Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia’s breath caught in her throat.
His words, delivered so smoothly, seemed harmless at first, but the implication beneath them made her skin prickle.
Before she could respond, Gerry, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, laughed. “Why just show Alicia? I want to see, too!”
Caden’s gaze flicked over to Gerry, and a slow, almost teasing smile tugged at his lips. “If you insist.”
Alicia blinked, momentarily speechless.
He couldn’t shake the traumatizing image his words had planted in her mind.
The joke, however, flew right over Gerry’s head. Grinning, he noticed the two bags Alicia had brought with her, piquing his curiosity. “What did you buy?”
Alicia took a steadying breath and handed him one of the bags.
“This is for you, Mr. Hopkins. Just a small token of thanks for your help. I hope you like it.”
Gerry eagerly opened the bag, his eyes lighting up at the sight of a designer gift set tailored for men. Nestled beside it were several elegantly packaged scented candles.
He pulled one out and gave it an appreciative sniff, a contented smile crossing his face. “This smells great. What brand is it?”
Alicia smiled softly, pride evident in her voice. “Actually, I made them myself. I know you deal with a lot of stress, so these candles are designed to help with relaxation and sleep. If you like them, I’d be happy to make more.”
Gerry, a man who was used to having everything at his fingertips, was touched by the sincerity of the gesture. It was rare for him to receive something made with such thought.
He nodded in appreciation and carefully tucked the candle back into the bag.
“What’s in the other bag?” Gerry asked curiously.
Alicia’s smile turned playful, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she picked up the second bag and slid it across the table toward Caden.
“Just like you recommended, Mr. Hopkins-Viagra for Mr. Ward.”
Caden’s expression darkened instantly, his playful demeanor vanishing.
Alicia had suspected that Caden was the person Gerry had mentioned. Deciding to act on her hunch, she purchased the Viagra.
When she noticed the stern look on Caden’s face, she suppressed a silent laugh.
This was perfect.
She realized she had chosen the ideal gift.
Maintaining a gentle demeanor, she said, “Knowing you’re particular, Mr. Ward, I made sure to pick the most expensive ones.”
Gerry couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “You’re the only one daring enough to give Caden something like this,” he said.
Alicia blinked and turned her gaze to Caden.
She offered a bright smile. “Perhaps it’s a bit presumptuous, but we’re all quite familiar now. Practical gifts are best, don’t you agree? Do you like it, Mr. Ward?”
Caden’s face remained unreadable.
He stared at her for several seconds. Then, he reached out and took the bag. “I like it. It’s exactly what I need,” he replied.
Alicia’s smile faltered for a moment.
Instead of fearing that Caden might lose his temper, she worried more about his hidden intentions behind a friendly fa?ade.
Who could predict the underhanded tricks he might use in retaliation?
Without hesitation, Caden opened one of the boxes, snapped off two pills, and washed them down with a sip of wine.
Alicia felt a sudden jolt of surprise.
Gerry stared in disbelief. “Seriously, Caden? You’re actually taking those?”
Caden maintained a stoic expression. Wine lingered on his lips, enhancing his dangerous allure.
He swallowed and fixed a sharp gaze on Alicia. “Miss Bennett, you have excellent taste. These go down smoothly.”
A tingling sensation crept over Alicia as he looked at her. Her confidence evaporated, leaving her speechless. Well, it appeared she had gotten herself into serious trouble.
Gerry was incredulous. He grabbed the box and inspected it carefully.
There was no doubt about it. It was definitely Viagra. He couldn’t help but be amazed at Caden’s daring nature. “You’re unbelievable, Caden. The instructions recommend one pill per day, and you just took two at once. Aren’t you afraid you’ll be up all night?”
Caden casually lifted his hand and undid two buttons on his collar.
Alicia’s eyes caught a glimpse of skin revealed beneath his unbuttoned shirt, and she found herself drawn to his well-defined pecs.
She quickly averted her gaze.
She tried to ignore him, but his voice broke through. “Staying up all night might be overstating it, but five or six times isn’t a problem.”
Gerry leaned in with curiosity. “You sound like you know from experience. When was your last time?”
Caden let out a soft chuckle, making sure Alicia heard it. Her heart raced in her chest. She grabbed a bottle without checking its contents and began to pour. Caden noticed what she was doing and spoke slowly. “In a private theater.”
Her hand trembled, nearly causing the contents to spill. Gerry straightened up in surprise. “Wait, was that after you came back to the country?”
“Yes, on the day I returned,” Caden answered.
“Wow, that’s impressive! How many times did it happen?” Gerry asked with curiosity.
Caden paused before responding.
Alicia could sense Caden’s gaze. It felt as if a snake was fixing its eyes on her, coiling around her and poising to strike, but not attempting to attack.
“Five times?” Caden wondered aloud. “Or was it six?” Sweat formed on Alicia’s palms as she lifted the cup towards her lips.
“Alicia!” Caden called out abruptly.
Alicia looked up sharply, her face turning from pale to flushed.
What was he planning now? Was he intending to reveal everything to Gerry?
Caden kept his eyes fixed on her and said casually, “That’s wine you’re about to drink.”
She froze for a moment. Realizing his point, she quickly set the cup down.
Gerry noticed her reaction and asked, “What’s wrong with wine? Can’t you drink it?”
She wiped her sweaty hands on her knees and forced a smile. “I’m allergic to alcohol. I almost forgot.”
“Seriously, how could you forget something like that?” Gerry remarked. “Even Caden remembers.”
A sudden thought occurred to him. “Wait a minute, Caden, how do you know that Alicia is allergic to alcohol?”
Caden wore a slight grin. “There was a time she drank too much and went wild around me.”
Beads of sweat began to form again on her forehead. She had just wiped them away moments earlier.
She wished he would just stop talking.
Gerry zeroed in on his words. “Went wild around you? What exactly did she do?”
Caden prepared to answer, but she quickly cut him off. “I really need some water. I’m feeling very thirsty,” Alicia said urgently.
“I’ll have someone bring you some,” Gerry offered.
However, Alicia couldn’t wait anymore.
She clutched her chest and stood up. “I’ll go get some myself.”
Without waiting for a reply, she hurried out of the room. Gerry looked confused. “Why is she in such a rush for water?”
Caden remained silent but wore a satisfied smile. He appeared to be in high spirits as he opened a bottle of wine.
“How about a drink?” Caden suggested.
Gerry agreed without hesitation.
He loved tasting wine, but his low tolerance meant that after a few glasses, he already felt dizzy.
Caden, on the other hand, remained clear-headed. He occasionally glanced toward the door.
Alicia had intended to leave immediately, but she needed to discuss something with Gerry.
After taking a moment to gather herself, she returned to the private room.
The aroma of wine filled the air.
Gerry had just finished another glass. His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes appeared glazed.
Seeing him in that state, Alicia asked with concern, “Mr. Hopkins, are you feeling alright?”
Gerry wiped his face and said, “Of course I’m fine. I could drink all night and not get drunk.”
He then leaned back, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.
Alicia was left speechless.