom to deal with the rest of his frustration. As absurd as it was, the incident left Alicia unsettled for days.
As Christmas loomed on the horizon, the city buzzed with activity, industries kicking into high gear. Alicia seized the opportunity, arranging meetings with a string of gallery investors. Thanks to Gerry’s well-placed connections, everything fell smoothly into place, and the negotiations went surprisingly well.
After one of the meetings with her investors, she called Gerry to invite him out to dinner.
Gerry’s response caught her off guard. “I didn’t do much, really. It was Caden who set everything in motion. I just arranged the meetings.”
Alicia’s heart skipped. Memories of the day she had fallen out with Caden flooded her mind. Despite their fight over the gallery project, it seemed she was still reaping the benefits of his foresight.
“Thank him for me, will you?” Alicia said, resigned.
Gerry chuckled, ever the peacemaker. “Why don’t you thank him yourself?”
Her pulse quickened, but she kept her tone steady. “He’s busy. I wouldn’t want to bother him.”
Sensing her reluctance, Gerry didn’t push further.
“Well, it’s your first venture. There’ll be hiccups along the way. If you ever find yourself in a bind and don’t want to call Caden, just call me.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hopkins,” Alicia replied, her gratitude genuine. “I really appreciate it.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Alicia hung up, feeling a bone-deep weariness settle over her. She had been running at full speed for days, barely pausing for breath. Now that the most pressing tasks were done, all she wanted was to collapse into bed. But there was still dinner with the investors tonight-at seven sharp.
With a tired glance at the clock, she squared her shoulders, pulled herself together, and dove back into work.
Meanwhile, Yolanda lingered in Caden’s office. They were both just about to get off work.
She had come to Warrington with a clear goal-to help Caden with the crucial chip development project. It was in its early stages, and there was no room for error. But Caden, worried about her health, wasn’t about to let her push herself too hard.
“It’s time to eat,” he said, his tone brisk and businesslike. “I’ll have the driver take you back to Joy Mansion.”
Yolanda hesitated, a soft smile curling her lips. She didn’t want the evening to end. Batting her eyelashes shyly, she asked in a soft voice, “Caden, could I join you for dinner?”
Caden’s expression darkened slightly. “I’m used to dining alone.”
Despite anticipating his reluctance, Yolanda couldn’t mask her disappointment. Since childhood, she had harbored a crush on him, and his current success and composure only deepened her affection. Recently, she had begun to understand his reserved nature better. His cool demeanor belied a meticulousness that intrigued her, drawing her even closer.
“Caden, I’ve been here in Warrington for days without leaving Joy Residence much. I’d love to explore some local cuisine,” Yolanda proposed, her eyes filled with hope. “Will you join me for dinner?” she pressed.
Caden’s face remained stoic. “It’s too cold outside. Don’t be stubborn.”
“We have a car, right?” Yolanda quickly countered. “It won’t take much of your time. Besides, we have some business matters that we could discuss over dinner,” she reasoned, leaving him little room to decline.
Caden massaged his temples. “Fine, choose a restaurant. I’ll take you there.”
Yolanda’s face lit up with delight. “Thank you, Caden,” she responded warmly. She picked up her tablet and quickly made a reservation using a restaurant booking app.
While Caden returned to his paperwork, Yolanda chose the highest-rated restaurant, unconcerned about the menu but eager to spend time with him. After confirming the booking, she settled into the sofa, sneaking glances at Caden. She thought she was subtle, but Caden caught her observing him.
He put away his pen decisively. “Let’s leave now.”
Yolanda, caught off guard by his prompt readiness, stammered, “Now? So quickly?”
“Yes,” he confirmed curtly.
Caden often found the presence of women unpleasant. During work, and while he maintained his focus, it was bearable, but in quieter moments, his discomfort was palpable.
Yolanda rushed to grab Caden’s coat, but he was quicker, donning it smoothly.
As she hesitated, pulling back her hand, Caden addressed her health concerns with cool detachment. “From now on, let’s handle work-related matters via phone or video chat. You don’t need to come to the office.”
Yolanda’s expression dimmed slightly. “It’s really not that far for me.”
“I’d prefer it this way,” Caden responded firmly, his tone tinged with a sternness that discouraged further discussion.
Yolanda nodded, masking her disappointment with a forced smile. “Understood, Caden.”
She regained her composure and followed him to the car, choosing to remain quiet in the backseat. Once warned about overstepping in the office, she opted for silence, instead observing the plush interior of the car.
Her gaze was drawn to a scarf tucked in the backseat drawer-a brand-new men’s scarf.
Excitedly, she asked, holding the scarf delicately, “It’s quite chilly. May I use this scarf?”
Caden, focused on the road ahead, responded nonchalantly, dismissing the scarf’s significance. “It’s yours.”
Thrilled, Yolanda draped the scarf around her neck, carefully adjusting it. She remained unaware of its significance to Caden-it was a gift from Alicia, now forgotten by him.
The evening progressed with a dinner at a luxurious, top-floor restaurant, chosen by Alicia for its opulence. She hoped to impress her investors with her dedication.
Aware of the often alcohol-laden business dinners, she had the foresight to bring an assistant skilled in managing such situations.
As they boarded the elevator from the basement, Alicia cautioned her assistant, “Pace yourself with the drinks. If I give you the sign, stop immediately. Your health isn’t worth risking.”
Her assistant questioned, “Aren’t you allergic to alcohol?”
“I’ve taken some pills to manage it. It’s a minor allergy, nothing serious.”
“I’ve got this, don’t worry,” her assistant confidently replied. The elevator halted at the first floor.
Upon looking up, Alicia locked eyes with Caden standing outside.
A wave of surprise washed over her.
Next to him stood Yolanda, the woman from the airport. Alicia quickly averted her gaze as Caden’s eyes briefly met hers.
Her assistant, recognizing Caden, expressed surprise. “Mr. Ward? Are you dining here as well?”
Caden, unfamiliar with the assistant but aware of her connection to Alicia, simply nodded. “Yes.”
Despite Yolanda standing beside him, Caden’s attention remained fixed on Alicia.
Noticing Yolanda’s presence, Alicia’s assistant asked with a playful smile, “Is this your girlfriend, Mr. Ward? She’s quite attractive.”
Yolanda’s cheeks flushed, but she remained silent. Caden responded dismissively, “She’s just a friend.”
The two parties made their way to the restaurant’s top floor, renowned for its panoramic views and premium pricing-a serendipitous yet awkward coincidence.
As the elevator ascended, Caden casually broke the silence. “Ms. Bennett, fancy seeing you here. Business or pleasure tonight?”
Before Alicia could answer, Yolanda turned sharply, her eyes scanning Alicia’s face for any hint of a reaction.
Alicia was taken aback when Caden started a conversation with her.