Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Hank caught on to Caden’s tone and managed a polite smile. “Yes, Ms. Bennett, I’ve recently started seeing someone. But how did you know? I hadn’t planned on making it public yet.”
Alicia let out a thoughtful “Oh.”
“Mr. Ward let it slip,” Alicia lied. “He mentioned you left a love manual at his place, and he spilled all your secrets to me.”
Hank chuckled awkwardly. “As long as you two are happy.”
Caden kept the charade up, pretending to address the issue directly. “You’ve left that book at my place for a while. Please take it back with you when you come to work tomorrow.”
Hank nodded. “Sure, Mr. Ward. Sorry for any inconvenience.”
“It’s alright,” Caden replied.
The atmosphere in the car was congenial, with the boss tacitly cooperating with his employee in staging an act for Alicia’s benefit.
Though Caden’s expression was serene, internally, he was satisfied with his choice of Hank and planned to give him a raise next month.
Hank forced a smile but harbored a twinge of envy, fantasizing about a future where roles were reversed. He would make Caden and Alicia his assistant and driver, enforcing a strict no-office-romance policy.
Recently, Monica had developed a new medication specifically for Alicia’s alcohol allergy.
Alicia had completed two courses and decided to test it by having a little drink tonight. After two glasses, she felt slightly itchy. However, it was just itchiness without any rash, and scratching provided relief.
Alicia was pleased. “It does work. Maybe if I keep taking it, I’ll completely overcome the allergy.”
Caden parked the car. Alicia couldn’t resist asking, “Can you scratch my back?”
The weather was warm, and her light clothing made it easy for her to lift her shirt slightly, revealing a flash of her delicate waist.
Caden paused to look a moment longer than necessary. Placing his hand on her waist, he asked, “Is it itchy here?”
Alicia leaned against the steering wheel, turning her head to give him a look. “I asked you to scratch my back. Does my back look like it’s on my waist?”
Caden adjusted his fingers under her direction, diligently scratching wherever she indicated. After a few scratches, he leaned in closer. “Is the pressure okay?”
Alicia felt a flutter from his proximity. The overhead light cast shadows across his eyes, giving him a look of deep affection, as if he were admiring a cherished partner.
“It’s fine, not itchy anymore,” Alicia said, lowering her gaze.
Caden held her hand and leaned closer. “I’m feeling a bit itchy too.”
Alicia’s eyes sparkled. She met his gaze and said, “You’re not allergic. What could you possibly be itchy for?”
“I’m itching for a kiss.” While he desired more, a kiss would suffice for now.
Alicia glanced out the window. Feeling shy, she murmured, “There are people outside.”
“It’s just a kiss. What young couple doesn’t kiss? If they want to watch, let them,” Caden said playfully. “Can we share a kiss here and then continue at home?”
Alicia refused.
But Caden kissed her anyway. Her lips still carried a hint of the fruit wine she had drunk-sweet yet slightly bitter, intoxicatingly delicious under her soft tongue.
Caden deepened the kiss, his impulse teetering on the edge.
The lipstick Alicia had reapplied after dinner was completely swept away by him. Breathing heavily, Caden released her and said, “Alicia, I want to have sex with you tonight.”
His bluntness was typical.
Alicia’s cheeks flushed. She fumbled for words, and Caden interpreted her hesitation as assent, lifting her from the car.
They had only taken a few steps before an unexpected figure appeared at the entrance.
Alicia recognized the uninvited guest instantly. All her passion cooled in an instant, and she stepped away from Caden’s embrace.
Dorian’s arrival was like a fire truck, dousing Caden’s fiery desire and reducing it to mere embers.
Dorian appeared to have been waiting for a while, his face pale from the biting cold wind.
“Alicia.” Dorian’s voice was hoarse, his smile strained. “I’m sorry to meet you like this. I’ve been to your office many times, but your secretary always said you were unavailable.”
Alicia had been avoiding Dorian, but now, confronted at her doorstep, she had no choice but to address him. She asked coldly, “What do you want?”
Dorian stepped forward and handed her a box. It was small but elegantly wrapped, bearing the logo of a jewelry brand.
Despite looking dignified, Dorian appeared overly thin and worn. “This necklace would look beautiful on you. I wanted to give it to you as a gift. Please, don’t refuse it.”
Alicia regarded him indifferently.
Caden, feeling the tension, squeezed her hand. “Do you want me to step aside?”
Alicia hesitated briefly, ultimately feeling embarrassed, and nodded for him to wait inside.
Caden didn’t venture far, observing them through a glass door.
Alicia declined the necklace. “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Moss, but I don’t need more jewelry. Please take it back.”
Dorian remained still. He looked at Alicia intently, his eyes conveying a mix of complex and painful emotions. It seemed to take a tremendous effort for Dorian to find the courage to speak. “Alicia, I came to you because I need your help.”
Alicia stayed silent, giving him space to continue.
Dorian, unable to meet her gaze, spoke in a low voice. “You’ve been to Terriland, so you’re aware of Yolanda’s situation. She lost her limbs and endured two years in conditions worse than death. Her limbs won’t regrow, and her body is too frail for standard prosthetics, but she could adapt to the type of prosthetics made from the materials from Blake’s products.”
Alicia’s eyes widened in shock. “You want me to help Yolanda obtain prosthetic limbs?” she asked.
Dorian’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Alicia, I know Yolanda made mistakes, but she’s still young. You refuse to acknowledge me, and Regina has divorced me. I have nothing left. I raised Yolanda for decades. I can’t abandon that bond.”
His voice wavered as he continued, “I didn’t want to trouble you, but the doctor who makes prosthetics is nearly impossible to schedule with. I’m afraid I won’t get an appointment before I die. I have no choice but to ask you and Caden to help me secure a spot by going to Sowell.”
Dorian stepped closer, his tone pleading. “Alicia, I know I’ve failed you in so many ways, and I can never repay what I owe, but we’re still father and daughter. I’m begging you for this one favor-just this once. Please, can you help me?”
Alicia looked at him, a bitter smile curling her lips. She had stopped expecting anything resembling fatherly love from him long ago. The countless times he had chosen Yolanda over her had eroded any remaining affection she might have had. Yet, his request cut deep, like a blade piercing an old wound she thought had healed. It was so ironic.
Alicia’s smile widened faintly, tinged with mockery. “I can’t help you.”
Dorian’s face fell, his voice hollow. “Alicia, you just need to ask Caden. He would do it for you.”
“He might, but you don’t deserve it.” Alicia’s tone was sharp. “Yolanda’s situation isn’t entirely her fault. This is your retribution, Dorian. Accept it.”
Without waiting for his response, Alicia turned and walked away.
As Alicia entered the room, Caden approached her, his arms wrapping around her protectively.
Alicia tried to mask her emotions, but the moment she fell into his embrace, her defenses crumbled. All she wanted was to bury herself in his chest, to let him shield her from the weight of it all.
Caden gently cradled the back of her head, sensing her distress without needing to ask. Her tense body spoke volumes.
Caden’s gaze lifted, meeting Dorian’s from across the room.
Dorian stood there, shoulders slumped, watching them with an air of defeat. His hunched figure might have evoked pity in someone else, but not Caden.
Caden’s expression remained stoic, his focus shifting back to Alicia. He stroked her hair tenderly, his voice soft. “We’ll go home soon.”
Alicia nodded silently, her face still pressed against his chest.
Back at the apartment, Alicia headed straight for the shower. She emerged quickly, freshly dressed and with damp hair clinging to her neck. She paused when she saw Caden seated on the bedroom balcony, his eyes fixed on her with quiet intensity. She walked over without hesitation and leaned into his arms, seeking comfort in his steady presence.
A few moments passed before Alicia surprised him by initiating a kiss.
Caden responded, his touch gentle and reassuring. After a while, he pulled back and smiled softly. “Let me dry your hair.”
Alicia glanced at his pants and noticed his lack of reaction. She smirked inwardly but didn’t push things further. Instead, she allowed Caden to comb her hair. “Don’t always think of me as horny. I can control myself, you know,” he teased lightly.
Alicia lowered her gaze, her lips twitching into a faint smile. “Why didn’t you ask what Dorian wanted?” she asked after a pause.
Caden could tell from her expression earlier that it wasn’t anything good. Why ask again and make her upset? He asked, his tone darker, “Do you want him to disappear?”
Alicia blinked, startled. She shook her head quickly. “Don’t even joke about that. Don’t take the law into your hands.”
Caden smirked. “I didn’t mean to kill him. Just ensure he can’t bother you again. If you want that, I can make it happen.”
His eyes held a quiet determination, firm yet indulgent. “Do you want that?”
Alicia didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” she said, her voice steady.
“Alright,” Caden said, the single word landing like a promise. It felt solid, unshakable, grounding her in its certainty.
Alicia’s lips curved into a smile. She regretted ever feeling sorry for Dorian. He had never been a father to her, never offered love or support. How could she let him continue to affect her? Caden deserved her care-the man who stood by her, who always chose her.
The hum of the hairdryer filled the room as Caden worked diligently, careful not to tug at her hair or hurt her scalp. His fingers brushed against her neck lightly, sending a ticklish sensation through her.
Alicia cleared her throat awkwardly. “You don’t have to be so thorough. It’s not like we’re in a rush to sleep.”
Caden’s expression remained unchanged. “Even if we’re not sleeping just yet, your hair should be dry.”
“Do you have anything else to do tonight?” she asked.
“No, I’ll stay with you. Unless you want to go out for some fresh air?”
Alicia’s heart softened at his thoughtfulness. He had been wanting to make out with her lately, yet he still put her needs above his own. “No, I just want to sleep early.”
Caden checked the time and raised an eyebrow. It was only eight o’clock. “This early?” he asked.