Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia ended the call and transferred three thousand as a test.
Moments later, her phone chimed. He had sent a video clip.
Her heart pounded as she watched it – dark, grainy footage, but unmistakable. It showed shadows of her and Blake.
It was real. A chill ran down her spine.
She transferred the remaining amount, sealing the deal.
The man was giddy with excitement, and the rest of their negotiation went smoothly. Three hundred thousand for the full video – it was done.
He sent her the details for the transaction, and Alicia opened her contacts, instinctively searching for Caden’s number.
Her hand froze mid-action, remembering their fallout.
She pulled back, startled by her own reflex.
Alicia took a shaky breath, stunned by how automatic it had been to reach for him.
Old habits were powerful, moving her fingers before she could think.
Before she could dwell on it, her phone buzzed again.
Blake’s name flashed on the screen.
She swiped to answer, and his voice came through, tense and urgent.
“Alicia, I found the person.”
Alicia’s breath caught for a moment.
“Who?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Blake took a deep breath.
“You were right. Someone did take that video from that night.”
“It was a security guard from the surveillance room. He quit right after making a copy and didn’t even ask for severance. Just now, he called me demanding three hundred thousand.”
Alicia’s expression hardened.
“He contacted me, too. Said the exact same thing.”
“Does he really have the video?” Blake’s tone was tense.
“Yes, he does.”
“Then let me handle it,” Blake said firmly.
“It’s too risky for you to deal with this alone. Don’t worry; six hundred thousand isn’t an issue. I’ll get the video and bring it to Caden myself.”
Alicia forced a small, strained smile.
“That won’t be necessary, Blake. Just give it to me.”
The whispers and judgment from others no longer mattered to her. What she cared about most was Caden’s view of her. But now, even that seemed distant. The real battle was within herself – conquering her own doubts and fears.
After the call ended, Alicia didn’t move. She leaned against the wall, staring into space, until a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.
“Ms. Bennett,” the doctor called gently.
Alicia looked up, forcing a smile.
“Yes?”
The doctor approached, her expression kind.
“A few patients have canceled their surgeries, so I’ve moved your procedure up.”
“It’s in ten days. Do you want to go ahead with it?”
A sharp ache filled Alicia’s chest. She hesitated for only a moment before making her decision.
“Yes, the sooner the better.”
The doctor nodded and extended a delicate bracelet.
“Were you looking for this earlier?”
Alicia’s eyes softened as she took the golden bracelet, its gemstones gleaming brightly. It felt almost new.
“Yes,” she said, her voice quieter.
“Where did you find it?”
“You took it off during your check-up and left it on the table,” the doctor explained with a smile.
“It was under my papers, and I only just noticed it. You always take it off when you come in, saying you don’t want the gel to get on it.”
Alicia’s smile turned bittersweet as she slipped the bracelet into her pocket.
“Thank you.”
With a quiet nod to the doctor, she turned and walked away.
Alicia returned to the gallery and worked tirelessly until nightfall, only to be interrupted by a call from Blake. He sounded frustrated.
“I waited for hours, but he never showed up. Then he messaged me, saying he needed to think it over. Is he stalling to drive up the price?”
Alicia had expected this.
“If he pulls another stunt like this, I’ll involve the police. There’s nothing incriminating in that video, so I’m not afraid if it goes public.”
Blake hesitated.
“But…” He shifted uncomfortably.
“It’s not great for me either.”
“The video shows me…” If that video went public, it would be humiliating.
Alicia’s eyes softened with understanding.
“Then take a few capable guys with you next time. If he tries to back out again, use force if needed. What do you think?”
Blake considered her suggestion.
“That could work. I’ll wait for updates.”
“Alright. Thank you for your help, Blake,” Alicia said, putting a sense of finality into her voice.
Hanging up, she opened a food delivery app, absently scrolling through dinner options. As she debated between dishes, a soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
The door opened slightly, and her assistant’s hesitant voice called, “Ms. Bennett, may I have a moment? There’s a document that needs your signature.”
Not picking up on the unusual tone, Alicia responded casually, “Come in.”
There was a moment of silence. Then, instead of her assistant, a tall figure stepped into the room.
Alicia couldn’t focus on food, scrolling through delivery apps without really seeing anything, so she simply put her phone down.
Her elbow accidentally knocked over a bottle of medicine on the table, sending it rolling across the floor. Alicia got up to grab it but stopped when she saw a pair of polished shoes catch it.
She looked up and realized it was Caden.
Quickly, she snatched the bottle and hid it behind her back, giving him a guarded look.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
Caden wasn’t thrown off by any of her reactions. After they had gone their separate ways that day, he figured it was pure luck she even stayed in Warrington. Her glare didn’t bother him in the slightest.
Caden’s look was tough to read, carrying a hint of defeat, but his words were blunt as ever.
“I threatened your assistant.”
Alicia turned away without a word and locked the medicine bottle in a drawer.
Caden stepped closer, asking, “Are you sick?”
She stepped aside, keeping her tone cold.
“My personal matters aren’t your concern, Mr. Ward. We have no business here, so I’ll get back to work. Please see yourself out.”
Caden watched her in silence. The way she called him Mr. Ward used to be playful, but now it was just empty, as if she wanted to cut all ties with him.
Not bothering with her words, Caden walked over to her desk, his tall figure blocking her and leaving her no space to move.
“The engagement party is in twenty days, and the dress still isn’t ready. I’ve got a draft ready. Want to pick?”
Alicia thought the whole thing was pointless.
“What’s the point of an engagement now?” she said quietly, her voice cold.