Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Before Sheila could reply, Corey cut in sharply, “You don’t need to come back starting tomorrow.”
Sheila was taken aback and faltered. “Mr. Hampton, I took leave because…”
“Do you realize Gemma has been unwell with a low fever these days?”
Unaware of Gemma’s condition, Sheila’s voice broke as she explained, “Mr. Hampton, my grandson was in a severe car accident. I’ve been trying to sell my house to pay for his medical bills, so I asked for a few days off. Please, I need this job. I’m begging you.”
Corey ended the call without another word.
Caden had been trying to learn more about Gemma’s health but ended up running into Gemma and Corey unexpectedly in Averibon. By chance, they had booked rooms at the same hotel.
Standing together in the elevator created an awkward silence. Fresh from the beach, Caden was clad in a floral shirt and beach shorts, a relaxed look that contrasted sharply with his usual formal persona as Mr. Ward. Yet, it lent him an intriguing allure. Noticing Caden’s casual attire, which exposed his chest muscles, Corey instinctively blocked Gemma’s view.
Corey broke the ice. “It seems wherever I go, Mr. Ward is there too. Quite the coincidence.”
Buttoning his shirt, Caden, with Alicia by his side, shot Corey a look. “What, you think I’m secretly in love with you or something?”
Caden never allowed his status to deter him when confronting an opponent. That was why he could usually inflict serious injuries on his rivals.
Corey, typically assertive in his actions, hesitated only when it concerned maintaining his dignity. But Caden was indifferent to such concerns, leaving Corey to respond with a forced chuckle. Gemma, uninterested in their exchange, approached and took Alicia’s hand.
“Alicia, how long will you be staying here?” she asked.
“It depends,” Alicia answered, caressing Gemma’s cheek. “Why don’t you join us these days?”
Gemma beamed with happiness. “I was curious why Corey suddenly decided to come to Averibon. It seems he was following you.”
Corey fumbled for words.
Alicia’s lips twitched.
Caden scoffed. “Seems I was mistaken. It’s not me you secretly admire, Mr. Hampton. You’re after my wife.”
Corey was left speechless. With Gemma present, he restrained himself and didn’t retort.
As the elevator doors opened, Corey motioned for Pierre to escort Gemma to her room.
Caden watched as Gemma walked away, recalling that her demeanor was once as aloof as Corey’s. How had Gemma grown so close to Pierre in just a few months?
As Gemma and Pierre walked, a slight gap between them, her hair brushed against his arm when she shook her head. Moreover, her small bag was draped over Pierre’s shoulder, hinting at a close relationship.
“Be careful with your words when Gemma is around,” Corey suddenly interjected, his tone icy.
Caden shifted his gaze back to Corey, smiling ambiguously. Corey scowled, visibly annoyed. “What’s so funny?”
“Why should I heed your advice?” Caden retorted.
Corey’s expression hardened. “At least your wife appreciates Gemma. If Gemma takes a dislike to you, you’ll face the repercussions.”
Caden scoffed. “Do I look like someone who fears his wife?”
Corey’s gaze drifted to a playful trinket dangling from Caden’s beach shorts-a cartoonish girl resembling Alicia, with a hairpin that read “Lucky.”
Discreetly, Caden shifted the toy out of view, maintaining his nonchalant and defiant air.
Corey opted for a lighter approach. “That little trinket is quite charming. Where did you get it? I might want one…”
Corey almost said something less appropriate but caught himself, mindful of Gemma’s presence. Not wanting to stir up any trouble that might affect Gemma, Corey held back. Caden, relishing Corey’s irritation, dismissed him casually. “Get some rest, Mr. Hampton. You’re not worth my time tonight.”
As Caden walked away, Corey called out nonchalantly, “Aren’t you curious why I’m here in Averibon?”
“Not in the slightest,” Caden shot back. “I’ll figure it out.” And if something was off, he’d ensure Corey regretted it.
Caden had reserved an aquarium-themed suite. A massive wall transformed into an aquatic scene, filled with various marine life-a splurge by Alicia for their enjoyment. Yet, as soon as they entered, Caden, ever impatient, pressed her against the aquarium and entered her from behind.
The small, colorful fish, attracted by the disturbance, gathered close.
Alicia, flustered, pushed against his arm. “Must there always be an audience when we have sex? You weirdo!”
Caden, seizing her wrist playfully, intensified his approach. Alicia, half-joking, half-concerned, pleaded, “Be careful. Don’t break the aquarium.”
Caught up in the moment, Caden laughed. “You think I’m that strong?” As he spoke, his actions grew more intense, giving her scarcely a moment to catch her breath.
His breathing was ragged, as he drew close, pressing kisses upon her lips.
Alicia, elusive as the fish they watched, slipped from his grasp each time their lips met.
Undeterred, Caden continued his playful pursuit. Their closeness was relentless, as inseparable as two parts of a whole.
Reflecting on his behavior, Caden felt reminiscent of his unrestrained days, always ardent, always longing to be near her, imagining an eternity in their intimacy.
As his intensity grew, so did Alicia’s apprehension. After spending the afternoon at the beach, she was weary, and Caden’s relentless pursuit of intimacy left her fearing she might collapse.
In a raspy voice, Alicia rebuked, “Caden… You broke your promise.”
Feigning confusion, Caden asked, “What promise did I break?” Alicia turned to face him, her arms wrapping around his neck, tears brimming in her eyes. “You promised I could decide when we have sex.”
Caden answered vaguely, “Yes, I promised to take good care of you. Isn’t that what I’m doing?”
As tears rolled down her cheeks, Alicia whispered, “Stop it. I’m going to die. Please…”
Caden’s heart softened at her tearful plea, but he was reluctant to give up just yet, urging her to address him as “honey.” Unable to utter the word, Alicia defiantly said, “Then just let me be.”
Exhausted from their encounter, Alicia fell asleep as soon as she lay down. Caden lifted her gently. “Don’t sleep yet. This room costs over three hundred thousand a night. Don’t you want to see your favorite fish?”
Alicia muttered, “Go to hell…”
Caden laughed, planning to join her in rest, when the phone beside them rang. He had ordered some personal items, and the front desk was calling to remind him to collect them.
Still energetic, Caden headed downstairs and accidentally ran into Pierre. The impact knocked Pierre’s bag open, spilling several boxes of medication.
Caden looked down as Pierre hurriedly collected them, greeting him, “Mr. Ward.”
“Not feeling well?” Caden inquired with a slight frown.
“No, it’s for Miss Hampton,” Pierre explained.
Caden nodded in acknowledgment and went to collect his items before returning to his room.
Alicia, struggling to sleep in unfamiliar settings, woke up as he re-entered, quickly seeking comfort in his arms.
Caden turned off the lights and softly stroked her hair.
The medication Pierre had dropped was for acute cardiac issues, rare, potent, and with considerable side effects. Caden pieced together that Gemma likely suffered from a serious condition.
From a severe heart condition. This revelation seemed to complete the puzzle, unveiling Corey’s desperate strategy. Corey’s aim to keep Gemma alive meant a grim exchange: Alicia’s heart for Gemma’s continued survival. A life for a life.
Caden felt like making a phone call, yet wary of disturbing Alicia’s restful sleep. He planned to rise from bed, but as he shifted, Alicia tightened her grip around his waist, silently pleading for him to stay. Reluctantly, he remained motionless. Making the call next to her was not an option. It was a conversation Alicia must not overhear. Resolving to delay it, Caden postponed the call until the next day.
The next morning, Caden hit the gym, spending an hour working out. While easing his tense muscles on the treadmill, he tasked his most trusted detective with investigating the covert operations Corey had been concealing in Terriland over the years.
Call complete, Caden spotted Gemma in the downstairs restaurant. She sat by the window, chin resting on her hand, her gaze distant and adorned with a soft smile.
Assuming Corey was with Gemma, Caden was surprised to see it was actually Pierre delivering breakfast.
Pierre deftly swapped the dishes Gemma disliked with his own plate, demonstrating his attentiveness.
Gemma tasted her meal and frowned in dissatisfaction. Pierre seamlessly took the unwanted items onto his plate.
Just then, Corey appeared from the elevator. Pierre excused himself with his plate, and Gemma straightened up, her ease replaced by slight tension.
Turning off the treadmill, Caden sported a knowing smile and resumed his call, instructing the detective, “Check out another person for me.”
Gemma’s meals were carefully prepared by the nanny, ensuring they were digestible, nutritious, and refined for her palate.
Corey mentioned, “There are a few of your favorite local spots nearby. I’ve ordered from them and asked for delivery.” Corey reached for his phone, only to be interrupted by Pierre. “Mr. Hampton, I’ve reviewed the local takeout options. It would take at least half an hour to be delivered. Instead of waiting, I can prepare something in the kitchen. The ingredients are trustworthy, and Miss Hampton can have her meal in ten minutes.”
Corey looked at Pierre. Before he could respond, Gemma chimed in, “Sure, Pierre, go ahead.”
Pleased to see Gemma happy, Corey nodded in agreement. “Since Sheila left, has Pierre been cooking for you?” Corey asked.
“You seem to enjoy it.”
“Yes, he’s an excellent cook,” Gemma replied with admiration. “By the way, Corey, have you heard from Sheila recently?” It had been a while, and Gemma was concerned about Sheila’s grandson.
Corey answered indifferently, “She resigned due to family issues.” A wave of worry washed over Gemma. “It must be because her grandson was seriously hurt.”
Sheila had tended to Gemma’s needs for over a decade, and the thought of Sheila leaving was painful for Gemma. “I’ll call her to see if she needs financial help.”
Knowing Gemma’s tendency to become emotional, Corey offered, “I’ll handle the call.”
When the call connected, an unfamiliar voice answered. Corey posed a question, and the response caused him to furrow his brow and utter a subdued “Oh.”
After Corey ended the call, Gemma, filled with curiosity, asked, “What did Sheila say? When is she coming back?”
Corey set down the phone, his tone softening. “Sheila said all is well. She’ll visit when she can.”
Gemma pouted, uncertain of the timeline but knowing she shouldn’t press Sheila on family matters.
Corey gently ruffled her hair, showing brotherly affection. “Gemma, other than me, no one else is worth your worry, understand?”
Gemma nodded, accepting his advice.