Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
She truly was wronged, but he had apologized and tried to make things right, hadn’t he?
Without emotion, he muttered, “Women are so complicated.”
Gerry was intrigued. “Did you guys split just over that?”
Caden confirmed with a nod.
“How delicate,” Gerry mused. “You’ve been together for just over six months, right? That explains it. Your relationship was on unstable ground. One push, and it all falls apart.”
He then asked, “Did Alicia catch you being unfaithful with Yolanda? She wouldn’t react so strongly otherwise. I know her pretty well.”
Caden shook his head in denial.
There was nothing inappropriate between him and Yolanda. The most they’d done was watch the river together in Averibon.
He had always made Alicia feel secure. She had no real grounds for complaints.
Caden concluded, “She’s just throwing a tantrum. Give it a couple of days. I’ll smooth things over by persuading her, and it’ll all blow over.”
Gerry was somewhat taken aback. “You know how to soothe a woman?”
Caden reflected and realized he hadn’t actually done much soothing.
Typically, he pleased her in bed, bought her gifts, or gave her money.
For the most part, Alicia was reasonable.
He said, “Alicia loves me more. Usually, she doesn’t need much persuading; she calms down on her own.”
Gerry smirked. “You’re just trying to make me envious.”
Caden replied, “You brought it up.”
Caden was well aware of Alicia’s deep feelings for him. He could boast about it without the risk of a harsh reaction.
Gerry realized this as well, so he lost interest and changed the subject.
They played billiards for another two hours.
When they left, Warrington was still lively, its lights reflecting off the sea like a mirror, sparkling and vivid. In the distance, fireworks burst into the sky.
The noise continued without pause.
Caden stood outside, his hands in his pockets, watching the fireworks that failed to capture his interest.
The chilly wind nipped at his neck.
He suddenly realized he had forgotten to wear his scarf. Recently, after arguing with Alicia, he had purposely stored the scarf away to avoid reminders of her, yet he hadn’t worn any other scarf either. Now, the cold bit deeply.
At this moment, he should have been snuggling with Alicia-soft and sweet-smelling-sharing cake and exchanging kisses under a warm blanket.
Caden released a cloud of white breath.
Strangers passed by, all coupled up.
Caden’s tall stature radiated a profound sense of solitude. When he got back to the apartment, he encountered Hank.
He asked, “Why didn’t you head home for Christmas?”
Hank replied, “I did go, but Ms. Bennett sent me back with something for you.”
It was the bank card Caden had offered her.
She had refused it.
Caden’s face darkened. “You can go back now.”
Hank added, “Mr. Ward, Ms. Bennett mentioned she has a Christmas gift for you.”
Caden was taken aback. “What is it?”
Hank presented him with a black box.
Caden carried it into the apartment and opened it. Inside was a chip.
This chip was specially made for Lina, and he wasn’t sure when Alicia had arranged it.
His curiosity peaked about the data on the chip.
He inserted the chip into the Lina robot and powered it on. Seeing the face resembling his mother’s lifted his spirits slightly, softening his expression.
He observed that Lina’s movements had become smoother and more lifelike, and its gaze seemed to convey emotion.
Lina’s refined actions and voice caught him off guard. He remained seated, overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions.
All of this was Alicia’s handiwork.
How had she accomplished it? How had she managed to do it so perfectly?
Without delay, he dialed Alicia’s number.
As expected, she didn’t pick up.
Caden’s thoughts then turned to Gerry.
Gerry had accidentally revealed earlier that Alicia had been to Averibon.
Caden pressed Gerry for more details, and Gerry, unable to keep it hidden any longer, admitted over the phone, “Alicia went to Averibon to uncover your past with your mother. She planned it as a surprise for you and told us to keep it quiet.”
Caden’s thoughts swirled.
That explained her trip to Averibon.
Yolanda wasn’t aware of the details between him and his mother, so she didn’t know how to improve Lina. Neither did Alicia.
Yet, Alicia had secretly set out to discover more. She visited his childhood haunts and spoke with neighbors and relatives, learning about his mother’s deep affection for him.
She had intended to surprise him that day.
It explained her strong reaction when she saw him with Yolanda. What was even more shocking was that she had an accident the same day, and without a second thought, he had chosen Yolanda over her, leaving her in danger.
Later, she tearfully proposed, “Will you marry me? Say yes, even if it’s just a lie.” He cruelly refused.
She smiled through her despair, shaking her head, tears in her eyes. That image haunted Caden, like a thorn in his side.
Caden couldn’t explain it, but he found himself paralyzed.
He bowed his head, deep in thought.
Lina approached and touched him.
It detected Caden’s distress.
Its eyes dimmed, and comfort mode activated.
Like Caden’s mother once did, Lina began to sing a lullaby to soothe him.
Overcome with sadness, Caden reached to turn it off. Just as his fingers touched the switch, Lina’s voice stuttered, and another voice took up the song, soft and clear.
She hummed gently.
“The dark sky hangs low, with bright stars shining. Fireflies dance in the night. Whom do you long for?”
Caden’s breath caught, and his heartache nearly overwhelmed him.
The lullaby his mother used to sing, now softly voiced by Alicia, revealed a hidden love within the surprise.
Caden was overwhelmed.
He realized he had let her down completely.
Memories flooded Caden’s mind, unfolding like scenes in a film.
It was then that he fully realized how freely and wholeheartedly Alicia had always loved him.
When she loved Joshua, who sought financial stability and a supportive partner, she gave everything without hesitation, even sacrificing her own promising future to marry him in secret.
When she loved Caden, she did so because of his past, tirelessly trying to help him escape his shadows.
Yet, he had overlooked something crucial.
She, too, had been overshadowed by darkness.
She had come this far on her own, without anyone ever truly caring for or cherishing her. That explained her tender nature. She believed that sincerity alone would earn her the love she longed for.
All she desired was a bit of attention and affection. He had offered her wealth, influence, jewels, and recognition, but not love.
Regret consumed Caden.
He felt choked.
He gasped for breath, as if he were a fish out of water.