Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden, observant as ever, noticed her distressed look and realized that Ciara had unsettled Alicia once again.
Caden went to Ciara’s room. “Choose your words carefully around Alicia,” he said earnestly. “She’s sensitive and knows how much you care about me. If she’s constantly worried about your health, it really affects her mood.”
Ciara responded, “I didn’t say much and just told her not to worry.” Remembering the look of distress on Alicia’s face, she felt a twinge of unease. “Perhaps my performance was too convincing. She quietly wiped her tears for a long time. She’s staying here tonight, so make sure to comfort her.”
“Did she agree to stay?” Caden inquired.
“I asked her to stay and keep me company. Isn’t that why I pretended to be ill? To give you two a chance to grow closer,” Ciara said. “It may not be the most honorable method, but it’s effective.”
Looking at Caden, Ciara felt a sense of satisfaction. She had seen Caden face many challenges and make mistakes, yet he had matured into a commendable person-healthy and willing to settle down.
“As your elder, I have no regrets in this life,” Ciara continued, her voice softening. “Caden, I didn’t mean to alarm you with my act. I’m over eighty now and know I won’t be around forever. I just want to see you and Alicia married, to know you’ve found happiness.”
Caden’s heart ached, his voice rough. “Don’t talk like that. You’ll be with us for many years to come.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Ciara quickly wiped her eyes and lay back down.
Caden opened the door to Alicia, who asked quietly, “Is Ciara asleep? Jolie is busy, but it’s time for Ciara’s medication.”
Caden took her hand, shaking his head. “No, she’s not.” Alicia, sensing the sadness in his voice and the somberness on his face, realized he was troubled. She did not withdraw her hand but followed him to Ciara’s bedside.
Ciara greeted them with a smile. “Alicia, thank you for all your effort.”
Alicia shook her head and fed Ciara the medicine. Watching their tender interaction, Ciara smiled contentedly. “It’s good to see you’ve forgiven Caden. My biggest concern has always been his immaturity, which keeps me worried.”
Alicia opened her mouth to respond, but seeing the hope in Ciara’s eyes, she simply offered a gentle smile. Ciara continued, “Even though I’m ill, I can still stand up for you. If Caden ever bullies you again, just tell me, and I’ll give him a piece of my mind.”
Alicia said, “Actually, Caden and I…”
Suddenly, Ciara started breathing heavily and coughed. Alicia gently patted her back.
After a prolonged struggle to catch her breath, Ciara, looking pale, asked, “Alicia, what was it that you wanted to say? What’s happening between you and Caden?”
Caden quickly stepped in and said, “Alicia and I are doing just fine. You don’t need to worry. Just focus on getting better.”
Alicia lowered her gaze.
Ciara grasped Alicia’s hand tightly. “Alicia, don’t let my condition weigh on you. If you’re upset with Caden or if you don’t like him anymore, you have to tell me. I promise he won’t trouble you.”
Alicia struggled to find the right words and finally reassured her. “No, Ciara, Caden and I are really fine.”
Caden gently pulled Alicia’s hand back from Ciara’s grip and said to Ciara, “Grandma, you should rest early. We won’t take up any more of your time.”
As Caden spoke, he intertwined his fingers with Alicia’s and pulled her closer into his embrace.
Not wanting Ciara to suspect anything, Alicia played along with his act.
Ciara, clearly pleased, closed her eyes to rest.
Once they were out of the room, Caden immediately let go of Alicia’s hand without her needing to say a word.
Alicia glanced at him, noting how calm he appeared.
Caden said, “My grandma’s health hasn’t been great. I need you to keep pretending for a little while. I appreciate your help in advance.”
Alicia blinked, taken by surprise. She had expected him to use this as an excuse to cling to her, but his tone was polite, almost distant, as though he were a completely different person.
When she didn’t reply, Caden asked again, his voice steady, “Do you have any objections? If this makes you uncomfortable, I won’t force it.”
Alicia frowned, feeling an odd mix of emotions. “Will your grandma recover?” she asked hesitantly.
“She should. It’ll take about six months. She’s stable but very weak. Stress is the last thing she needs.”
Feeling slightly awkward at his uncharacteristic politeness, Alicia said, “Then we’ll just have to play it by ear.”
Caden nodded. “I’ll be staying at Joy Mansion for now. My grandma will definitely keep a close eye on us. We need to act the part to avoid any suspicions-at least when she’s around.”
Alicia’s brows furrowed. “What exactly do you mean by ‘act the part?'”
Her confused expression brought a small, amused smile to Caden’s face. “We just need to act like a couple in front of others. That way, she won’t hear any rumors or start worrying. Don’t worry-I’ll respect your boundaries. Most of the time, you’ll be free to do as you please. I’ll only need your cooperation at Joy Mansion.”
Alicia narrowed her eyes, suspicion written all over her face.
Caden’s voice remained calm as he added, “Don’t overthink it. Cliff reminded me today that feelings can’t be forced. I thought it was good advice, so I’ve decided to give you some space.”
Alicia stared at him, speechless.
Caden gave her a considerate look. “If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll explain everything to my grandma. I don’t want to pressure you.”
Startled, Alicia grabbed his arm. “What are you doing? If you tell her now, it’ll only upset her!” Caden held her gaze, saying nothing.
After a moment, Alicia sighed. “Fine. For your grandma’s sake, I’ll go along with it. Acting isn’t a big deal.” Caden nodded, choosing his words carefully. “It’s late. Let’s head back to our room and get some rest.” Without waiting for her reply, he turned and walked away.
Alicia watched him leave and muttered, “What theatrics.”
In the master bedroom, there was only one bed.
Caden offered to sleep on the sofa.
Alicia watched as he set up a makeshift bed, her eyes filled with curiosity. She couldn’t figure out what had gotten into him.
When Caden was done, he glanced at her. “What?”
Alicia crossed her arms, speaking bluntly. “We’ve known each other for so long. Do you really need to put on this?”
Caden smirked. “Isn’t this what you wanted? Keeping my distance is better than you rejecting me.”
Alicia didn’t respond, feeling oddly at a loss for words. Caden tugged at the collar of his shirt and casually pulled off his loungewear, revealing his toned upper body. Alicia’s eyes involuntarily lingered for a moment before she quickly looked away.
Caden raised a brow, teasing, “Why don’t you admit you’re tempted?”
Alicia turned her face aside and said, “Why would I? You’re far from perfect.”
Caden chuckled. “Then there’s nothing more to say.”
He disappeared into the bathroom, steam filling the air as running water echoed through the room. His tall silhouette behind the frosted glass door exuded an effortless allure.
Alicia leaned against the headboard, pretending to be engrossed in researching precautions for a stroke on her phone.
When Caden finally stepped out of the bathroom, he was wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
Despite herself, Alicia’s gaze flickered to his muscular frame. His strong shoulders, lean waist, and long legs were impossible to ignore.
Caden lay down on the sofa, his presence commanding the room.
Alicia put her phone away, sighing. “Are you really going to sleep like that?”
Caden rested his hands behind his head, his tone casual. “It’s hot. This is cooler.”
n
Annoyed, Alicia turned off the lights. She decided it was better not to see him at all.
For the next few days, Caden kept to his makeshift bed on the sofa.
One evening, Caden casually remarked, “Jolie noticed I was sleeping on the sofa when she cleaned the room. Today, my grandma asked me about it.”
Alicia immediately saw through his little ploy but chose not to call him out. That night, she relented and allowed him to share the bed.
Caden, sticking to his promise, didn’t touch her. Instead, he kept to his side of the bed, behaving like a gentleman. Propped on one elbow, Alicia teased him, “Why don’t you draw a line down the middle? Isn’t that more appropriate?” Her playful smile lit up her face, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement.
Caden couldn’t help but be captivated by her. There was a fire in her spirit that he found irresistible. Outside, the wind howled, rattling the windows. Caden swallowed hard, his voice low. “No need. Who knows? You might need me tonight.”
Alicia laughed lightly. “Who needs whom? Care to bet on it?”
Caden’s eyes gleamed at the challenge. “What’s at stake?”
Before Alicia could answer, he added smugly, “If you lose, you’ll owe me a wish.” They both agreed, shaking on it just as lightning illuminated the room.
Alicia turned toward the window, her smile fading as she noticed the swaying shadows outside.
Thunder cracked loudly, and she instinctively gripped the blanket. As another clap echoed, the room was suddenly plunged into darkness. A startled cry escaped her lips.
Caden was momentarily surprised that Joy Mansion had lost power. Concerned, he reached out in the pitch-black room. “Alicia?”
It was so dark that one couldn’t even see their own hand in front of their face.
Without hesitation, Alicia threw herself into his arms, clutching him tightly.
Caden wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair gently. “It’s just a power outage. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
His deep, steady voice drowned out the thunder as he held her close.
“Don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you’ve lost the bet,” he teased.
Alicia stayed quiet, her breathing uneven.
Caden leaned down slightly, his lips brushing against her cheek as he covered her ears.
Alicia lifted her head, and her lips brushed against his unintentionally.