Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Yolanda’s eyes flashed with disdain. She shook off her mother’s grip.
“Don’t touch me!”
Regina’s voice sharpened. “Yolanda, know your place. Caden helped you out of obligation, nothing more. You’re not even his friend now, so what right do you have to make a scene?”
Yolanda’s patience snapped. “And what right do you have to lecture me?”
Regina’s composure faltered for a moment. “I’m your mother, Yolanda.”
Yolanda’s expression twisted with bitterness. “You think you deserve that title? A real mother wouldn’t side with others to humiliate her own daughter!”
The tension crackled through the air.
Caden’s brow furrowed as he tossed the crumpled tissue aside. “I need to check on them,” he said, moving toward the commotion.
Alicia stayed quiet. She remained where she was, waiting.
As Caden neared, he observed Yolanda strike Regina hard in the chest with her elbow. Regina winced in pain, releasing her hold.
Yolanda, poised to throw more insults, noticed Caden approaching and quickly composed herself, exclaiming, “I didn’t mean to!”
Caden had a clear view of the incident. Yolanda had intentionally hit her mother, displaying unexpected viciousness.
Feeling panicked, Yolanda realized that her act of innocence had fallen apart. Understanding that she needed to back away, she decided that making a quick escape was her best option. She started to move away quietly.
Regina’s face paled as she softly released Caden. “Thank you, Caden. I’ll manage,” she whispered.
Caden frowned slightly. “Let’s go to the hospital to get you checked out.”
Regina shook her head. “Your girlfriend is waiting for you.”
By then, Alicia had approached. She had seen what had happened. Knowing the sensitivity of the area Regina had been hit, Alicia could tell she was in significant pain.
“I’ll take Mrs. Moss to the hospital,” Alicia said calmly, not looking at Caden.
“The police are at the store.”
“They need your statement.”
Caden was about to clarify the earlier situation but chose not to elaborate in Regina’s presence to avoid causing her distress. He simply nodded.
He intended to ask Alicia to call him if she needed anything, but she had already escorted Regina away. He swallowed hard, his face etched with concern.
Alicia’s offer to help was more about avoiding being near Caden than assisting. They loved each other too deeply to let misunderstandings linger. Even though Alicia knew there was nothing between Caden and Yolanda, she couldn’t shake off her irritation.
When upset, it was better for them to take some time apart to prevent any arguments from worsening. Yet, Caden still showed up.
After sorting out his affairs, he arrived at the hospital, his appearance scarred by traces of blood, which unsettled Alicia.
“Where’s Mrs. Moss?” he asked casually.
“She has a bruise on her chest. The doctor is treating it to help with circulation,” Alicia answered.
“Alright.” Caden took a seat next to her as if it were the most natural thing to do.
Alicia pulled a ring from her pocket and handed it to Caden.
“I found it. Here you go.”
Caden’s expression darkened. He was torn between praising her and criticizing her. His frustration was noticeable.
“Why return it? Wasn’t it intended for you?” Caden was in a bad mood, and his tone was harsh.
“You took a joke to heart. Is it enjoyable to be so stubborn?”
Alicia hesitated, her throat tight with discomfort.
She was not one to back down, and Caden’s harshness only made her more resolute.
“Yes, I am stubborn. I prefer clarity.”
Even though she was angry, she made sure not to drop the ring. She opened Caden’s hand and placed the ring in it.
“Caden, I didn’t accept your proposal, and I won’t take such a casual one. Keep it and don’t offer it again!”
Caden grasped her hand, too exhausted to argue.
“Alright, let’s not make a scene.”
He then tossed the ring into a trash bin decisively.
“I’ll find a better one.”
Seeing Caden’s resolute action, Alicia felt her breath catch, and a surge of sadness overwhelmed her.
Did she desire a more extravagant ring? If she valued material things, why had she held onto that modest diamond so dearly?
Her distress stemmed from Caden’s lack of seriousness about their engagement. It was obvious that he was at fault, yet he made no effort to comfort her. Was his ego really that significant?
Alicia could no longer contain her frustration. She pulled her hand back forcefully.
“I’m leaving. You can take Mrs. Moss home.”
Caden rose with a serious expression.
“Alicia.”
Just then, the door to the treatment room swung open, and Regina appeared.
Both tried to hide their feelings, but Regina sensed the tension.
“What’s wrong with you two?” Regina asked with concern. “Is this about Yolanda?”
Alicia turned away. “No, I’m leaving.”
Regina attempted to explain. “Ms. Bennett, I learned today that the store is owned by Caden. He was merely assisting Yolanda to avoid any issues. Please, don’t take it to heart.”
Alicia hesitated, but then she heard Caden’s harsh words. “Why are you explaining this? You’re just spoiling her.”
A restlessness of feelings welled up in Alicia, but she did not turn back and walked away swiftly.
Regina sighed and said, “Caden, why are you arguing with-“
Caden clenched his jaw. He too felt that this minor disagreement wasn’t worth the fight, but Alicia’s distant behavior left him no chance to clarify. Additionally, it was evident that she was troubled by Yolanda. He couldn’t understand why. Hadn’t he made his feelings and intentions clear? He was not so careless as to leave any ambiguity regarding Yolanda.
“I’ll drive you home,” Caden offered. “Mrs. Moss, there’s something important I need to discuss with you.”
Regina responded, “You can tell me here. Afterward, you should go look for Alicia. She shouldn’t be out there by herself.”
Caden felt a pang in his heart.
He said, “Alicia and I are planning to get engaged in November. Please make sure you’re available to represent the Moss family at our engagement party.”
Regina was taken aback for a moment. She understood Caden’s underlying motive. Despite his fallout with Dorian, maintaining ties was important. Her presence at the engagement would suffice for the entire Moss family.
“Congratulations, Caden. I’ll certainly attend,” Regina said. “Do you have a specific date in mind for the engagement?”
“Yes, it’s set for November 23rd, which is also Alicia’s birthday.”
Regina’s face stiffened. Alicia and Yolanda were born on the same day?
After Caden left, Regina remained standing for quite some time. Her mind was in chaos, struggling to process all the information at once. The unusual emotions she felt towards Alicia, the baby picture she had stumbled upon…
Suddenly, an absurd idea formed in Regina’s mind. Once the idea took hold, it was impossible to dismiss. She needed to verify it immediately.
Since she was already at the hospital, Regina decisively made her way to Yolanda’s room. She managed to discreetly collect a few strands of Yolanda’s hair, secured them in a package, and exited the room.
Yolanda’s eyes followed Regina as she left. When Regina had entered earlier, Yolanda had pretended to be asleep, preferring to avoid interaction. But with Regina now gone, Yolanda’s expression contorted into one of scorn.
Such hypocrisy really disgusted her. Yolanda sat up, her frustration and jealousy towards Alicia intensifying with the day’s events. Why did everyone seem to interfere with her life? She had met Caden first, after all!
Yolanda was uncertain whether her feelings for Caden were born of love, possessiveness, or something more perverse. What she did know was her current objective: to separate them, destroy Alicia, and claim Caden for herself. That was her sole focus at the moment.
She picked up her phone and dialed Corey. “Why aren’t you here yet?”
She had previously assigned Corey to retrieve something crucial, and now that he had it, she was eager to proceed.
Corey responded coldly, “I’m already at the hospital. What’s the rush? Even if I hand it over now, can you use it right away?”
“That’s not your concern. Just quit the nonsense!” Yolanda snapped back.
As Corey ended the call, the elevator doors opened on the seventh floor. He looked outside and spotted Regina walking nearby. His eyes narrowed, recognizing that this floor was dedicated to tests and research. This observation put Corey on high alert.
As the elevator doors began to close, he blocked his hand between them and stepped out. He discreetly followed Regina.
Regina knew people here. She combined her and Yolanda’s hair samples and handed them to a familiar face at the testing laboratory.
“Please, get me the results quickly and keep this between us,” Regina said.
The laboratory staff nodded. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Moss.”
After delivering her instructions, Regina left quietly.