Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Grinning, Caden lifted a gift from her car. “Most of the guests have arrived. Will you be keeping grandma company?”
Preferring to avoid a confrontation on such occasions, Alicia simply nodded.
At that moment, another luxury car arrived. As the window lowered, a well-dressed woman and her daughter emerged, calling out cheerily, “Caden!”
His gaze shifted toward them, his expression turning uneasy. It was his aunt, Yvonne Ward. “That’s my aunt. Take Cade inside,” he said.
Alicia noticed the palpable tension and nodded, recognizing the strong aura surrounding the woman. As Alicia started to walk away, Yvonne asked, “Who is this, Caden?”
She approached, her high heels clicking, her eyes scrutinizing Alicia with a critical look.
Yvonne’s demeanor was anything but welcoming. Stepping protectively in front of Alicia, Caden responded with ease, “She’s a friend of mine.”
Yvonne’s laughter held no warmth. “It’s rare to see you with a female friend. You both seemed quite intimate earlier. What’s the relationship?”
Then, Alicia overheard Caden. “We’re not officially together. I’m still trying to win her heart.”
Yvonne had already turned her attention elsewhere when Caden’s remark drew her gaze back to Alicia. The intensity in her eyes deepened.
Caden, who had seldom interacted with Yvonne, discerned her thoughts with surprising clarity. He asked, “What? Do you know her?”
Snapping back to reality, Yvonne forced a smile. “I’ve rarely visited Warrington. How could I know her? I’m just surprised – what type of woman has you chasing after?”
Yvonne believed that Caden was always the one pursued, never the pursuer.
Her words, though polite, carried a hint of deceit; however, Caden’s response was straightforward. “If you don’t know her, don’t stare. It might lead people to misinterpret your intentions.”
Yvonne stiffened momentarily. She knew dealing with Caden, a man distant and disinterested in social interactions, wouldn’t be easy, but his brusqueness, even toward family, took her by surprise.
“Alright, got it,” she replied with a nonchalant smile, remembering her reasons for visiting Warrington. “Since you’re making a name for yourself in the Ward family, I’ll take your advice this time.”
She gently pushed the girl next to her forward.
“Caden, this is my niece, Lucilla.”
Turning to Lucilla Kelly, Yvonne whispered, “Go on, say hello.”
Caden gave Lucilla a brief glance. Overwhelmed and inexperienced, Lucilla blushed under his intense scrutiny and whispered, “Hi, Caden.”
Caden curtly replied, “Let’s go inside.”
Yvonne had more to discuss but chose not to disturb Caden after seeing Alicia. She and Lucilla entered the building.
Once out of earshot, Yvonne’s demeanor changed as she chided Lucilla, “How many times must I say it? Relax and don’t be so tense. Why do you keep making the same mistakes?”
Lucilla stood stiffly, her lips pressed so tightly that they blanched.
“He won’t be interested in me.”
Yvonne’s irritation mounted. “You haven’t even tried to get to know him. How can you say that for sure? Are you trying to make me upset?”
Lucilla lifted her head slightly and countered, “You saw it yourself – he has someone he likes. She’s stunning and graceful. How could I ever compare?”
“I’ve encountered plenty of women like her at parties. Socialites like her are common. Caden has seen enough to grow weary of their type. You’re twenty-one, in the prime of your life – the kind men find irresistible. Use your intelligence, and there’s no man you can’t captivate.”
Lucilla’s face showed reluctance. The thought of how Caden looked at her intimidated her. The idea of getting close to him seemed futile; he likely wouldn’t even engage in conversation with her. Moreover, she couldn’t bear the thought of disrupting someone else’s relationship.
Yvonne, recognizing Lucilla’s hesitation, smiled sardonically, took her hand, and said kindly, “Lucilla, I’m not just steering you toward a luxurious life for your own sake. I’m doing this for your family. Remember, you’re not living solely for yourself now.”
Lucilla’s expression wavered. She nibbled on her lip.
Today marked Ray’s birthday. His elder brother, Blake, was in charge of the celebration. After delivering a brief congratulatory speech on stage, he approached the table where Ciara sat.
Alicia was there too, engaging in light conversation with Ciara.
It had been a while since Blake last saw Alicia. Mixed feelings slowed his approach, but he greeted her politely, “Hey, Alicia.”
Alicia stood, taken aback.
“Mr. Langstaff? Hi.”
Her eyes quickly darted to Blake’s hand. Her look of astonishment was unmistakable. He had a prosthetic hand.
Noticing her gaze, Blake raised his glass of wine with his right hand. “Thank you for joining us at Ray’s birthday. May I propose a toast to you?”
Alicia inspected his hand closely. Despite the subtle sluggishness of the fingers, it closely resembled a real hand. Though she was unaware of the designer, she felt a sincere happiness for him.
As she reached for her glass, a man intercepted it first.
Puzzled, Alicia turned around.
Caden had appeared at some point and, with a casual flick of his wrist, clinked his glass against Blake’s. “She’s allergic to alcohol. I’ll drink this on her behalf,” Caden said.
Alicia was momentarily speechless. After all, it was just water, not liquor.
Blake, familiar with Caden’s unpredictable antics, couldn’t help but chuckle. Even after two years, Caden remained unchanged – ever the protective one.
Caden placed the glass down and smoothly slid into the seat next to Alicia.
“Wow, it’s lively over here.”
At that moment, Yvonne approached with Lucilla, beaming. “Is there room for us? Lucilla feels anxious around strangers and prefers to be with familiar faces.”
There was indeed space at the table. Ciara warmly gestured to the seat beside her for Lucilla. Lucilla, with a shy nod, accepted and said, “Thank you.”
Ciara, charmed by Lucilla’s politeness and sweetness, treated her with kindness.
Lucilla stole a glance at Alicia across the table. Alicia met her gaze, but Lucilla quickly averted her eyes, seeming slightly uncomfortable, and turned her attention to her meal.
Alicia remembered seeing Yvonne give her a casual look as she walked away earlier. It appeared that Yvonne and Lucilla might be up to something.
Alicia wasn’t paying attention to Lucilla or Yvonne for the moment. Her interest was piqued by something else. “What happened to Mr. Langstaff’s hand?”
Caden handed her a grilled steak. “It’s a prosthetic. Last year, I went to Sowell and had a renowned orthopedic specialist make it for Blake.”
Alicia was impressed. “That’s remarkable.” The hand looked convincingly real.
Caden watched her as she ate, admiring her profile. She ate with grace, neatly cutting her food and bringing it to her mouth with a fork. Her lips appeared particularly charming as she dined. Lowering his voice, Caden smiled. “Tell me, who is remarkable?”
Alicia glanced at him, noting his gaze growing flirtatious. She remembered their previous meals together; if they sat side by side, he would invariably touch her secretly. He would maintain a straight face while his hand wandered beneath the table.
Instinctively, Alicia pressed her legs together. “The orthopedic specialist, of course.”
Caden responded, “I can’t agree more, and you know what? She was very busy. I had to book an appointment six months in advance.”
Alicia sensed his attempt to take credit. She feigned indifference. “I see.”
Caden narrowed his eyes slightly. “Is that it?”
Alicia teased back. “What else? Should I give you an award now?”
His expression softened. “I helped Blake. Why would you give me an award?”
Alicia shrugged. “Then why seek praise from me? You should have Mr. Langstaff praise you.”
Caden muttered, “Not funny…”
Alicia offered a dry smile. “I just don’t want to flirt with you, Mr. Ward.”
Caden was left speechless.
He remembered times when she wasn’t so distant, rewarding him by wearing enticing outfits and playfully twirling before him. Those memories vividly resurfaced.
He swallowed hard, quelling his rising desire.
Alicia continued her meal, unaffected. Across the table, Lucilla occasionally sent curious and confused glances their way.
As Alicia reflected, she realized that it was crucial to address the situation today. She nudged Caden gently with her elbow. “Let’s find a quiet place after we finish eating. I have something important to discuss with you.”
Caden’s body tensed, misunderstanding the situation. He frowned, whispered, and said, “Did you notice I was aroused?”
Alicia was taken aback. She instinctively looked down, then cursed silently to herself.
Ciara, noticing the awkward moment, chuckled. “Alicia, did you drop something?”
Caden regained his composure and crossed his legs. He responded for Alicia, “I just dropped some food on my pants.”
Ciara offered, “I’ll have someone bring you a new pair of pants.”
Caden declined. “No need, I’ll just wipe it off.”
After the meal, Alicia rummaged through her bag.
Caden, curious, tilted his head. “What are you looking for?”
Alicia said, “I know a doctor. He’s a highly skilled neurosurgeon, specializing in cerebral palsy. Didn’t you mention your hand trembles? Would you like to see him?”
Caden was taken aback.
Alicia produced two business cards and handed them to him. “Found them.”
Caden didn’t refuse. He just accepted them without a word.