Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Brysen, noting the strength of the handshake and the pale knuckles of his hand, responded with polite composure. “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Ward. That’s quite the grip you’ve got.”
Caden shrugged nonchalantly, though his words carried a sharp undertone. “What can I say? Young guys tend to have stronger strength. It’s just how it is.”
Brysen’s brows furrowed slightly at the remark, his confusion evident. But he was accustomed to dealing with men trying to assert dominance, so he eased his grip and kept his demeanor calm, stepping aside to let them in.
Caden, still simmering from Alicia’s earlier comment, wrapped his arm firmly around her waist as they entered the lavish venue together.
Brysen glanced down at his palm, noticing it was slightly flushed.
His wife, Kyra Shaw, had been watching the exchange closely. She raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t Mr. Ward in tech? When exactly did you manage to offend him?”
Brysen glanced at his wife, his expression softening as his eyes lingered on her. “I’m not sure,” he said with a faint smile. “But it seems like most successful young guys have a few screws loose.” Before Kyra could respond, another sleek luxury car rolled up to the entrance.
A tall, striking man stepped out with effortless confidence. In one arm, he cradled his daughter while his other hand rested protectively on his wife’s waist. Brysen leaned toward Kyra and remarked with amusement, “Take Ellis Reed, for instance. He acts a lot like that guy who just walked in.”
Kyra raised an eyebrow at her husband’s comment but said nothing.
After the celebration, Caden found himself at the local hospital for a routine stomach check-up.
Sitting in the sterile, white examination room, he listened as Jaida, his doctor, informed him about his upcoming surgery.
“The surgery is scheduled for three days from now,” Jaida said, her tone brisk but professional. “In the meantime, make sure you take your medication as prescribed, avoid any intense workouts, and watch your diet carefully.”
Caden frowned, clearly annoyed. “Does that mean I have to cut out sex too?”
Jaida gave a small nod, meeting his gaze steadily. “You need to refrain for at least three days before the surgery,” she clarified. “And no sex until you’re fully discharged.”
Caden couldn’t quite see the connection between his upcoming surgeries and the restriction on sexual encounters. However, securing an appointment with Jaida, an exceptional doctor, was challenging, and he didn’t want to stir up any conflict, so he agreed. “Thank you, Dr. Ramos.”
Jaida nodded slightly.
Jaida was washing her hands when her phone rang. A smile crossed her face as she dried her hands and answered the call. “I’m finished here. I’ll be out soon.”
Ellis responded, “I’ll come up to meet you.”
“No need. Just wait for me at the entrance.”
“Alright.”
Watching Jaida’s joy, Caden found himself wondering if Alicia would be as happy to receive a call from him.
While Caden underwent his check-up, Alicia waited outside. As he exited, she quickly asked, “How did it go?”
Caden reassured her. “It’s nothing serious.”
“When’s the surgery?”
“In three days.”
Just then, Jaida walked out.
Alicia greeted her warmly. “Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Ramos.”
Jaida recognized Alicia instantly. At the recent banquet, Alicia and Caden had drawn much attention. Alicia had dressed elegantly, shining like a star at the event, and even without makeup now, her natural, radiant beauty was striking. It was no surprise Caden was displeased with Jaida’s suggestion to abstain from sex. Alicia was simply too alluring.
Jaida smiled at Alicia and said, “You should head back early.”
Alicia nodded.
Before departing, Jaida reminded Caden, “Mr. Ward, remember my suggestions.”
Caden was momentarily lost for words.
Alicia had been exhilarated all day, but by the time they reached the hotel, she was worn out. Yet, she didn’t forget to review Caden’s medical advice. She barely managed to read a few lines before her eyelids began to droop.
Caden, not wanting to shower alone, suggested, “There’s a massage service customized by the Shaw family on this floor. Want to try it?”
Alicia wasn’t particularly interested in massages but was curious about the Shaw family’s bespoke service. “Of course, we should try it.”
The day’s banquet had been an eye-opener for Alicia, showing her what true wealth looked like. For someone who had acquired her wealth later in life, it was a humbling experience.
Caden picked up some clothes and scooped her up.
Leaning lazily on his shoulder, Alicia murmured, “Do you know how much the Shaw family spent on today’s party for the baby’s first-month celebration?” Caden guessed, “Probably tens of millions.”
It was close to Alicia’s estimate. She marveled, “Mr. Shaw also has a daughter. I heard her first celebration was even more extravagant, with small celebrations every month and a grand one every six months, spending lavishly without hesitation.”
Caden chuckled at her description. “I saw his daughter today. She’s only four, but she’s so adorable that it justifies her father’s lavish spending.”
Alicia felt a twinge of envy. The Shaw couple truly doted on their children.
Caden smiled gently. “Our daughter will be just as happy in the future.”
Alicia’s heart warmed at the thought of a chubby little child, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Do you prefer a son or a daughter?” she asked.
Caden said, “I love them both.” As long as they were his and Alicia’s children, he would cherish them.
At the entrance of the massage room, a high-tech robot greeted them.
Alicia’s eyes widened. “Why does it look so familiar?” Caden recognized it immediately. “It’s one of my company’s robots. I bet the masseurs inside are robots too.”
Alicia was stunned. Was this the Shaw family’s custom service, or just a prank by Brysen?
During the massage, Caden was distracted, his eyes constantly on Alicia. He finally turned off the robot and pulled her into a passionate kiss.
Alicia reciprocated but reminded him of the doctor’s orders to abstain from sex.
Caden licked his lips. “I won’t do anything.”
Alicia teased, “If you won’t do anything, isn’t that just torturing yourself?”
Caden buried his face in her chest. “It’s unbearable,” he said, his desire evident.
Alicia blushed, suggesting, “Let’s just kiss for a bit and then go to sleep.”
“Okay.”
As their lips met, Caden heard an unusual sound. He paused, listening intently to the steady, rhythmic thumping from next door.
Recognizing the noise instantly, Caden released Alicia, his expression growing concerned. “The soundproofing in these massage rooms is awful.”
Alicia heard it too and felt uneasy. She said, “That guy next door sure has a lot of stamina.”
Caden tightened his grip on her waist, playfully bumping her. “More stamina than me?”
Alicia was flustered by his touch, even through their clothes. “You’re stronger,” she conceded. It was just a casual remark. Did everything have to turn into a competition?
She gently pushed Caden away and restarted the massage robot.
Unable to bear the noise from next door, Caden put in earplugs and lay down beside Alicia.
Over an hour later, Alicia drifted off to sleep from exhaustion. Caden carefully dressed her and carried her back to their room.
At that moment, someone stepped out of the next room. Caden looked over. The man was Ellis, Jaida’s husband, his bathrobe loosely tied and appearing slightly winded.
His muscular chest hinted at recent vigorous activity.
Caden’s expression was hard to read.
Ellis saw Caden and greeted him earnestly. “Mr. Ward, what a coincidence.”
Caden responded with a knowing smile. “Mr. Reed, it seems you and Dr. Ramos really enjoy your time.”
Caden’s blunt remarks often offended others.
Ellis, on the other hand, was seasoned by life’s roles as a husband and father and navigated Caden’s impulsive demeanor with ease.
Observing the woman nestled in Caden’s embrace, Ellis offered a cigarette. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for surgery, Mr. Ward? Why are you still awake at this late hour?” he inquired.
“I don’t smoke.” Caden declined politely, adding, “You worry too much, Mr. Reed. I haven’t overlooked your wife’s advice.”
A chuckle escaped Ellis as he exhaled smoke, his eyes shimmering with a mix of amusement and confidence.
“Get some rest. I’ll leave you be,” Caden said.
After Caden left, Ellis stubbed out his cigarette halfway. He then returned to the room to rinse his mouth and lay down again.
Jaida, half-asleep, asked, “Is someone here?”
“Yes, Mr. Ward stopped by,” Ellis responded.
Jaida noticed the amusement in his voice and opened her eyes wider. “You seem quite fond of him.”
Ellis maintained his smile. “It’s not fondness, but he does strike a familiar chord. I suspect our paths will cross often.”
Jaida’s memories of Caden were vague, yet one moment stood out. “When his fianc?e held Brysen’s son, she was genuinely pleased. They’re considering IVF soon.”
“Planning for a daughter, perhaps?” Ellis speculated.
“How did you know?” Jaida was taken aback.
Alicia had indeed mentioned that was their plan.