Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Yvonne was taken aback.
Ciara’s smile tightened.
Feeling humiliated, Yvonne protested, “Caden, I’m your uncle’s wife. How can you speak to me like this?”
Caden was unfazed. “But it’s true that no one asked you. We’re disinterested in your story.”
Yvonne fumed. “You…”
Lucilla intervened, pulling her back, signaling to let it go. For the sake of unity, Yvonne bit back her pride, her tone bitter. “Fine, I’m not related by blood like your uncle, so maybe that’s why I’m treated differently. I can accept it.”
Caden seized the moment. “At least you understand that.”
Yvonne was speechless once again.
Outside the car, Yvonne brushed off the confrontation as if it had never occurred and confidently entered Joy Mansion. For the sake of her future, Yvonne considered a bit of humiliation trivial.
Understanding Caden’s devotion to his family, especially Ciara, Yvonne was determined to make Lucilla appealing to her. However, Ciara consistently dismissed Lucilla’s attempts. Frustrated by her failure, Lucilla nearly resigned, but Yvonne’s glare held her back.
Then, seeing Ciara laughing with Alicia only intensified Yvonne’s frustration. Alicia was playing a clever game, having slowly won Ciara’s favor.
Yvonne clenched her teeth, her anger simmering just below the surface.
After Yvonne left the room with Lucilla, Ciara reassured Alicia, “Don’t worry about them. I’ve seen through her schemes for years.”
Alicia stayed out of the family drama. She had returned with Ciara to seek clarity on something that puzzled her.
“Ciara, did something happen to Caden the day I left, two years ago?”
Blake’s words were left unfinished, and Alicia had tried to investigate, but there was little information about Caden from that time. It was clear that he had deliberately hidden it.
Ciara, taken aback by the question, responded hopefully, “Alicia, do you still hold a grudge against Caden?”
Alicia offered a gentle smile. If she truly resented him, why would she delve into his past or reenter his life?
Ciara sighed. “Back then…” She began reminiscing about the past when Caden was critically ill and dependent on medication.
She had been distraught with worry. Yet, Caden had chosen secrecy for his reasons. With tears welling up, Ciara said, “Alicia, if Caden decides to share with you, that’s for the best. I shouldn’t meddle in your relationship.”
She added, guilt-ridden, “It’s my fault, really. I taught him how to succeed but not how to love.”
Alicia felt a pang of sadness and shook her head. After making sure Ciara was asleep, Alicia stepped outside and saw Lucilla loitering by the study door. He always stayed near Caden.
Inside, Caden was likely overwhelmed with work, too busy to spare a moment.
Alicia hesitated at the study door, contemplating whether to enter, when Lucilla appeared, carrying snacks and coffee.
Upon noticing Alicia, Lucilla hesitated but then quietly entered the study. Alicia raised an eyebrow. Clearly, Yvonne’s intentions extended beyond financial aid; she was also maneuvering to win Caden’s favor.
Lucilla exited the room after only a minute, her eyes visibly red. Soon after, Caden appeared with a plate of snacks, tossing pieces to Cade one by one.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Alicia and nudged Cade gently with his foot.
Upon seeing Alicia, Cade fixated his gaze on her, his tail wagging furiously.
Alicia approached and affectionately ruffled Cade’s head. “You’re quite popular, aren’t you?”
Caden, having known her so long, understood the subtext.
“I didn’t accept it. That’s why all the snacks are for the dog,” he quipped, dropping another piece. Cade caught it eagerly, munching with delight.
Caden flashed a smile at Alicia. “Jealous?”
Alicia’s face remained stoic. “I saw her go into your study. What do you think?”
Caden’s smile waned.
She really could keep her composure. If the roles were reversed, and he had seen someone cozying up to her, that person would be shown the door instantly.
Seeing a moment of leisure, he decided to monopolize her attention. He crammed the remaining snacks into Cade’s mouth.
Alicia reacted, pushing his hand away. “What are you doing?”
“It won’t choke,” Caden assured her. No sooner had he spoken than Cade swallowed the snacks in two gulps, eager for more.
Alicia was dumbfounded. Did it have a throat like a vacuum?
Caden nudged Cade’s rear. “Go play, don’t interrupt us.” Reluctantly, Cade lingered, seeking affection from Alicia.
Caden then called out, “Jolie!”
The housekeeper, Jolie Welch, of Joy Mansion responded, pausing her tasks to come outside. “What can I do for you?”
Mr. Ward?”
“Please take the dog for a walk.”
At the sound of Jolie’s voice, Cade sprinted off.
Alicia blinked. “Why is it so wary of Jolie?”
Caden chuckled, pulling her into the study.
“It’s not fear; it’s anticipation. Whenever Jolie is around, she takes him to meet a female companion.”
Alicia’s mouth twitched slightly. “Just like you.”
Caden wrapped his arms around her waist, trying to justify himself. “When have I ever pursued anyone else? I’ve never been with another woman but you.”
Alicia pushed his hands away. “I mean, you’re always easily aroused.”
Caden couldn’t refute that.
He stayed close, gradually backing her against the bookshelf.
From previous encounters, Alicia knew better than to resist. She met his eyes with a calm gaze.
Caden, genuinely wanting to honor her boundaries, curbed his desire to kiss her. Yet, he couldn’t help but study her features closely as he asked softly, “Cade has a mate when he’s in heat. What about me?”
Alicia smirked. “Maybe you should get what Cade gets – a castration.”
Caden felt a twinge in his lower abdomen, as if he could physically feel her words.
He swiftly changed the subject. “Why did you come to Joy Mansion with my grandmother? Was it because of me?”
Alicia glanced toward his desk, changing the topic again. “Have you finished your work?”
As she spoke, the phone rang.
Caden stepped away to answer it, slipping a bag of snacks into the drawer.
Alicia noticed it. They were whole grain snack bars, a type Caden never used to eat, especially not while working. Seeing these in his office hinted at a new necessity.
During dinner at home, Alicia observed that Jolie served Caden differently, opting for dishes that were soft and mild, gentle on the stomach.
Jolie looked out the window. “Why isn’t Mr. Ward back?”
Today was Ray’s birthday, and Caden had taken him out to buy a gift an hour ago.
“He should be on his way. I’ll check in a bit,” Alicia reassured her.
Jolie looked concerned. “Alright, it’s getting late. I hope he doesn’t delay dinner. He needs his meals on time.”
Seizing the moment, Alicia inquired, “Jolie, is his stomach issue serious?”
Jolie hesitated, caught off guard by the question. At that moment, Yvonne joined them, addressing Alicia warmly, “Ms. Bennett.”
Alicia looked at her and gave a brief nod.
Once Jolie had left, Yvonne produced a jewelry box and handed it to Alicia.
Alicia pushed the box back. “What’s this?”
Yvonne held Alicia’s hand gently and whispered, “Please take it. It’s just a friendly gesture since we’re meeting for the first time.”
Alicia’s discomfort deepened.
“You’ve misunderstood; I’m not Caden’s girlfriend.”
With a knowing smile, Yvonne said, “But you will be, eventually. Given Caden’s charm, how long can you resist? We’re both women here; do you think I don’t see through you? Stop playing games.”
Alicia let out a laugh, shaking her head with feigned regret. “Caden once mentioned you had some issues with your brain; I defended you, thinking you were fine. It seems I was mistaken.”
Yvonne’s face fell, biting her tongue as she realized their presence in the dining room, where anyone might overhear.
She scoffed. “I used to think you were impressive, but it seems you can’t maintain your composure. I wonder what Caden finds appealing about you.”
She waved the box in her hand with a slight show-off. “Are you sure you don’t want it? Should I tell you its value?”
Alicia smiled, her eyes telling a different story. “Not interested.”
Yvonne, thinking Alicia was merely being stubborn, carefully stored the box, boasting, “This is an antique bracelet Caden bought for me when I married his uncle. Even at a friendly price, it was over four million back then. Imagine its value now.”