Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden answered, “Haven’t you noticed his feelings for you?”
Alicia paused for a moment before replying, “I haven’t seen any signs that he’s interested, but you seem off.”
“Be careful around him,” Caden warned, his tone turning serious. “He’s not what he seems.”
He turned the magazine page, now reading a personality analysis chart. “Sneaky, manipulative, deeply calculating, all behind a mask of politeness that hides his true self.” Caden described, then added, “That sums up Blake pretty well.”
Alicia stared at him in silence for a few seconds, contemplating his words. She chose not to confront Caden about his motives directly but instead asked, “Did you reach out to me yesterday because of Mr. Langstaff?”
Was Caden feeling insecure because they were traveling together?
Caden looked down, masking his emotions. Naturally, he wouldn’t admit to the reality of it.
Instead, Caden asked another question. “When Jerald faced those issues that day, did you feel good for me?”
Alicia’s eyes briefly sparkled. “That was your affair. Why would I rejoice?”
Caden smiled. “Thanks. The dessert that day was exceptional.”
After a short break, Caden made time to take Cade back to his apartment. Alicia didn’t confront him about this decision. Sometimes, when she had the chance, she would visit the puppy.
Over time, she started spending more and more time there, until Caden began planning for her to stay overnight. One day, Caden had her stay late, and with the rain pouring outside, Alicia found herself unable to leave.
“I’ve stocked up on brand new toiletries for you. You won’t lack for anything,” Caden said as he embraced her, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. “It’s late. How about a shower and then some sleep?”
Alicia’s cheeks flushed, but she remained silent. She glanced at the clock-it wasn’t even past eight. How could it be considered late?
Clearly, he was in a hurry to advance things. However, after being kissed and caressed for so long, she had to admit that her resistance was starting to melt away.
A rumble of thunder resounded outside.
Despite the storm, the heated atmosphere lingered. Alicia gazed into Caden’s deep eyes and asked, “Don’t thunderstorms scare you? Can you handle them?” She immediately regretted mentioning it.
Caden picked up on her subtle hint. “I used to be bothered by them, but last time, someone wore a charming dress to comfort me.”
Remembering that moment, Alicia felt her cheeks heat up. She tried to pull away, but Caden held her tight, carrying her off to the bathroom.
Alicia resisted, saying, “Caden, I haven’t said yes yet.” The bathroom door shut behind them, muffling any other sounds.
Deprived for some time, Caden exhausted Alicia repeatedly. However, he was noticeably gentler than before.
He made sure Alicia was not harmed. After it was all over, Caden showed no signs of fatigue, even taking the time to handle some urgent work calls. Alicia rested weakly on the bed, watching the man who seemed to radiate with the remnants of passion, his every action exuding a dangerous charm.
Her body felt limp, her thoughts slightly muddled. She struggled to comprehend the indulgence she had just experienced.
Once he finished his calls, Caden glanced over at her. He immediately understood what was on her mind. Unable to meet his gaze, Alicia hid under the covers.
Caden instructed, “Open the drawer and hand me a document.”
Alicia felt too drained to move. Her limbs were weak, and she barely had the strength to reply, “Get it yourself.”
“It’s in the nightstand to your right. It’s not hard.”
With that, Alicia reluctantly complied. But instead of a project contract, what she found was a medical report. Intrigued, she examined it more closely. The diagnosis read: Fully Recovered.
Alicia was taken aback. She confirmed it with a mixture of emotions, turning to ask, “You’re cured?”
Caden settled into the bed, leaning casually against the headboard. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Do you still believe I’m using you?”
Alicia looked into his eyes, searching for the truth in them. She understood his implication-he was no longer pretending, and it wasn’t about his illness anymore, but rather, a genuine affection that had developed.
Her pulse quickened. “Who’s to say you didn’t write this yourself?”
Caden paused for a moment, his expression unreadable. Just then, a sharp crack rang out near the window, followed by the rumble of thunder.
Startled, Alicia shuddered and instinctively moved closer to Caden.
Caden chuckled softly. “It seems even the heavens are objecting.”
Wrapped in his arms, Alicia slowly relaxed and eventually chuckled. “It’s probably warning you not to lie.” As he held her soft body, Caden quickly grew restless. Alicia felt something was wrong and protested, “No more. We’ve already gone too far today. I’m exhausted.”
Alicia had been feeling more at ease lately, allowing herself the luxury of staying in bed a little longer. When she finally woke up, the room was quiet and empty. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if last night with Caden had been just a dream.
But as her eyes adjusted to the familiar sight of the mirror on the ceiling and the furniture she knew so well, reality sank in. They had gotten back together-again.
This time, though, it felt different. Maybe it was because they had broken up and reconciled so many times before, or maybe her mindset had shifted. Whatever the reason, Alicia felt unusually calm. It had happened, and there was no denying it. At least last night had been… fun.
A blush crept up her neck as she remembered the events of the night. Caden had been impossible to resist, his charm overwhelming, the intimacy unforgettable. At first, he had been the one to initiate, drawing her in. But once things heated up, she found herself completely carried away, doing things she never thought she would. Her face heated further at the thought, and with a huff, Alicia threw the covers off and sat up. “Stop thinking about it,” she muttered to herself, running a hand through her hair.
She inhaled deeply, only to catch the distinct scent of something burnt. Her brows furrowed in confusion.
“What on earth…?” Alicia whispered, pushing herself out of bed. She hurried out of the bedroom, her heart beating a little faster as she followed the smell.
It was strongest in the kitchen, but oddly enough, the cookware was missing.
Frowning, she scanned the room but found nothing alarming.
Still puzzled, she made her way to the dining room when a sudden knock on the door startled her. She opened it to find the breakfast delivery.
Caden had ordered breakfast for her. As she unpacked everything, Alicia called out for her little dog. “Little Cade, come here, boy!”
Oh, but wait-he was no longer the little pup she remembered; he had grown into a sturdy, full-sized dog.
She called out a few more times, but there was no response. Puzzled, she tried different names-“Cade! Lucky!”-but still, there was no reaction.
Growing concerned, Alicia walked into the small room, only to find the dog lying motionless in its bed, its eyes rolled back, and foam gathering at its mouth.
“No, no, no!” Alicia gasped, rushing to his side. Panic surged through her as she scooped the dog up and hurried to the vet.
She immediately called Caden, her voice trembling. “Caden, Cade’s sick! I’m taking him to the vet right now.”
To her surprise, Caden’s voice on the other end was calm. “Don’t worry, Alicia. It’s nothing serious. He’ll be fine.”
Standing anxiously outside the operating room, Alicia couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at her. “I don’t know what’s wrong. He looked terrible, and he was so weak when I picked him up.”
Caden’s voice carried a hint of irony. “It’s a male dog, Alicia. How did he get so weak?”
Alicia’s frustration flared. “No jokes, okay? He was perfectly healthy with me, Caden. What happened while he was with you? Did you do something to him?”
Silence stretched on the line.
Alicia’s suspicion deepened. “Did you mistreat him, Caden?”
Caden’s voice remained steady, almost detached. “No, I didn’t mistreat him.”
“Then what did you do?” she demanded.
Caden sighed. “I’ll come over as soon as I’m done here.” At that moment, he was in the middle of an important meeting, analyzing a new product with several high-profile clients.
Alicia knew he was busy, so she held back her anger, choosing not to press further.
Despite the meeting, Caden wrapped it up sooner than expected.
One of his clients, an elderly man, had overheard Alicia’s tense voice over the phone.
With Caden’s status, what young woman would dare speak to him that way?
Clearly, only someone close to his heart.
Amused, the client glanced at Caden and remarked, “Mr. Ward, sounds like you’ve got urgent matters to attend to. Business can wait, but you can’t afford to ignore a woman’s emotions.”
Caden allowed a small smile. “You’re right. She has quite a temper. If I let it simmer too long, I’ll be the one in trouble.”
The client chuckled heartily. “Mr. Ward, it seems you’re quite under the thumb.”
Caden didn’t bother denying it. He simply shrugged with a slight smile. “Call it fate.”
When Caden arrived at the vet, the dog’s test results were ready.
“It’s food poisoning,” the doctor explained. “The vomit contains food residue that isn’t typical dog food. We’re still running tests to determine what it is.”
Just then, Caden stepped forward.
“No need for further testing,” he said. “Just give him some fluids to replenish his nutrients after the vomiting.”
The doctor looked surprised but nodded. Alicia’s eyes narrowed as she turned to Caden. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded.
Caden hesitated, glancing around at the others nearby. The doctor, sensing the tension, cleared his throat and excused himself.
Under Alicia’s intense gaze, Caden finally admitted, “I got up early this morning and decided to make breakfast.”
Alicia raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you cook?”
“I don’t,” he replied, shrugging. “Just thought I’d try.”
Realization dawned on Alicia. “So, Cade got food poisoning from your cooking?”
“Not exactly,” Caden replied, looking slightly embarrassed. “While I was plating, I accidentally dropped a piece of food on the floor, and he snatched it up.”
Alicia stared, momentarily speechless. The dog hadn’t shown any distress at the time; he just looked at Caden with a confused expression before wandering back to his bed.
Caden had assumed he was fine, not realizing the dog had such a stoic nature.