Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Corey’s eyes narrowed, and his voice turned cold.
“He still has another son and a wife, doesn’t he? As long as there’s someone left, he’ll cling to hope.”
Fear had a way of cornering people, forcing them to act with desperation. And Corey knew that if Gareth was truly trapped, he would have no choice but to comply.
The subordinate gave a stiff nod.
“Understood. I’ll handle it immediately.”
Corey’s gaze dropped as he lit another cigarette. The smoke curled upward as he exhaled, his expression detached, as if a life filled with hope and love was as trivial as the ashes falling from his cigarette.
He was well aware of the dark path he walked; with so many lives on his conscience, a peaceful end was out of reach.
Gareth’s elder son didn’t have to die, but Corey couldn’t afford to lose. Not now. Waiting was not an option. Survival was paramount.
Back in Warrington, Dorian lay in a dark room, quietly nursing his wounds. The painkillers dulled the ache and sent him into a deep, dreamless sleep.
When he awoke, the first thing he saw was Regina seated by his bedside, a bowl of soup in her hands..
“Regina,” Dorian said with a weary smile.
Her expression was stoic, a mix of lingering resentment and care. Though she hadn’t forgiven him for the past, the sight of him injured had stirred something in her.
“Have this,” Regina said, placing the bowl beside him, the steam curling in delicate tendrils.
Dorian sat up slowly, wincing as pain shot through his side. He forced a reassuring smile.
“It’s just a scratch. Nothing serious.”
Regina’s eyes darkened.
“I checked your wound. It was millimeters from your heart. Whoever did this didn’t want to kill you; they wanted to send a message. Was it Caden?”
Dorian lowered his gaze and took a sip of the soup.
“Yeah.”
Regina’s eyes hardened.
“Was it you who attacked Gareth?”
“No,” Dorian replied, his voice steady.
“I had someone else do it. I told Corey to handle it.”
Regina’s expression turned icy.
“Corey? The same man who’s trafficked people in Terriland? And you still chose to work with him? Dorian, have you lost your mind?”
“What he’s done in the past isn’t my concern. I only hired him for this job, and he got it done,” Dorian said, finishing the last of his soup.
“Regina, you know me. If Gareth hadn’t deserved it, I wouldn’t have taken action.”
Regina stared at him, disbelief etched across her face.
He seemed truly unhinged.
“You’re gambling with people’s lives and expect me to admire you for it? Do you think I don’t see through your schemes? You’re testing Caden, trying to see if he’ll falter in his decision to marry Alicia.”
Dorian pressed his lips together, a silent acknowledgment of her accusation.
Regina’s chest rose and fell with anger, watching him drown deeper in his dangerous plots. She felt helpless, unable to pull him back from the brink.
“You’re doing all of this for Yolanda, but have you ever considered what happens when you cross the line? What if the law catches up with you?”
Dorian’s expression remained confident.
“I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“Don’t worry.”
Regina’s lips curled into a bitter smile.
“Oh, Dorian, you never cease to amaze me. It’s no wonder I married you in the first place.”
Dorian’s voice softened.
“Regina, this is Yolanda’s only wish. I have to make it happen for her.”
Regina’s expression wavered. She recalled her recent encounter with Alicia and the family photo that had left an indelible mark on her mind. It had driven her to dig deeper into Alicia’s background, only to discover that Alicia, too, had been born in Warrington’s most prestigious maternity hospital.
A sudden wave of sadness swept over her.
“Have you thought about what will happen to Alicia?”
Dorian’s response was quick and dismissive.
“Why should I care about anyone else?”
Regina narrowed her eyes, frustration rising.
“Alicia lost her parents young and grew up alone. She’s already had enough struggles – she even fell out with the Yates family. Without Caden, anyone could have taken advantage of her. And now, you’re forcing Caden and Yolanda together. But what about Alicia? She and Caden truly love each other. Forcing them apart is cruel – it’s worse than death.”
Dorian’s gaze shifted, a flicker of doubt crossing his face before he masked it.
“Alicia is smart, resilient. Yolanda could never match her in that regard. I’m confident she’ll move on after Caden is gone.”
Regina’s heart sank at his unyielding tone. She shook her head slowly, feeling a numbness seep through her.
“I need some air,” she said, rising from her chair.
“You rest.”
Regina walked to the living room, her mind heavy with turmoil. She stood before the liquor cabinet, staring at the bottles as if they might offer solace. But she knew she couldn’t give in – she was allergic to alcohol.
The family photo haunted her thoughts. Alicia, eyes shut as an infant, had looked strikingly like Yolanda at birth. The resemblance was uncanny, and it twisted something deep inside her.
Tears pricked her eyes as the memory clawed at her heart.
After returning home, Caden lay down on the sofa to take a nap. His dreams were vivid, and Alicia was at the center, but not as her usual composed self. This Alicia was bold and passionate, holding onto him with unrestrained fervor. He felt as if his body was aflame.
The sudden chime of the doorbell jolted him back to reality. He opened his eyes, disoriented, and found himself sprawled on the sofa, fists unclenched and his skin damp with cold sweat.
“Where’s Caden?” a familiar voice called from the doorway.
Caden turned his head and saw Gerry standing there. Alicia had opened the door and now pointed in his direction.
“He’s right here.”
Caden took a deep breath to steady himself, grabbing a cushion to subtly cover his embarrassment.
Gerry walked over, concern etched across his face.
“Are you alright? I heard from my brother that you left for an urgent matter abroad. What happened?”
Still feeling the residue of sleep and sweat clinging to him, Caden responded casually, “It’s nothing serious. Have a seat. I need to shower.”
Gerry’s brow furrowed.
“A shower? This early?”
Alicia, watching from the side, also looked puzzled. Ever since Caden had come back, he seemed distracted and distant. It was midday. Why was there a sudden need for a shower?
Caden washed quickly and stepped out, surprised to find Alicia waiting with a set of fresh clothes. He took them, his expression softening slightly.
“Why the fuss?” he muttered.
Alicia studied his face, a flicker of concern in her eyes.
“Is this still about Gareth?”
Caden paused, realizing her misunderstanding. A strange, unidentifiable warmth stirred in his chest.
“No, it’s not that. I just had a dream,” he said, a hint of a smile breaking through.
Alicia’s eyes widened.
“A dream?”
But why did he look so troubled over a simple dream?
Caden’s expression darkened, though a playful glint lingered in his eyes.
“Have you ever dreamed about me?” he asked.
Alicia’s cheeks flushed a deep red. She shook her head quickly, eyes avoiding his.
“No. Never.”
Caden smirked knowingly.
“Was I everything you wanted in the dream?” he murmured.