Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Isn’t having money all about enjoying it?”
She just stood there, speechless, both irritated and totally drawn to him. Not sure what had gotten into Caden that day, Alicia chose a ring to wrap things up. It had a small, beautifully cut diamond on a silver band with intricate details.
She slipped it on carefully, and her mind flashed back to her wedding with Joshua, stirring up a swirl of emotions. She forced a smile and held up her hand to Caden.
“Does it look good?”
Caden instantly caught the hesitation in her eyes. When he had the designer make the ring, it hadn’t really crossed his mind. But then, out of nowhere, he recalled her wedding to Joshua and the cheap ring she’d worn all the time.
If they got married again, a diamond ring might not be a pleasant surprise for her. It could feel more like a burden, a reminder of old pain.
“It looks gorgeous,” Caden said, taking her hand.
“But there’s an even better one out there. The most amazing diamond ring isn’t here yet, but someday it’ll be on your finger.”
Alicia’s ears buzzed, as if she had stepped into a different world. What was he trying to say?
Caden bought the ring, but he didn’t let Alicia put it on. Instead, he casually slipped it into his pocket.
Outside the store, Alicia took a breath, steadying herself.
“So, Caden, what’s the plan for today?”
Without missing a beat, Caden shrugged.
“I want to marry you.”
She just stared at him, speechless. After a couple of seconds, Alicia let out a soft scoff.
“Yeah, right. You’re messing with me again, aren’t you?” She folded her arms.
“Not falling for it this time.”
Caden chuckled, clearly amused. He glanced over at the pharmacy across the street and, in a more serious tone, said, “Wait for me in the car. I need to grab some medicine.”
Alicia gave a silent nod.
Sitting alone in the car, she looked down at her hand, replaying the moment of trying on the ring. She whispered softly, “Caden, I’m ready to say ‘I do’ whenever you are.”
Just as the words left her lips, she heard footsteps by the window. Startled, she turned to see Caden already approaching.
Oh no, he got back so fast! Did he hear her?
Alicia quickly covered her mouth, hoping to hide her words.
Caden slipped into the car, looking a bit serious.
“I’ll drop you back at the office. I’ve got something urgent to handle.”
Alicia’s nerves tensed up right away.
“Is it serious?”
Caden sealed his lips tightly.
“I can take care of it.”
That vague answer meant it definitely was.
Alicia tried to get to the point.
“Is it personal or a company thing?”
“The company.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
“Just take care of yourself. I don’t know when I’ll be back, so don’t make me worry while I’m gone.”
Realizing he wasn’t going to say more, Alicia stayed quiet. But as soon as Caden left, she had someone look into what was going on.
After a few hours, all she found out was that Caden had gone overseas. He was headed to Itrubisite, where his company headquarters was located. Since Caden had returned, he hadn’t been involved much with the headquarters, so his sudden trip there had to mean something significant was happening.
Alicia sat in her chair, drowning in worry. Then, she suddenly had an idea and called Hank.
Hank answered, “Ms. Bennett, please don’t ask. Mr. Ward told me not to say anything.”
Alicia replied firmly, “I’m not asking about his company. I just want to know how Yolanda is doing.”
Hank was careful with his words.
“Mr. Ward’s trip has nothing to do with Yolanda.”
“I know it,” Alicia sighed, resting her head in her hand. “But can you at least tell me if the company issue is connected to the Moss family?”
Hank was about to reply when a sudden knock at the door interrupted him. Alicia had to hang up the phone. She let out a soft sigh.
“Come in.”
The secretary walked in and announced, “Ms. Bennett, Mrs. Moss is here to see you.”
Alicia hadn’t expected a visit from Regina. She still carried the elegance and beauty Alicia remembered from their first meeting, although her eyes now showed traces of fatigue.
Alicia prepared a cup of refreshing jasmine tea for her. As the aroma of jasmine filled the air, Regina smiled gently and said, “I wasn’t sure if you would agree to meet with me.”
Alicia shook her head.
“I have no resentment toward you.”
She empathized with Regina. She was aware that Regina had never been part of those problems and, as a mother, faced her own struggles. Alicia also experienced an inexplicable feeling whenever she saw Regina, something that prevented any feelings of dislike.
Regina clutched the teacup, her fingers wrapped tightly around it.
“Ms. Bennett, I understand you can’t forgive Yolanda, but things have gotten out of hand, and I feel compelled to apologize on her behalf.”
Alicia had grown indifferent to apologies. She responded,
“Mrs. Moss, you’re mistaken.”
“It’s Caden who has been hurt the most in all of this, and an apology isn’t just about saying sorry. True reconciliation requires the victim’s forgiveness.”
Regina looked at her, momentarily at a loss. Alicia’s tone wasn’t harsh, but her gaze carried a bit of Caden’s essence-sharp yet fundamentally kind.
Regina realized that Caden hadn’t shared everything with Alicia. She didn’t know about the current conflict between the Moss and Ward families. Dorian had already made his move.
Regina’s distress grew, a deep ache settling in her heart, which intensified upon seeing Alicia. Dorian’s intentions were to protect and cherish Yolanda. Yet, why did the thought of Alicia’s future fill her with such discomfort?
“Ms. Bennett, do you hold deep affection for Caden?”
Alicia was startled by the question. It felt too personal, unsettling her.
“Yes, Mrs. Moss. I love him deeply.”
Regina offered a faint smile.
“I feel a bit embarrassed to admit, but despite your long relationship, I’ve never given you a gift.”
She then pulled something from her bag.
It was a bank card.
Regina placed the card on the table and gently said, “Ms. Bennett, I wish you enduring happiness.”
After a brief pause, she stood up.
“I’ll let you return to your work. I won’t disturb you any further.”
Alicia took the card and stood to follow her.
“Mrs. Moss, this gift should really be for Caden.”
The bank card returned to Regina’s hand, suddenly feeling hot. She wanted to speak, but her attention was drawn to a family photograph on the wall behind Alicia’s desk. The slightly faded photo showed the young Bennett couple with a baby, their expressions filled with love.
Regina gazed at the innocent child. Her thoughts wandered back over twenty years, to the day she gave birth to Yolanda in Warrington. The baby’s cries marked the end of her ordeal, and as the midwife handed over her baby, Regina took one look. That moment inexplicably merged with the baby in the photograph.
Alicia, noticing her focus, asked curiously, “Mrs. Moss, are you familiar with my parents?”
Regina shook her head.
After she left, Alicia remained alone, pondering the information she had just received. Regina’s visit was intended as a reconciliation, but why did it feel so fraught with tension? What was she feeling guilty about?
Alicia thought about Caden, who was currently traveling abroad, and a wave of concern washed over her. However, with him on a plane, she had no way to contact him.
Once Caden’s plane landed, he immediately called Alicia to confirm his safety. Over the phone, Caden simply said, “Take care of yourself, and don’t worry about me.”
Alicia was too overwhelmed with worry to respond.
Meanwhile, the bodyguard who had hurried to meet him said, “Mr. Ward, the car is ready.”
“Shall we go to the hospital?”
Alicia caught this and her eyes flickered. After the call ended, Caden got into the car, his face unreadable.