Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
After examining the cards, he asked, “Why two?”
Alicia said gently, “There’s also a men’s health specialist. It might be good to address your arousal issues, don’t you think?”
Caden was speechless once again, a mix of frustration and amusement crossing his face.
Caden thought that Alicia might be sad if he weren’t aroused easily.
Alicia headed towards the lounge, recalling that she had something important to discuss with Caden. Meanwhile, his stomach discomfort prompted him to seek medication.
In the lounge, Alicia washed her hands and encountered Blake, who had just seen off some guests. They greeted each other casually.
With no one else around, Blake asked bluntly, “Are you with Caden again?”
Alicia didn’t answer directly. “I’m under a lot of pressure at work right now, so I’m not considering a relationship.”
Blake nodded in understanding. “Alicia, make peace with him. Don’t waste time.”
Alicia was taken aback.
Blake continued earnestly, “I know you both parted over a misunderstanding, and Caden made mistakes. But if there’s still love between you, don’t let it go to waste. Love can fade quickly.”
Alicia pursed her lips and remained silent. The core issue between her and Caden was their mutual stubbornness. It demanded time and patience.
Seeing that Alicia was still hesitant, Blake added, “Caden is doing well now, but he struggled immensely after you left. The day you left without telling anyone, he almost…”
His words were cut off by a nearby voice. “Mr. Langstaff.” Both turned to see Caden approaching, his face set in an expression of cool indifference, his eyes reflecting slight annoyance. “Are you discussing secrets?”
Caught off guard, Blake replied, “I was just catching up with Alicia after seeing off the guests. We were chatting.”
Caden glanced at him, noting the chill in the air. “You’re not well, and it’s windy. Go inside before you catch a cold.”
Again, Blake found himself at a loss for words. Muttering under his breath, he said, “You deserve to be single.” Then he left.
Caden was unfazed by the remark. He turned to Alicia. “Why do you two keep running into each other?”
Alicia met his gaze coolly. “Do you even know what Mr. Langstaff was just saying about you?”
Caden, visibly agitated by their interaction, demanded, “What did he say?” His focus had been solely on confronting Blake; listening to their conversation had been the last thing on his mind.
Alicia had long been familiar with Caden’s commanding nature, but it still nearly drove her to laughter out of frustration.
She exhaled sharply. “Didn’t you hear that? He said you deserve to be single.”
With that, she made her way towards the lounge.
Caden sensed her irritation and paused to introspect. He eventually said, “It’s not that I mind you talking to other men, but Blake is different.”
Alicia challenged him. “Then why insist I come to Ray’s birthday? Wouldn’t it be simpler to address the issue directly?”
Noticing the sarcasm in her gaze, Caden frowned. “Because I wanted to see you.”
Alicia’s expression softened. Hearing the truth from someone who usually spoke harshly had a disarmingly honest effect.
Blake had mentioned that relationships couldn’t endure constant strife. Seeking to divert the conversation, she asked, “It’s Ray’s birthday today; why isn’t your uncle here?”
Caden explained, “Aside from Christmas, my uncle seldom visits Warrington.”
“Did you two have a disagreement?”
“Sort of. I punched him and broke his nose.”
Alicia remembered hearing about that incident. She narrowed her eyes and pressed, “Then why is his wife here?”
Caden was open with Alicia and shared freely. “They’re married in name only; there’s no affection between them.”
Benedict married at twenty-five to his college sweetheart after seven years together. Their union was once deemed a beautiful love story, but it ended tragically when his wife died at thirty from an illness. Tragedy struck again when, soon after, his sister was murdered, dying in the hospital alongside her unborn child.
During those dark days, Benedict was on the brink of despair, nearly ending his life. It was then that Yvonne Kelly stepped in to support him. Years later, an incident catalyzed a relationship between Benedict and Yvonne, eventually becoming public. Out of duty, he married her, though it was clear to everyone that it was merely for show.
Alicia looked confused. “You mentioned your uncle deeply loved his first wife, but your cousin seems too old to have been born later.”
Caden clarified, “My uncle and Yvonne never had children together. Lucilla is Yvonne’s niece.”
Yvonne’s brother had a son and a daughter, with Lucilla being the younger of the two. Since Yvonne married into the Ward family, her unreliable brother often came to ask for money. Caden had intercepted him several times.
Benedict was compassionate but practical. He considered a loan or two a favor, but once he saw the pattern of never-ending requests, he firmly refused any further help. Yvonne often argued with him about this, but Benedict consistently dismissed her complaints.
Alicia furrowed her brows, deep in thought.
Caden asked, “What’s got you so curious about them?”
Raising an eyebrow, Alicia replied, “Yvonne hardly gets along with your family, yet she brings her niece to Ray’s birthday. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?”
Their tangled relationships weren’t Alicia’s concern. However, she noticed that Yvonne and Lucilla had been casting peculiar glances her way all day, prompting her desire to understand why.
Caden responded casually, “Probably because her brother is asking for money again, but my uncle isn’t inclined to help.”
Alicia nodded.
Suddenly, they heard faint sobbing from behind a slightly open door.
Caden pushed the door open to reveal a slender figure at the end of the deserted corridor. It was Lucilla, on the phone, tears in her voice. “Can you give me more time? I really don’t have any money. Please, Dad, just a bit longer.”
Exchanging looks, Alicia and Caden realized their suspicions were likely correct.
Lucilla ended the call and faced them, hastily wiping her tears. “Ms. Bennett, Caden.”
Alicia responded with a gentle nod, keeping her thoughts to herself. She knew that if Lucilla was indeed seeking financial aid, Caden was the probable target, not her.
They all walked back to the main hall, where Ciara was now present.
Upon seeing Lucilla’s distress, Yvonne quickly approached, her concern evident. “Lucilla, why are you upset?”
The room’s attention turned to her as she lowered her head, tears streaming.
Yvonne lifted her niece’s chin, her voice loud. “Don’t hesitate to tell us. We’re all here for you. Who caused this?”
Lucilla, however, remained silent, offering no reply.
Yvonne sighed, offering a moment of comfort to Lucilla before using the situation as a pretext to leave with Ciara for Joy Mansion.
Caden quietly instructed Jasmine to monitor Ciara and ensure she didn’t become overly accommodating. Jasmine reassured him, “Don’t worry, sir. Mrs. Ward is sharp-witted. She’s even more astute than I am.”
At that moment, Ciara’s voice carried from a distance. “Caden, are you joining us for dinner tonight?”
Caden responded reflexively, “No, I have plans tonight.” Alicia’s days had been filled lately, and her evenings were the only free time available.
Caden preferred not to spend his evening at Joy Mansion. Ciara acknowledged his response, then turned to Alicia.
“Shall we go, Alicia?”
Caden’s expression flickered.
As Ciara and Alicia settled into the car and the driver prepared to depart, Caden impulsively opened the door and climbed into the passenger seat.
Ciara, foreseeing his change of heart, teased, “I thought you had plans tonight?”
Unruffled, Caden replied, “I’m free this afternoon, so I can join you for a while.”
Ciara replied, “Oh, so you’re still leaving us tonight.”
Caden, glancing cautiously at Alicia, asked, “Are you staying overnight at Joy Mansion?”
Hold A Grudge Against Hi…
Alicia’s response was deliberately vague. “I’m not sure of my plans yet.”
Ciara forced a smile. “Who are you accompanying tonight, me or Alicia?”
Caden dropped the pretense. “You already know.”
Ciara fell silent.
In the spacious luxury van, Yvonne and Lucilla occupied the two rear seats.
Yvonne watched Ciara’s reaction closely. Though she was teasing Caden, her smile remained fixed.
Everyone seemed to await Alicia’s decision, as if her word carried exceptional weight. Yvonne scrutinized Alicia again. Her beauty was undeniable, yet her presence on social media was nearly nonexistent. If she were indeed from a wealthy family, why remain so inconspicuous?
The only logical conclusion was that she was an ordinary woman, leveraging her looks. For now, she had Caden’s favor, which drew Ciara’s interest.
Dismissing her suspicions, Yvonne shifted the conversation. “Ciara, how have you been feeling lately?”
Ciara harbored no fondness for Yvonne. She had unearthed old scandals orchestrated by Yvonne and the paparazzi. Yet, for the sake of peace, Ciara played along. “I’m well.”
Yvonne feigned concern. “That’s good to hear. With Caden handling business, you must be relieved.” She then sighed heavily and continued, “My brother works tirelessly for his children’s future. He’s so dedicated that he collapsed last month and hasn’t yet recovered.”
Her tone sought sympathy.
Ciara struggled to find words.
Caden, however, cut through the pretense. “Who asked you? Why suddenly share your experiences with us?”