Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Once he finished, and his desire had cooled off a bit, he slowly drove to the hotel’s underground parking.
Later, he went up to the first floor, slipped the receptionist some cash to get Alicia’s room number, and booked the room right next to hers.
After her shower, Alicia felt a sense of calm wash over her.
She tried to push thoughts of Caden aside and focus on the documents in front of her, yet the sensation of his kiss lingered on her lips.
The memory of that kiss surfaced effortlessly, refusing to be ignored.
As she dwelled on it, her thoughts grew increasingly chaotic, leading her to surrender, pressing her face into the papers and inhaling deeply.
The wind outside began to howl louder.
The vibration of the glass windows reminded Alicia of the day’s weather forecast, which called for thunderstorms that evening.
Rainy nights were still unwelcome, especially in a strange city.
Just as she reached for the curtains, a knock on the door interrupted her.
She paused, and to her surprise, the first person who came to mind was Caden.
“What’s up?” she called out.
“It’s me, Blake. Are you awake?” Blake’s voice came softly.
Alicia felt a wave of relief as she approached the door, though she had no intention of opening it.
“Do you need something, Mr. Langstaff?”
“It’s rainy, so I brought you a coat,” Blake said quietly. “It’s supposed to be colder tomorrow. I thought you might want it when you go out.”
“Thank you, but I’m already prepared with warm clothing,” Alicia replied, her voice polite but decisive.
Blake, understanding her polite rejection, added, “I’ve already bought it. Should I keep it, or would you like it now?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Alicia answered, “Keep it with you for now, thank you.”
Silence returned outside.
Just a door away, Blake rubbed his nose in resignation and glanced at Caden, who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, wearing a mocking, arrogant expression.
They had bumped into each other just minutes ago. Noticing the coat in Blake’s hands, Caden understood his intentions, and they made a bet on whether Alicia would open the door.
Blake ended up losing the bet quite embarrassingly.
“It’s normal to get turned down,” Blake whispered to himself. “Especially at this hour. It’s understandable that she’d be cautious.”
Caden responded coldly, “You work for her. What’s risky about handing over a coat?”
“She’s always cautious.”
“So cautious that she won’t even glance your way?” Blake found himself at a loss for words. “You’re so childish, Caden.”
Blake felt foolish for making a bet with Caden. Did Caden believe he had a better chance with Alicia? Blake sneered, “Why don’t you try knocking and see if she lets you in?”
Caden was certain she wouldn’t open the door for him either, but he wouldn’t give Blake the satisfaction of mocking him.
“I don’t need to knock to enter.”
Blake looked at him incredulously. “Do you think I’m a…”
Caden pulled out a room key card.
Blake was stunned. Realizing Caden had the card, he was astounded. “Is this how you chase women? It’s completely unethical and primitive.”
Caden toyed with the key card in his hand and smirked. “She likes guys like me, rough around the edges.”
He straightened up, adopting a serious expression, and knocked on the door.
Blake stood still, eager to see if Alicia would respond.
“Who is it?” Alicia’s voice was muffled from inside.
“Caden.”
“Go away.”
Blake couldn’t help but smirk, throwing a mocking glance at Caden.
Unfazed, Caden replied, “Teasing can be a form of affection. Has she ever told you to leave?”
Blake was taken aback. Caden’s cheeky response made him pause.
He admitted defeat gracefully.
Deciding not to meddle further, Blake started to walk away but stopped, turning back to ask, “Do you act differently with Alicia than you do with me?”
Caden’s stare was cold.
Blake took that as confirmation, smirking. “No wonder you’re still single.”
If Caden were more articulate around Alicia, perhaps he wouldn’t be dismissed so quickly.
As Blake began to walk away, Caden stopped him. “Hold on a second.”
“What now?”
“The coat.” Caden pointed to the coat in Blake’s hands. “You had good intentions. It shouldn’t go to waste. I’ll pass it on to her for you.”
Blake paused, taken aback by Caden’s seeming kindness. Realizing the coat’s purpose was to keep Alicia warm, he assumed Caden understood its significance. With a sigh, Blake handed it over, albeit somewhat reluctantly.
Caden made his way into the room using the key card.
Alicia, taken aback by his sudden presence, was far from pleased. “Who allowed you in? And how did you get my room key?”
Caden shut the door behind him, silencing any further questions.
Blake stood outside, feeling a bit out of place, and quietly walked away.
Once inside, Caden was determined not to leave without a fight. Faced with his boldness, Alicia, after a brief attempt at resistance, chose to ignore him.
Fortunately, the suite included a separate room with a lockable door. She closed the door behind her and went to take a shower. When she came out, she was shocked to see Caden sitting on her bed.
Alicia really didn’t know what to say now. She instinctively tightened her robe, looking toward the door in confusion.
“Didn’t I lock that door? How did you get in?”
Caden, deadpan, responded, “With my tech skills, picking a lock is no big deal.”
Alicia was left speechless.
Alicia should have anticipated this.
She tightened her bathrobe and walked silently to the bed, trying to ignore Caden’s presence.
Caden found her actions amusing. “I can unlock even a locked door, not to mention a tied knot.”
Alicia kept her expression neutral. “Aren’t you even going to try hiding your sneaky behavior?”
“Acting like that will only make you shut the door on me,” Caden replied, pointing out Blake’s shortcomings. “Those who only know how to deal with broken and useless things will surely be at a loss when facing something intact.”
Alicia’s lips twitched slightly. She realized Caden was indirectly mocking Blake.
“He’s merely being courteous, unlike you, barging in like a thief and justifying breaking a lock,” she responded coolly.
“The bold claim their prizes, while the courteous are met with closed doors. Which would you prefer?” Caden asked with a smirk.
“I prefer to call the police,” Alicia emphasized. “His job, repairing and protecting cultural relics, is important. So stop mocking him.”
Caden sneered. “What you said sounds quite similar to mine.”
Alicia decided it was best not to continue the conversation. Arguing further might only drive her to madness.
She felt drained, and the moment she lay down, her eyelids began to droop.
Caden noticed her exhaustion and stood up. “I’ll take a shower. You should get some sleep.”
Alicia was slightly taken aback and looked up at him.
Caden undressed, revealing his muscular build.
“So, are you disappointed that I’m not making a move?” he asked teasingly.
Alicia quickly looked away. “I’d be overjoyed if you just vanished from my sight right now.”
Caden laughed softly and made his way to the bathroom.
Feeling tense yet exhausted, Alicia eventually fell into a fitful sleep.
She was haunted by a terrifying nightmare.
In the dream, she found herself caught in a torrential downpour, battling against the fierce wind, while her parents walked ahead of her, never once looking back.