Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Blake took a pained breath. “It wouldn’t have mattered. Yolanda went to him long before you. Ignoring them won’t stop them from trying to tarnish Caden’s mother.” Silent tears streamed down Alicia’s face as Blake continued. “Are you going to beg them to stop? Alicia, you know they’ll never pity you.”
The storm Dorian had unleashed was inevitable. Alicia ended the call, staring at the empty bedroom. She missed Caden intensely, aching for his presence.
He would never let her cry like this.
Just then, her phone vibrated, startling her. She quickly wiped her tears.
It was Caden.
She struggled to keep her voice steady as she answered, conscious that he hadn’t learned of the recent developments. He only called to check on her.
“I’ll be back the day after tomorrow,” he said, his usual warmth evident. “I land around eight. Will you come to pick me up?”
Alicia felt a wave of sorrow. “I’ll be there,” she murmured.
His tone shifted, detecting something. “Have you been…”
Alicia drew in a breath. “I just woke up… I had a nightmare. I dreamed that my dad… he hit me.”
Caden became more alert, sensing that something was wrong. It wasn’t like her to sleep so late, and certainly not to share her nightmares with him. Alicia had always kept her troubles to herself, sharing only her joys.
Caden softened his voice. “I should get back to work.”
“But didn’t you just finish?” Alicia asked, her tone tinged with a quiet plea, wanting him to stay on the line just a little longer.
He could hear the vulnerability in her voice and decided to indulge her, engaging in light conversation. Gradually, Alicia’s voice brightened. Satisfied, Caden finally ended the call, though his mind remained uneasy. During his week abroad, he’d felt out of place, overwhelmed by the flood of information he had been handling daily.
After a long shower, he called Hank directly. “Has something happened with Alicia?”
Hank, under strict instructions to stay quiet, tread carefully. “She’s fine, Mr. Ward. She’s been busy with the companies. You’ll need to make it up to her when you’re back.”
“Tell me the truth, Hank.”
Hank hesitated, then replied, “There’s really nothing, Mr. Ward.”
Unconvinced, Caden decided to let it go-for now. He would find out the truth once he returned.
“Send some security here. I have unfinished business. I need people who can handle it.”
Hank’s voice sharpened. “Understood.”
That night, Alicia felt restless and went downstairs to grab a quick bite. She didn’t expect to find Corey’s car blocking her path. It seemed he had been waiting for her.
Corey stepped out, his face pale but otherwise composed, unfazed by everything that had happened.
Alicia paused. The night breeze lifted her hair, framing her tear-streaked face. Her eyes, though weary, held a spark of defiance.
Corey gave her a faint smile. “Were you crying because Caden was powerless, or because Dorian and I were merciless?”
Alicia’s face remained expressionless. “Do you realize how you appear right now? Like a scavenger proudly displaying its pilfered loot, basking in the spotlight. Quite ironic.”
Corey remained unfazed by her words. In the business world, innocence was a rarity. He had, indeed, acted despicably and shamelessly; it was the only way he could maneuver against Caden so effectively today.
“So what?” Corey boldly acknowledged. “What can you do about it now, Ms. Bennett?”
As he moved closer, Alicia stepped back. She recoiled from the stench of greed that seemed to cling to him, like someone who had just peeled the hide off a prized crocodile, eager to parade it without even bothering to wash away the blood.
Corey halted abruptly, lighting a cigarette. “Dorian reached out to collaborate on a scheme to disgust Caden. Whatever the outcome, he’ll face the consequences, but I control all deals involving Caden’s mother’s interests.”
Alicia’s hands clenched into fists without her noticing. Corey continued, “This is a ruthless business. If I don’t do it, no one else will. Do you get it?”
Alicia met his gaze. “What proposals do you have for me?”
Noticing a flicker of hope in her eyes, Corey blinked and smiled. “Be with me, Alicia. Caden is too young, his foundation is shaky, and his pride is overbearing. You’ll face many trials with him.”
Alicia scoffed. “Why this persistence with me?”
Corey responded casually, “You’re beautiful, and I’m attracted to you.”
His words were easy, but his eyes held no real sentiment. It felt as though he were setting a trap, ready to strike.
Alicia inhaled deeply. “Corey, every person has flaws, and you’re no different. You might feel on top now, but have you thought about the consequences of your actions?”
Corey remained unmoved by her caution.
“What is Caden to me?” he sneered. “He failed to protect his mother before, and now he’s incapable of protecting you.” He shook his head, clicking his tongue. “Believe it or not, he’ll be gone before I am.”
Alicia scoffed. “Your thoughts always turn to Caden, don’t they? Your need to undermine him only highlights how much he intimidates you.”
Corey nodded, unashamed of the accusation. “Indeed, he is a formidable foe.”
Alicia coldly replied, “Yet he considers you beneath his notice as a rival.”
She moved two steps to the side, positioning herself next to him. “You might be winning now, using underhanded tactics and external help. But Caden has stayed crime-free, his record unblemished, his conscience clear. You don’t even measure up to one of his fingers.”
Corey responded dryly, “You seem to value such ideals. Don’t you realize that in business, excessive morality can lead to your downfall?”
Alicia chose not to continue the conversation. Without a change in expression, she exited.
Corey seized the moment, attempting to hold her back. “Alicia, think over my proposal carefully.”
Alicia reacted swiftly, twisting his wrist away and elbowing his abdomen.
Corey sidestepped with ease, his expression cold. “You think you can fool me with the same move twice?”
Alicia yanked her hand back, her movements quick and calculated.
Corey reached for her again, but just then, a car rolled in from outside-it was Alicia’s team. He hesitated and held back.
Alicia climbed into the car, her face partially hidden by the shadows. “Forget about him. Let’s go.”
Hank started the engine, offering her some comfort. “Mr. Ward will return the day after tomorrow. With him here, Corey won’t dare act so boldly.”
Alicia wasn’t intimidated by Corey. She knew she could defend herself, and it was clear that Corey needed her unharmed-he wouldn’t harm her easily. But his true motives remained a mystery.
Alicia gently touched her tender eyes. “Why did you come here?”
Hank replied, “I was nearby running errands and thought I’d check on you. I didn’t expect to find you here.”
Alicia glanced at the passenger seat and noticed two personnel files. She recognized them immediately-mercenaries. “What’s going on?” she asked.
Hank, always transparent with her, explained.
Alicia’s mind raced. “How’s the situation with Mrs. Ward progressing?”
Hank answered, “Corey hasn’t made a move yet, so it’s hard to predict.”
Alicia knew she could never accept Corey’s proposition. She felt adrift, like a piece of wood bobbing uncertainly on water. For the first time, she deeply missed Caden.
It wasn’t just the emptiness of missing him-she realized that he was the only one who could manage this current situation.
Alicia glanced at the mercenary files and quickly formed a plan. The two mercenaries, now hired as Caden’s bodyguards, would be traveling to Terriland. Alicia intended to meet with them personally, hoping to convince them to include her in their plans.
Caden received a message from Alicia, knowing that she would be in Terriland in just a few hours. It didn’t matter to her whether he replied immediately or not; she was confident in her ability to safely reach his side.
As her plane touched down, dusk had already settled over Terriland. Despite the heat, the beauty of the place was undeniable. The beach at sunset, with trees fading into the distance, blurred her vision, momentarily calming the turbulence in her heart.
While riding in the car, Alicia took a deep breath, comforted by the thought that Caden might have once traveled this same road, the familiarity of it soothing her.
Her two bodyguards stayed close, constantly vigilant and protective.
One of the bodyguards, a man with a crew cut, made a call once they arrived at the hotel. Caden’s voice came through clearly, though his words were brief: “Your room is next to mine. Rest up and wait for my call.”
Just as the bodyguard started to mention Alicia’s presence, the call ended abruptly. He shot Alicia a puzzled glance.
With a reassuring smile, she said, “It’s fine. I’ll reach out to him later. You two can go ahead and rest.”
The crew-cut bodyguard hesitated, then asked, “Shall I arrange a room for you?”
Alicia waved him off. “No need.”
“Then where will you stay?” he asked, still unsure.
The other bodyguard nudged him slightly and grinned. “Isn’t it obvious? She’ll be staying with Mr. Ward. They’re a couple, after all!”
The crew-cut bodyguard quickly understood and nodded. He grabbed Alicia’s suitcase and headed toward the room.
With Caden absent and dinner approaching, Alicia felt no urgency to follow the usual routine. She was eager to see him, to close the distance between them.
She called his number, and Caden answered promptly.
“What’s up?” His tone indicated he hadn’t checked her message yet. It was clear that he was busy, likely overwhelmed with work, so even taking a call was a struggle.
Suppressing what she originally wanted to say, Alicia instead asked, “Nothing serious. Are you done with work? Will you be coming back tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’ll be home. Are you missing me?” he replied.
In the background, she could hear the noise of clinking glasses and the chatter of men and women.
“Mr. Ward, who are you talking to?” someone asked from the background.
Caden didn’t respond to them. His voice lowered, more seductive than before. “Do you miss me?”