Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia watched him from the doorway, taking in the familiar scent of his aftershave, a scent that reminded her of his tender kisses. Her heart clenched, and she asked quietly, “Should we call off the engagement party?”
Caden’s hands froze, and the razor nicked his skin, leaving a thin red line. He lowered his eyes, his long lashes casting shadows over the turmoil in his gaze.
“No,” he said, his voice steady.
“The engagement will go on as planned.”
Alicia didn’t respond immediately. After a moment, she asked, “And Yolanda? What will you do about her?”
“I’m not dealing with her,” Caden said, wiping away the blood and applying aftershave with a practiced motion.
“I need her for now.”
Alicia’s hand gripped the doorframe, her slender fingers turning pale.
“So no one can lay a hand on her?” she asked, her voice trembling.
Caden turned his head, his gaze cold and distant.
“Alicia, I need to change my strategy, and that means involving Yolanda. This is too complicated, and I don’t want you caught up in it. I’ll explain everything once it’s over.” He paused, his voice softening.
“For now, please stay out of it.”
Alicia pressed her lips together, staying silent. She avoided his sharp, determined eyes and shifted her gaze to the floor.
Days passed, but Caden did not return. Hank took it upon himself to inform her.
“Mr. Ward has gone abroad to handle urgent business, Ms. Bennett. Please try not to worry.”
Alicia sat on the edge of the bed, holding her iPad. On the screen were paparazzi photos detailing Caden’s itinerary. He wasn’t alone. Yolanda was with him.
Alicia’s voice barely rose above a whisper.
“I understand.” Hank nodded but said nothing more.
Silence swallowed the room whole. Alicia curled up, hugging her knees as she stared blankly out the window into the deepening night. She didn’t know what Caden’s true intentions were. Was he genuinely handling business, or was he choosing to stay close to Yolanda as a way to retaliate?
It didn’t matter. She was too drained to dissect his actions anymore.
A sense of powerlessness washed over her, leaving her exhausted. Minutes passed in stillness before Alicia made up her mind. She picked up her phone and scheduled an appointment with the obstetrician.
Later, the specialist’s voice came through the line, gentle yet probing.
“I’ve just given you the prescription for a month not long ago. What’s changed? Why do you suddenly decide not to keep the baby?”
Alicia remained silent, holding her emotions in check. Sensing her resignation, the specialist gently offered, “It’s good you’re ready to release these burdens. You’re still young. Once you’re healed, having another child shouldn’t be an issue.”
Alicia sat nearby, watching as the specialist filled out the paperwork. A weight pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. For the first time, she had felt the profound joy of becoming a mother, of creating a life with the man she loved. She had held onto that joy for just a few days, and now, she had to let it go.
After a long pause, Alicia spoke up.
“Could I listen to the baby’s heartbeat one more time?”
The steady, rhythmic thump filled the room. Alicia listened closely, a soft smile crossing her face. In her mind’s eye, she could almost see a chubby little child reaching out for her, with features that echoed both her and Caden. Blinking back tears, she returned to reality, seeing the scene before her. It was time to make a decision.
Alicia removed the fetal heart monitor and, with a heavy heart, said, “Please go ahead and schedule the procedure.” The specialist nodded.
“I understand you want this kept private, and I’ll handle it myself. My schedule is tight, though, so it may take about a month.”
Alicia nodded.
“Alright.”
Meanwhile, in Terriland, Caden had just stepped off the plane when he spotted Marlon, who was waiting for him, surrounded by his men. With his close-cropped hair, bulging tattooed arms, and…
A cigar clamped between his teeth, Marlon looked like he’d stepped out of the grittiest parts of the city. Caden, in his sharp suit, radiated sophistication and poise. Though their appearances clashed, he didn’t look any less formidable.
With a polite, unreadable smile, Caden remarked, “You’ve done your homework. I’m impressed.”
Nearby, Yolanda sent Marlon a subtle warning look. Marlon caught on, flashing a grin full of sharp teeth as he joked with Caden, “For someone of your stature, Mr. Ward, I wouldn’t dare be anything but thorough. Now, let’s get you settled. The restaurant’s booked, and we’ll drink until dawn.”
Caden walked on, his expression unreadable. Feigning surprise, Marlon glanced at Yolanda and teased, “Mr. Ward, already changing companions, are we?” Caden gave a slight smile.
“Why stick to one outfit? You wear what suits you.”
Yolanda’s eyes lit up. It was the first time Caden had shown any warmth toward her. Though subtle, it was enough to delight her.
Marlon chuckled, “Miss Moss is even prettier than the last one.” Caden’s eyes narrowed as he gave Marlon a sharp look. Realizing his slip, Marlon quickly covered, laughing, “I misspoke, Mr. Ward. They’re both beautiful. You have good taste.”
Caden only offered a faint, indifferent smile.
Once they sat, Marlon greeted the restaurant manager, ensuring the reception was grand. As Caden stared at his wine glass, his thoughts drifted.
Since he’d been away, he hadn’t contacted Alicia. Days passed in busy distraction, but as sleep eluded him at night, he missed her intensely, scrolling through her photos endlessly. Her words lingered in his mind: “Should we call off the engagement party?” Could she really be thinking that? The thought tortured him, filling him with regret, resentment, and guilt. But no matter what happened, he knew he couldn’t let her go. She was his, and she always would be.
“Caden?” Yolanda’s voice interrupted, excitement clear in her tone.
“What are you looking at?”
Caden withdrew his gaze and asked, “Do you know Marlon?”
Yolanda’s eyes shifted slightly.
“I’ve heard Corey mention him,” she said carefully.
“But I don’t personally know a thug like that.”
Caden had invited Yolanda to join him on this trip to Terriland, and she had accepted eagerly without questioning why. Now, for the first time, she wondered aloud, “Caden, are you disappointed in Alicia? Is that why you’re finally open to… considering me?”
Caden chuckled softly, his laughter effortless, his charm in full effect. Yolanda watched him, captivated, oblivious to the hint of disdain in his eyes.
Caden had never looked down on Yolanda so much before. He had once thought highly of her, simply as Dorian’s daughter. But as she lowered herself to be a home-wrecker, he turned a blind eye. And now, she was still letting emotions cloud her judgment. She actually thought that he invited her because he was disappointed in Alicia and was now interested in her.
Caden hadn’t expected those words from the Moss family’s heiress. If it had been Alicia in her place, no matter how dire the situation, she would never ask such a thing. Thinking of Alicia brought a wave of longing, and he sighed quietly. He found Yolanda laughable, but wasn’t he just as trapped by his emotions?
Just then, Marlon returned, pouring Caden a drink. They drank heavily, both soon tipsy. But Caden kept his composure, speaking little, leaving it unclear whether or not he was drunk.
Marlon’s gaze turned hazy as he handed Caden a cigarette.
“Mr. Ward, what brings you here?”
Caden held a cigarette between his fingers but refrained from lighting it. His tone was cold.
“Now that you’ve aligned yourself with Dorian, how could I rely on you?”
Marlon hesitated, a shadow briefly crossing his face. They were all plain-spoken people; there was no room for deceit or evasion.
Marlon responded honestly, “Mr. Ward, you’re clever, but you’ve got the wrong guy. I’ve always been with Corey. As for Dorian, I wouldn’t dare provoke him.”
Caden gave a mocking smile.
Marlon inhaled from his cigarette.
“Mr. Ward, considering the substantial sum you’ve paid me in the past, I owe you my services. Whatever task you have, consider me ready to assist.”
Caden took a sip of his drink.
“How long have you been affiliated with Corey?”
“We’ve endured hardships together.”
“That figures. With someone like you as his main man, who wouldn’t he dare confront?”
Marlon joked, “I’ve heard you never resort to killing, Mr. Ward. That’s unfortunate. In this line of business, being too merciful can be costly.”
Caden asked, “So, could I borrow a few of your men for some practice?”
Marlon’s expression darkened. Was Caden suggesting harming his men? Wasn’t that an insult?
“Mr. Ward, you certainly have a sense of humor,” Marlon said, clinking glasses with him.
Caden kept his response vague. Marlon was known for his brutality and wasn’t easy to manipulate. Caden, however, had a strong presence that showed he was no ordinary man.
Eager to impress, Marlon said, “Mr. Ward, I have some advice for you. Stay away from Alicia. She will eventually be with Mr. Hampton. Let her go now to save yourself some trouble.”
Caden lifted an eyebrow, casually asking, “Corey’s woman? Is that so?”
Marlon chose not to disclose more.
“She’s just a woman. Why place such value on her? Miss Moss has everything you desire. Isn’t she a far better option than Alicia?”
An associate nearby, enjoying a drink, laughed.
“Mr. Ward, I saw the news. Your marriage proposal was quite the event.”
Caden gave a sly smirk.
The subordinate, his eyes red from drinking, said without restraint, “I’ve never seen anyone from a wealthy family like you express love so openly.”
“I was curious about the woman who caught your eye, so I looked her up, and wow, she’s a real gem!”
Caden leaned back, his face expressionless, as he observed the drunken subordinate. The man, caught up in his daydream, wore a suggestive grin.