Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Gerry raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t force Alicia, did you?
Caden wiped the lipstick from his lips with a flick of his tongue. “Do I really seem like that kind of person?”
“Absolutely. You practically embody it,” Gerry replied, his tone mocking.
Caden chose to ignore him and stepped outside.
With a straight face, he asked, “Is there a first aid kit in the hall?”
“Yes,” Gerry leaned out to inquire. “Are you injured?”
“I’m not.”
Caden grabbed the first aid kit and headed back to the vacant lounge to tend to the swelling on his foot. Alicia had stomped down with such force that she nearly punctured his shoe. She must have put in a significant amount of strength.
Caden couldn’t help but laugh. He unbuttoned a few buttons on his shirt and rolled up his sleeves to cool down.
The banquet outside was on the verge of starting.
Cliff came searching for Caden.
Having smoothed out his clothes, Caden slung his jacket over his arm and stepped outside with Cliff.
Cliff, a retired soldier with a sharp instinct, caught a whiff of ointment on Caden’s foot. With concern in his voice, he asked, “Where are you injured?”
“I just bumped my foot; it’s nothing major.”
Cliff replied, “My mom made it clear that I should look after you. If anything happens to you, she’ll hold me responsible.”
Caden smirked, teasingly remarking, “Your mother is the only person in Warrington who can truly keep you in line.”
Cliff let out a long sigh. “She won’t stop harping on me about getting married. I’ve finally relented. I might have to get engaged this year.”
“What kind of woman do you find appealing? You’ve turned down so many.”
“It’s not that I’m not interested,” Cliff confessed. “I just haven’t felt a spark. Honestly, I can’t even pinpoint what my type is.”
“Then why not pick someone your mother likes? It could at least ease the tension in the family.” “True.”
As they stepped into the hall, Caden spotted Alicia laughing and engaging with a group of young people as they made their way to the dining table.
For a brief moment, their eyes locked.
Alicia skillfully composed herself, maintaining a polite smile on her face.
Caden remained composed as well, passing his jacket to a nearby attendant.
A prominent brown scar on his partially exposed arm caught Alicia’s attention.
Alicia stood frozen, momentarily taken aback.
The scar flashed before her eyes for just an instant. As Caden pulled back his hand, he rolled down his sleeve and continued chatting with Cliff as they walked away.
Alicia felt a heaviness settle in her chest.
It was a burn mark, unmistakably located right there. It was clearly a result of Shelia’s acid.
He had assured her he was fine back then.
But considering he had used his arm to protect himself from the acid, how could he truly be fine?
“Ms. Bennett.”
Alicia’s reverie was broken by a voice.
She glanced up to see who was calling her.
“Mrs. Hopkins,” she greeted with a smile.
Madison Hopkins, Gerry’s mother, who held a fondness for her, replied warmly, “Most of the guests here are friends and relatives of our family, so you may not know many of them. I noticed you seem comfortable with Gerry and the others. Why not join their table?”
Alicia nodded in agreement. “Alright, Mrs. Hopkins.” Sitting among familiar faces would certainly feel more comfortable.
Alicia did not dwell on it for long.
Madison, with a warm smile, guided her over while Gerry pulled out a chair, saying, “This way, Alicia.”
But to Alicia’s surprise, Madison settled her beside Cliff. “Cliff, be sure to look after Ms. Bennett. It’s her first time here,” Madison instructed.
Cliff’s eyes widened in realization.
He understood immediately what Madison had in mind and protested, “Mom, this is not quite right.” Madison shot a sharp glare at Cliff.
Gerry chimed in, “Why does Alicia have to sit there? She’s not really acquainted with Cliff, but she’s comfortable with me.”
In response, Madison playfully nudged him with her foot.
“Just eat your food!”
With that, she turned back to Alicia, offering a bright smile before moving on to attend to other guests.
Alicia felt a wave of discomfort wash over her.
She was aware that Cliff was under pressure to settle down, but she had not anticipated Madison would see her as a potential match.
What should she do now? Stay put or make a hasty exit? Cliff sat stiffly, a frown etched on his face, as if he were enduring a sentence.
He had never imagined Madison would want to pair him with Alicia, Caden’s significant other.
He felt trapped!
Nearby, Madison kept glancing in their direction, her eyes keenly observing.
Alicia broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mr. Hopkins, would you like me to pretend this is not happening?”
Cliff tensed for a moment. “No need for that. Just act as you wish. I’ll handle my mother.”
Alicia exhaled, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. Beneath his serious demeanor, Cliff turned out to be quite approachable.
Gradually, more guests began to fill the table.
Meanwhile, Madison was bustling about, playing the perfect host as she invited Caden to join the main table for drinks with some esteemed guests.
Just as Caden was about to accept, his gaze landed on Alicia, seated next to Cliff.
Caden’s eyes narrowed, his expression turning guarded. Madison followed his line of sight and smiled warmly. “Caden, if I remember correctly, you and Ms. Bennett are friends, right?”
Caden replied, “You could say that.”
“I have noticed you both have some business interactions, so it makes sense that you would be familiar with one another. Cliff here can be a bit clueless when it comes to women. If you have a moment, could you help him out? Maybe set him up with Ms. Bennett? You’ve known each other for a long time, and I’m sure he will listen to you.”
Caden felt a mix of amusement and frustration at her suggestion. “Set him up with Alicia?”
“Absolutely! I think Ms. Bennett is simply wonderful!”
Madison’s enthusiasm was palpable. “She is not only beautiful but also has a remarkable temperament. Several of my friends have been inquiring if she is single. Naturally, I kept that information to myself. I want to keep such an exceptional girl within our family.”
Caden wore a forced smile, masking his true feelings. “Mrs. Hopkins, you might be a bit behind the curve. Alicia is already in a relationship.”
Madison’s smile faltered, her expression shifting to one of dejection, as though she had lost something invaluable. “She is seeing someone? Why didn’t Ms. Bennett mention it?”
“She values him so much that she prefers to keep it private.”
“Who keeps their treasure a secret? Caden, you must be teasing me.”
While Madison sensed Caden was not one to joke about such matters, her determination remained strong. “If she is keeping it under wraps, it must mean she is embarrassed to be with him. I bet it’s just a passing fling. Cliff still has a shot.”
Caden was at a loss for words.
He had often pondered why Gerry, despite his prominent background, exhibited such a unique personality.
Now, the connection was clear.
It was a classic case of mother and son sharing the same traits.
He maintained his composure and replied, “I do not believe I am in a position to comment on Alicia’s relationship. Please go ahead and mingle with your guests, Mrs. Hopkins. I will look after Cliff.”
Madison appeared confused. “You are helping Cliff… To win Ms. Bennett’s affection?”
“No,” Caden clarified. “I am here to guide him toward doing the right thing and not jeopardizing someone else’s relationship.”
Madison was left speechless.
Cliff was on the verge of pushing his chair away from Alicia when Caden approached.
Relieved, he quickly stood up and offered, “Mr. Ward, please take my seat.”
Caden’s demeanor remained nonchalant. “What’s wrong? Is Ms. Bennett not comfortable sitting next to you?”
Alicia tightened her grip on her fork, concentrating intently on her meal.
Cliff remained quiet, eager to distance himself from any potential complications.