Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden’s expression shifted, his eyes clouding over with a stormy darkness.
Alicia retrieved a thick stack of cash from her purse.
She tossed the money lightly against his chest.
“I’ll even cover the tips for them,” she said, her smile tinged with bitterness. “Go on, have a good time.”
Caden’s expression darkened as he seized her wrist. His eyes, now shadowed with intensity, met hers. “What is the point of putting each other through this agony?”
Alicia met his gaze steadily, unflinching.
“Are you feeling humiliated?” she scoffed. “I doubt anyone’s ever dared to throw money at you before, Mr. Ward.”
Deep down, Alicia understood that he didn’t truly love her.
If he had, he wouldn’t have blamed her without first seeking clarification during their meeting at her workplace tonight. Nor would he have thrown the box of medicine at her like it was mere trash.
He mistakenly believed that financial gifts and material possessions were enough to please a woman, completely oblivious to how his careless actions had caused the deepest wounds.
She gently pried Caden’s hands away, doing her best to hold back the tears. Then, without another word, she turned and walked away.
She drove home in silence. As she climbed the stairs to her apartment, she caught a glimpse of a car slipping into the night.
The license plate flashed briefly. It seemed familiar.
Suddenly, she recalled that this very car had been appearing almost daily since Caden left for his business trip. It had been everywhere-whether she was heading to work or returning home.
Her suspicions rose, and she decided to investigate.
As she suspected, the vehicle was registered in Caden’s name.
Hank was behind the wheel.
A bittersweet smile crossed her lips as a sharp ache settled in her heart.
Caden was constantly looking out for her, yet she remained unaware of his feelings for her.
Caden’s anger had ignited swiftly, only to cool down just as quickly.
Once he left the club, Caden set out to find Alicia again, but quickly realized he couldn’t even step foot past her front door.
He wasn’t the type to linger outside all night, hoping to win her back. That approach wouldn’t sway someone like Alicia, and he simply couldn’t bring himself to do it.
There were countless other ways to bring joy to a woman’s heart.
Upon returning to the office, he tackled some pressing tasks before turning his attention to compiling a list of brands associated with women.
At first, he thought there were numerous possibilities to consider.
However, after spending a considerable amount of time researching, he came to the stark realization that Alicia already owned all the items he had in mind.
She had no desire for anything she didn’t already possess. His apartment overflowed with extravagant possessions, yet she hadn’t taken a single one with her.
Caden rubbed his brow, sifting through the information about those brands, feeling frustrated.
Without warning, someone barged into the room, unannounced.
“Caden.”
He glanced up to find Gerry standing there. Only Gerry would have the audacity to enter without knocking.
Caden subtly shifted the stack of documents.
Gerry remarked, almost reflexively, “What’s with the secrecy? I couldn’t care less about your robots.” He dropped an invitation onto the desk. “Next month is my mom’s birthday. The family specifically asked me to hand this over to you, the illustrious Mr. Ward.”
Caden had little interest in such matters at the moment. He nonchalantly set the invitation aside.
Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he inquired, “Is Alicia on the guest list?”
“I’ll invite her as a friend,” Gerry answered. “But honestly, it doesn’t matter much. You two are practically a couple, so one invite should suffice.”
Caden responded, “You need to invite her. She’s a businesswoman now. Her status has changed from before.”
Gerry assumed they were still an item and refrained from probing further.
He said, “I’ve heard you rave about Alicia’s cooking. Why don’t I come over tonight to try it myself?”
Caden couldn’t help but think, I can’t even enjoy her cooking, and you want to sample it?
His gaze shifted slightly, and he replied, “Why not give her a call?”
Gerry leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees, and pulled out his phone. “What is Alicia into these days? Cooking can be exhausting. I should offer her something as a gesture of gratitude.”
Caden found himself momentarily speechless. It felt as though he had been struck by Gerry’s words, as if he were accusing him of neglecting Alicia.
“Sure, ask her what she enjoys,” Caden replied, his voice steady.
If Gerry got an answer, Caden resolved to send her a gift first.
Gerry dialed Alicia’s number, but she didn’t pick up. “What’s going on? She didn’t answer,” he remarked.
Caden replied, “She’s been a bit down lately. You might need to call a few more times and say something kind.”
“What’s troubling her?” Gerry asked. “She usually has such a good temper. What kind of jerk could make her so upset that she won’t even pick up her phone?”
Caden found himself at a loss for words.
For the first time, Caden found himself being scolded without being able to respond.
His jaw tightened, but he lowered his gaze, pretending to focus on the documents in front of him. “It’s nothing,” he muttered, the faintest hint of irritation in his voice. “Sometimes people just need space when they’re upset. No need for explanations-just do as I say.”
Gerry complied and tried calling again, but there was still no answer.
“Wouldn’t it be rude to keep calling her? She’s serious this time, I can feel it,” Gerry grumbled under his breath, not wanting to get involved-especially not at dinner time.
A flicker of impatience crossed Caden’s face, though he didn’t look up. “Call her again,” he ordered. “And if she still doesn’t pick up, go to her office and bring her back.”
Gerry was speechless, brows arched in disbelief. There was something unusual about Caden today, something that didn’t sit right with him. He moved closer to the desk, scrutinizing Caden. “Caden, are you feeling alright? You seem… off.”
Caden remained expressionless, his eyes glued to the papers. “What makes you say that?”
Gerry pointed to the stack of documents. “Because you’ve signed Alicia’s name instead of yours.”
Caden’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the paperwork.
Sure enough, Alicia’s name was scribbled across every page.
A silent realization washed over him, and with a weary sigh, he flipped through a few other documents. Alicia. Alicia. Alicia. Every single one bore her name.
Gerry’s grin widened.
“If this isn’t being completely smitten, then I don’t know what is. I was starting to wonder why you refused to look at me while we were talking. Thought maybe I was looking too handsome today, but now I see-you’re distracted.”
Caden stayed quiet, irritation flaring in his chest as he snapped the pen shut with a sharp click. “Just make the call, Gerry.”
Caden was more concerned about whether he’d be able to see Alicia tonight.
But Gerry was already one step ahead, grabbing Caden’s phone. “I’ve tried several times with mine, and she’s ignoring me. She’ll definitely answer if you call.” Before Caden could stop him, Gerry walked to the side, phone in hand.
Caden couldn’t stop him, though a small part of him hoped Gerry was right about this.
Gerry dialed Alicia’s number, but the call went straight to a dead line-it turned out her phone was off.
He smirked, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction. “So, you’re the genius who managed to get on Alicia’s bad side.”
Caden’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides.
Gerry couldn’t resist twisting the knife. “Weren’t you the one bragging that women are just dramatic and everything would blow over in a couple of days? So, how long’s it been now? She blocked you, didn’t she?”
Caden’s expression remained stone-cold, but his words were firm. “Every couple argues. It’s normal.”
Gerry let out a short laugh, unconvinced. “Yeah, but most couples don’t stay apart this long. Be honest-did you two break up?”
Caden’s gaze turned sharp, his voice dropping dangerously low. “I’d tear your head off before I’d ever let her go.”
A chill ran down Gerry’s spine, even though he knew it was just an empty threat.
“Alright, alright,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender, then asked more seriously, “Need my help? Maybe I can speed up your reconciliation.”
Caden’s eyes narrowed with disdain. “And what’s a virgin with zero dating experience going to do to help me?”
Gerry felt the sting but refused to back down. If losing one’s virginity was such an accomplishment, maybe Caden should print out a certificate saying, “I’m not a virgin!” and wear it around his neck.
Annoyed, Gerry hit Caden where it hurt. “I’ll just go find Alicia and ask her to cook for me.”
Caden raised an eyebrow, his voice calm. “Talk’s cheap.”
Gerry, clearly irritated, snapped, “Just you wait.”
He spun on his heel and stormed off, leaving Caden behind. “Give it your best shot,” Caden called after him smugly. “If you succeed, I’ll owe you one.”
As Gerry descended the stairs, a realization struck him like a slap to the face. If he actually managed to win Alicia over, wouldn’t Caden be the one to benefit from it?