Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Gareth? Last time, when Caden was abroad, to save Gareth, he donated so much blood that he nearly died. And here he was, betraying Caden?”
Regina’s voice was calm.
“That’s how society works. When something better comes along, past favors lose their value.”
Alicia let out a bitter laugh.
She felt sorry for Caden but quickly accepted the harsh truth.
“Did Gareth side with Dorian?”
Regina looked surprised.
“No,” she replied.
She wasn’t defending her husband; her answer was true.
After a quiet pause, she added, “Ms. Bennett, I’m telling you this because I can’t help Caden with what he’s up against. Only you might be able to.”
Alicia was puzzled.
“What do you mean?”
Regina seemed to struggle, her voice low and choked.
“While Gareth’s betrayal isn’t linked to Dorian, he’s not innocent either. With Corey pulling strings, Caden might lose everything if he doesn’t stop this now.”
Alicia felt like she’d been struck.
Her spoon slipped from her hand, clattering on the plate.
Regina’s voice softened.
“Ms. Bennett, all of this happened because of Yolanda. I’m so sorry.”
Alicia was completely at a loss.
“Is Dorian pushing for Caden to marry Yolanda? Would he call it off if they did?”
Regina nodded slowly.
“I’ve tried, but I can’t sway him. He values Yolanda more than his own life. Her love for Caden is overwhelming.”
Alicia cut in, her voice cold.
“So, you want me to walk away from Caden?”
Regina winced at Alicia’s stricken face.
“Yes.”
Something inside Alicia seemed to shatter.
She knew how absurd and ruthless this world was – especially at the top, where ambition reigned supreme.
That was why she’d gone into business, to carve out her place.
Caden was strong, but there were always more formidable players, and this world was filled with people eager to take advantage.
But Alicia clung to a thin thread of hope.
“Caden won’t go down that easily.”
Regina’s gaze softened in disagreement.
“He’s young, his foundation shaky. That’s his greatest vulnerability. He’s ambitious but too kind-hearted to fight fire with fire. Corey has much more ruthless experience. Dorian uses him to get things done, no matter how dark. Gareth’s elder son was tortured and killed by Corey’s men.”
Alicia’s breath suddenly became sharp.
“Could Caden do something like that?”
Regina asked.
Alicia shook her head firmly.
No way.
Regina’s tone was analytical.
“Maybe he could in a few years. But right now, he can’t tackle what he’s up against. Even if he holds his own against Dorian to stay with you, it’ll take everything he has.”
A chill ran through Alicia.
A sad smile played on her lips.
“So, you’re saying I have to leave him? Is that really the only way?”
Regina sighed.
“I’m not sure if it’s the only way, but I can say it’s the best option for both of you.”
Alicia fought the ache in her heart.
“Caden just proposed yesterday, and now you’re asking me to let him go?”
Regina’s expression wavered.
“I’m only making a suggestion. How you choose to go forward is up to you. Maybe Caden loves you enough to fight for you.”
Alicia was at a loss for words, emotionally drained, her mind spinning as if her very soul had been emptied.
Before leaving, Regina added one last thing.
“When Gareth betrayed him, Caden already sensed something was wrong.”
Alicia looked up slowly, her gaze hollow.
“Then why didn’t he do anything about it?”
“If he’d tried, it would have caused an internal war. Instead, he proposed to you first, even knowing the risks.”
Ultimately, Dorian and Corey seized the moment, leading to this irreversible crisis.
After Regina left, Alicia sat alone.
The caf? was warm, yet she felt chilled to the bone.
Her whole world had swung from joy to despair in a single night.
Suddenly, her phone rang, grounding her.
It was the hospital.
“Hello. Is this Alicia Bennett? We have your blood test results. Congratulations – you are pregnant.”
Alicia had scheduled a private consultation with a specialist to get a detailed diagnosis.
When the test results were available, the specialist would be the first to examine them.
The doctor called to ensure Alicia wouldn’t forget.
The news shocked Alicia so profoundly that it felt as if her spirit had detached from her body.
She couldn’t even recall how she arrived at the hospital.
Over the phone, the specialist congratulated her, but her face was somber and serious when they met in person.
Alicia felt a nagging unease deep inside.
“Doctor, could I be pregnant?” she inquired.
The specialist passed her the report.
“You are pregnant, Alicia, but the HCG levels are alarmingly low. We should conduct additional tests to determine if it’s an ectopic pregnancy.”
A shiver ran through Alicia’s body.
An ectopic pregnancy?
She had always been aware of her frail health, which complicated the possibility of conception, and the likelihood of carrying a pregnancy to term was slim.
She and Caden had taken careful measures to prevent pregnancy.
Except once.
Just that single time in the car…
How could this have happened?
Holding the report firmly, Alicia said, “I’ll take your advice.”
She endured the follow-up tests by herself.