Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Over time, her erratic habits led to very irregular menstrual cycles.
At one point, during a check-up, the doctor had specifically told her that it would be difficult for her to conceive in the future.
But with all the challenges that seemed to follow her at every turn, Alicia had never thought about having children anyway.
So she had never bothered to seek treatment.
“It should be fine,” Alicia said hopefully.
“If you want to make sure, we can stop by the pharmacy later and get some pills.”
Caden frowned. He was aware of the negative side effects of those drugs on her body.
“Are you in the safe period?” he asked.
Alicia took a moment to calculate the dates in her head.
“Yes. Well, you don’t have to worry too much. The chances of me conceiving are already slim to begin with.”
Caden fell silent.
“You already have fertility issues,” he said after a while, his voice unusually low.
“Taking the pills will only make things worse.”
Alicia blinked and stared at him.
“Isn’t that a good thing? For you, I mean.”
That would mean they wouldn’t have to worry about such accidents again.
Caden looked her in the eye, his expression somber and unreadable.
Exhaling loudly, he handed her clothes over.
“It might be a good thing for most men, but not for me.”
Alicia’s chest tightened.
“But you don’t want kids,” she stated absentmindedly.
Caden’s frown deepened.
“Who the hell said that?” If he didn’t want kids, he would have told her to take the damn pills from the start. Why would he even hesitate?
Alicia continued staring at him as a strange thought crossed her mind-Did Caden actually want to have a child with her? No sooner had she thought it than she dismissed the idea.
“No, that’s not possible,” she muttered aloud while shaking her head.
“We are not married.”
“Having a child under these circumstances will only be a burden!”
Caden’s face darkened further at her sudden remark. In fact, he had already planned to propose; he just hadn’t told anyone yet. So Alicia’s concerns were quite understandable. Having a child out of wedlock was not ideal for a young woman.
“I’ll get the pills later,” Caden finally said.
A thick, heavy silence fell in the car.
Alicia wasn’t sure why, but she felt deflated, like a balloon that had been punctured after being filled to its limits. She was listless.
One thought kept echoing in her mind, though – it seemed like Caden really didn’t want to marry her.
It took a while of gazing out at the unfamiliar scenery, but Alicia eventually realized that they were far from home.
“Caden, where are we going?”
His eyes flickered.
“I’m taking you to buy jewelry. Are you up for that?”
Every woman liked pretty, shiny things. More than the jewelry, though, Alicia valued spending time with Caden. He was often busy, and any free time he had to spare her was usually spent in bed. Going out to eat, much less shopping, was like a rare treat.
Now that Alicia thought about it, they had yet to go on a proper date.
Once they reached the crowded mall district, Caden took over the steering wheel and drove the car himself.
“Don’t you trust your own product?” Alicia teased.
“I’m in the car too, so I have to consider my own safety.” Caden raised an eyebrow and shot her a sideways glance.
“When the day comes that I tire of you, I’ll just hop in, activate the autopilot, and see where this car takes me.” Alicia propped her elbow on the window and leaned her head on her hand.
“And when will that be?”
“Maybe in eighty years, maybe in eight years,” Caden said with a shrug. “Or maybe in eight days. Who knows?”
Alicia chuckled dryly.
They pulled over in the parking lot, and Caden opened the door for her. But instead of getting out, Alicia suddenly raised her hand and grabbed at the air near him.
“What’s wrong?” Caden asked in bewilderment.
Alicia held up her closed fist.
“There was a mosquito just now, but I managed to catch it.”
“Why would a mosquito even be here?”
“Check if it’s dead.” Alicia extended her fist toward him. “Quick, come closer.”
Caden gave her another pointed look. He knew she was up to something, but he leaned in anyway.
“Let me see.” Alicia opened her hand, and the next thing he knew, she slapped him in the crotch.
“Alicia!” Caden exclaimed, sucking in his breath.
She giggled like a mischievous kitten and darted out of the car before he could grab her.
A few minutes later, they were inside a jewelry store.
Alicia was stunned by the dazzling array of diamond rings on display before her. She stared at them quietly for a long while before turning to Caden.
“This is what you want to buy for me?”
He smirked.
“You have plenty of jewelry back at home, but you never wear anything around your fingers.”
“Pick a few pieces to wear daily.”
Alicia let out an exasperated laugh.
“These are engagement rings,” she whispered.
“They’re for people who plan to get married. Are you messing with me?”
“If you are open to marrying me,” Caden said slowly, “we can get a matching pair right here, right now.”
Alicia didn’t know what to say.
Alicia rolled her eyes slightly, but her gaze still drifted back to the sparkling diamonds. Like anyone, she longed for a love as timeless and precious as diamonds. Even though Caden was only joking, her heart raced a little at the thought, a flutter stirring inside her.
Caden noticed Alicia’s gaze lingering on the display.
“See something you like?”
She shook her head, snapping back to reality.
“No, not really into these. Let’s look somewhere else.”
She reached for Caden’s hand, but he took hers instead. He glanced down, admiring her slender, fair fingers, which were completely bare.
“Do you like any of them, or none at all, huh?” Caden teased, gently rubbing her hand.
Alicia suddenly felt nervous and couldn’t meet his gaze. It didn’t seem like he was joking anymore. He was serious. Her palm began to sweat.
Caden, looking a bit impatient, said, “If you’re not into any of these, let’s just check out another store.”
Alicia quickly replied, “No, I do like them, but I just don’t think buying them is right.”
Caden looked at the display case.
“Alright, let’s just buy them all. It’s not a big deal.”
Alicia stared at him, completely speechless.
“Not that much? Each piece here costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Buying them all would max out your credit card.”
She whispered, “I know you’ve got money, but you can’t just show it off like this. Aren’t you worried about getting into trouble?”
Caden chuckled.