Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden observed her, feeling a surge of warmth, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly as he swallowed dryly.
Alicia caught his reflection in the mirror. Caden gazed into her bright, dark eyes, unable to tell if it was desire or his heart that was overflowing.
When Alicia emerged from the bathroom, she wore her robe again, concealing everything securely.
Caden reclined against the headboard, casually browsing a hotel magazine, with a blanket draped over his waist to cover his excitement.
Alicia cleared her throat, pretending to be calm.
“Aren’t you supposed to be tired? Why are you still awake?”
Caden couldn’t bring himself to sleep. He had no real interest in the magazine before him; his thoughts were occupied with visions far too vivid for any public display.
“I’ll read for a little while before I sleep,” he said sincerely.
“It’s still early, I’m not sleepy yet.”
Alicia replied with an “oh,” lifted the blanket, and settled down next to him.
Caden stole a glance at her.
“Aren’t you going to remove the robe before sleeping?” Alicia’s face blushed deeply. She looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed.
“I don’t like sleeping without clothes in hotels.”
With a thoughtful expression, Caden suggested, “There’s a cotton T-shirt available.”
“I’m not in the mood to change. I’ll just sleep like this,” Alicia said.
She then glanced at his bare chest.
“You’re sleeping in just that?”
Caden’s voice had a husky edge.
“Yeah. It’s warm tonight.”
As he spoke, Alicia sensed he was feeling unsettled. She hesitated, wondering what had changed his mood so suddenly. Yet, Caden appeared deeply engrossed in his reading, as if his mind were free from distractions.
Driven by curiosity, Alicia lifted the blanket slightly to sneak a peek. Indeed, there was a noticeable bump.
Alicia blurted out, “What’s going on?”
Caden stayed still, his face unchanging.
“Not sure. It’s been rebellious lately, doesn’t really listen to me.”
Alicia wasn’t buying his explanation.
“What were you up to while I was in the bathroom?”
Caden’s eyes remained fixed on the magazine.
“Nothing, really.”
And that was actually the truth.
Noticing his apparent interest in the magazine, Alicia became suspicious and leaned over for a better look.
“What exactly are you reading?”
Caden answered instantly, “Just some financial news.”
Alicia flipped the page. Next to a black sports car stood a sexy female model dressed in revealing clothes.
Caden coughed awkwardly.
“Damn! Was that on the second page?”
How could he have known?
Alicia sat up with her arms crossed, her expression serious, like that of a strict judge.
“Is this what your financial news looks like?”
Caden found himself speechless.
Alicia, teasing him, said, “Her breasts are quite large. You must like that.”
For once, Caden was utterly at a loss for words. His entire distraction had been because of Alicia, and he had just been reading the magazine to go along with her.
Who could have anticipated it would turn out this way?
Caden threw the magazine into the drawer.
“I’ll stop reading now.”
Alicia smirked sarcastically.
“Mr. Ward, feeling guilty? Go ahead, keep reading. I’m not upset. Who doesn’t appreciate beauty?”
With that, she turned to leave the bed.
Caden grasped her wrist, pulled her back, and pinned her beneath him. Alicia felt a sharp pain in her abdomen from his presence, which only fueled her anger.
“You got turned on just from looking at a picture? So I ruined your fun, huh?” Caden exhaled.
“I didn’t even notice it. You’re the reason.”
Alicia was skeptical of his explanation, struggling as she said, “How am I the reason? You even lied to me, claiming it was financial news. If you weren’t guilty, why would you lie?”
Caden knew better than to tease her further. Holding her down, he nodded toward the bathroom door.
“Look over there.”
The transparency feature on the bathroom door had not been disabled, and Alicia could clearly see inside. She instantly relaxed.
Caden added, “You were putting on quite a performance in there. I saw everything.”
Alicia’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red.
“You… You…”
Realizing she wasn’t angry anymore, Caden couldn’t wait any longer. He pulled her under the covers.
“Come on, sweetheart. Take off the robe and let me see.”
Several condoms had been utilized. Alicia lay there for a moment, catching her breath. The sound of Caden tearing open the foil wrapper echoed, accelerating her heartbeat. His warm body enveloped hers as he entwined their fingers.
She noticed a cool sensation on her finger and, dazed, saw a ring on her ring finger. It was the same ring they had casually selected at the mall earlier that day.
As Caden kissed her cheek, neck, and shoulder, she stared at the ring.
“Alicia, will you marry me?” he whispered, his voice husky and alluring.
It all felt like a dream to Alicia. Tears filled her eyes.
“What?” she responded, puzzled.
Caden’s kiss landed on her lips, his proposal a soft murmur.
“Marry me. Be my wife.”
Her heart throbbed loudly. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she exclaimed, “Are you crazy? Why now?”
She doubted the sincerity of words spoken in such a moment, particularly since he was still so intimately close. Yet Caden seemed unbothered.
“Why not now? My love for you is strongest in this moment.”
He felt like he could remain in her embrace forever, his love too great for words.
Alicia, overwhelmed with frustration, felt like striking him.
“No!” she rejected sharply.
She was not one to be swayed easily.
“Propose properly, not like this.” But Caden persisted. He had created his own proposal plan, a grand and dazzling event. However, at that moment, he desired her acceptance. He felt the need for a dramatic gesture to prove their love.
“Say yes,” he urged, his voice authoritative, his demeanor allowing no room for denial.
Alicia bit her lip, clutching his arm firmly, her head shaking in resistance.
Caden’s expression turned to a frown.
“Alicia, say yes. Come on.”
Alicia responded with a soft, “No…”
Caden paused, then playfully wrapped a tie around her ankle. Her legs remained encircled around his waist, his actions effectively immobilizing her.
Fear and confusion overtook Alicia.