Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
After leaving the vineyard, Caden made his way back to his apartment.
When he opened the door, a cold draft greeted him. His expression stiffened as he surveyed the empty living room.
The table was bare, and the lights remained off.
Only Cade rushed toward him, eagerly licking his hand. Caden took a moment to process the emptiness around him.
He decided to call Alicia.
Her voice came through, lacking warmth. “What’s going on?”
“Are you still busy?” Caden asked.
“Yeah. What’s the matter?” she replied.
It appeared she had completely forgotten their earlier conversation.
Caden struggled to keep his temper in check.
“Are you really not going to cook tonight?” he asked.
Alicia replied as if the thought had just crossed her mind,
“I’m swamped with work. Don’t wait up for me.”
From her tone, Caden sensed something was off. “You don’t want me to wait up? Does that mean you won’t be home for dinner?” he asked.
“What do you think?” Alicia chuckled. “Which part did you not understand?”
Caden suddenly realized something.
With a forced smile, he replied, “Alicia, you really got me this time.”
Alicia retorted, “Where is that coming from, Mr. Ward? Did I ever promise to have dinner with you tonight?”
Caden countered, “Then why did you ask what I wanted?”
“I was just curious. I never said I would cook,” she clarified.
Caden found himself at a loss for words.
“Well played, Alicia,” he thought to himself.
Alicia continued in a polite tone, “I know someone as refined as you would prefer a home-cooked meal. Would you like me to recommend a reliable maid? She’s a local from Warrington, and her cooking will definitely meet your standards.”
Caden hung up the phone without another word.
Caden was so furious that it made his stomach ache. He turned around, about to walk out of the apartment.
As he closed the door, Cade trailed right behind him, unwilling to be left alone.
Caden stopped, finding Cade’s persistence irritating.
“Go find your mom!” Caden snapped.
Cade, looking pitiful, lifted his paw and pointed at his empty bowl.
Cade was hungry.
With a stern expression, Caden ripped open the bag of dog food, letting Cade eat his fill.
After leaving the apartment, Caden randomly picked a nearby restaurant for dinner.
To his surprise, as soon as he stepped inside, he saw Gerry, that annoying guy, having dinner with his friends.
Gerry’s seat faced the entrance, so he immediately spotted Caden.
“Well, well, look who it is-Mr. Ward?” Gerry smirked mischievously. “What brings you here for dinner?”
Caden stayed silent.
Hearing Gerry’s greeting, his friends joined in, respectfully acknowledging Caden.
Caden walked over with a calm demeanor.
Gerry signaled the waiter to bring an extra set of tableware.
He then poured Caden a drink himself, chuckling as he whispered, “Did Alicia kick you out?”
Caden replied without a hint of emotion, “That won’t happen. Not in a million years.”
“Then why aren’t you eating at home?” Gerry asked.
“Just wanted a change of taste,” Caden answered. He took a glass of wine and drank it before touching any food.
His empty stomach churned as the alcohol mixed with the acid.
But strangely, he felt a bit better.
Gerry continued his teasing, “You want a change of taste? What a coincidence. So do I. Wouldn’t it be a shame if no one enjoyed the big meal Alicia made? I think I’ll go over so her hard work doesn’t go to waste.”
Caden kept his face blank. “Gerry, are you nuts?”
Gerry couldn’t hold back anymore and slapped the table, bursting into laughter.
That evening, Alicia had plans to dine with Monica.
As Alicia was about to leave, her assistant knocked and came in, looking uneasy.
“Ms. Bennett, there’s an old client here, and I’m not sure how to handle it.”
Hearing this, Alicia asked, “Why?”
“She’s elderly and a bit intimidating, and it’s her first time visiting our gallery.”
Alicia chuckled. “I’ll go see what’s up.”
Alicia’s assistant, holding some files and a laptop, trailed behind her.
“It’s not that elderly people shouldn’t be here. It’s just… she has a strong presence, and I’m scared of saying something wrong and offending her.”
Hearing this, Alicia thought of the older women from high society. Several names crossed her mind, but when she saw the elderly lady in person, none of them seemed to match.
Ciara’s snow-white hair was carefully styled.
She wore no luxury accessories, yet anyone with a keen eye could tell she was someone of wealth and status.
Alicia stepped forward to greet Ciara.
It was Ciara’s first time seeing Alicia up close.
Before this, she had only seen Alicia in photos and videos, courtesy of Jasmine.
Although Alicia looked lovely in the photos and videos, in person, she was even more breathtaking.
“Ms. Bennett, I’ve come because of your good reputation. I’d like to buy two paintings,” Ciara said with a warm smile. “Could you recommend some for me?”
Alicia responded politely, “Ma’am, do you have a favorite artist?”
“No. I’ll take whatever you recommend.”
Buying paintings was just an excuse for Ciara; her true intention was to win over Alicia on Caden’s behalf.
Alicia, who had just opened her gallery, was in desperate need of funds.
Ciara was ready to offer Alicia whatever amount she needed.
Alicia asked about Ciara’s preferences.
Ciara casually mentioned the names of several well-known artists, famous for their costly works. After some consideration, Alicia suggested a piece that was moderately priced.
“Since it’s your first purchase, I’m concerned you might be acting on impulse. Let’s begin with something truly worth collecting,” Alicia suggested gently. “Ma’am, please have a seat while you take a look.”
She guided Ciara to a chair and placed a cushion for her comfort.
Ciara’s smile grew even warmer.
“Alicia is so thoughtful. Caden is very particular. No wonder he’s so taken with her,” Ciara thought.
Alicia sincerely introduced the paintings.
Meanwhile, Ciara observed her closely.
Alicia had such a charming presence. She had an elegant figure, smooth skin, and bright, lively eyes. She’s truly blessed, Ciara thought.
Noticing Ciara’s gaze, Alicia shifted the conversation, asking, “Ma’am, is there something you’d like to say?”
Ciara smiled and asked, “Ms. Bennett, are you seeing anyone?”
Alicia immediately caught on to her intent.
She assumed Ciara was probably here to play matchmaker for a grandson or son.