Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia smirked, patting his face. “Feeling better? Good. Then go ahead and hire a couple more secretaries. By next month, I expect to see them on board.”
Caden was left speechless, unable to argue.
After marrying, Alicia’s emotions became much more stable than before. She no longer displayed her feelings openly, rarely argued with Caden, but remained difficult to appease.
When Caden sensed she was truly upset, his instinct was to draw her close. Yet, Alicia, swift as lightning, slipped away.
He set down his phone and followed her. “Alicia,” he called out softly, only to have the bedroom door slam shut in his face.
The sharp click of the lock came from the other side, making his shoulders tense.
In this house, the soundproofing was poor, and her voice drifted clearly through the door. “If you even think about picking that lock, you’ll regret it.”
Caden let out a long sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose in exasperation. He resisted the urge to knock some sense into himself.
When they had gotten home earlier, Alicia had been visibly drained, yet she hadn’t refused his advances. They’d gone through an entire box of condoms, and not once did she berate him. She had clearly noticed his mood and was trying to mend things in her own way. So, why was he still acting so childish?
Caden knew, deep down, there was no reason to be jealous of Corey. Nothing had ever happened between Corey and Alicia. And yet, his temper flared far too easily. Why couldn’t he just admit the truth and let it go?
Lost in thought, Caden was startled when the door creaked open.
Caden quickly straightened, his gaze locking onto hers with intent. “Already calmed down?”
Alicia stood tall, her expression frosted with a hint of chill. “Caden, I know you’re jealous of Corey, but there has to be a limit. This is the last time I’m letting this upset me. If you keep making a fuss, we’ll end up divorced.”
Caden’s carefully constructed composure shattered in an instant. “When have I ever been jealous of Corey? Is he even worth it?”
Alicia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “You don’t need to say every thought that crosses your mind. Just hear what I’m telling you.”
“I’m not jealous of him,” Caden replied stiffly.
Alicia sighed. Forget it. Why waste time arguing with someone so childish? She moved to close the door again, but Caden instinctively reached out to stop her, his hand hovering in hesitation.
Alicia turned her head, her voice steady but sharp. “I’m still angry. Wait until I’m not before you try to make it up to me.”
Frustration surged within Caden, his tone clipped. “I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I be the one making it up to you?”
Alicia raised an eyebrow, her silence louder than any retort.
Realizing he was fighting a losing battle, Caden withdrew his hand and exhaled slowly, easing his posture. “I wasn’t stopping you from closing the door for any other reason. Didn’t you mention wanting dessert earlier? I was just asking what kind of dessert you wanted.”
Alicia asked, her tone sharp, “So, I misunderstood you earlier? You really need a second secretary?”
Caden licked his lips thoughtfully. “We’ll talk about work later. Just tell me what kind of dessert you want.”
Alicia’s reply was cold and clipped. “I don’t have an appetite anymore. Don’t trouble yourself.” With that, she closed the door again.
Though impulsive by nature, Caden wasn’t without emotional intelligence. Alicia might claim she didn’t want dessert, but he knew better. He had to make it. He remembered her fondness for pudding-how she always savored it with quiet delight.
After preparing the pudding, Caden didn’t knock on the door but left it in the dining room.
After a while, Alicia emerged from the bedroom, silently sat at the table, and ate the pudding as she always did. Once finished, she returned to the bedroom without a word.
While she ate, Caden pretended to be engrossed in his work.
As Alicia made her way back to the bedroom, Caden couldn’t resist. “Finished and leaving already?”
Alicia glanced at him. “It was good, very delicious.”
Sensing an opening, Caden stood, ready to embrace her, but Alicia turned away, her words firm yet indifferent.
“Wash the dishes.”
He froze in place, stunned.
Maybe the marriage certificate had given him a newfound sense of confidence, or perhaps he had just grown used to her curt demeanor. Either way, Caden didn’t push further that night.
The next morning, Alicia woke early and found Caden sprawled on the living room sofa-not just any sofa, but the one on the balcony. The window was wide open, and he had no blanket. Dressed in short-sleeved loungewear and shorts, half his skin was exposed to the chilly summer night air.
Even though it was summer, the nights were cold enough to make her pause. Sleeping like that, he was bound to catch a cold.
It was still early, so Alicia decided not to wake him. Instead, she quietly retrieved a blanket and draped it over him.
Caden wasn’t asleep at all. He heard every sound Alicia made, each movement filled with her usual grace. When she covered him, her gentle presence was unmistakable. He could feel the faint brush of her long hair against him, carrying its delicate fragrance. For a fleeting moment, he almost reached out to grab her hand, longing to press a kiss to her soft skin.
But Alicia, oblivious to his inner turmoil, turned and made her way to the kitchen to prepare a simple breakfast.
The enticing aroma soon filled the air, stirring Caden’s senses. He opened his eyes and turned his gaze toward her, captivated by her slender figure moving with quiet efficiency in the kitchen.
Before he could look away, Alicia emerged with a plate in hand, catching him off guard.
Caden quickly shifted his eyes, feigning nonchalance.
“Awake?” Alicia asked.
Caden knew the game was up. There was no use pretending anymore. He grunted in response.
“If you’re awake, come and eat,” Alicia said, her tone detached.
Caden’s heart gave an involuntary leap. A smirk played at his lips as he replied, “I must be dreaming. You’re actually offering me a way out.”
Alicia didn’t miss a beat. “Don’t overthink it. This is just repayment for last night’s dessert. If you don’t want it, that’s fine too.”
Caden leaned back on the sofa, deciding against taking her up on the offer. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the window, where the vibrant green foliage.
outside danced in the morning breeze. The cheerful chirping of birds created a serene backdrop, too perfect to disrupt.
Caden clasped his hands behind his head, savoring the tranquility. The world felt strangely still, as if gifting him a fleeting moment of peace.
Out of nowhere, a bird dropping landed squarely on his forehead.
Caden was so furious that he felt like he could demolish the house.
Under his breath, Caden cursed as he headed for a shower. He didn’t reappear until after Alicia had finished her breakfast, still visibly upset.
Alicia, rinsing her mouth, noticed his foul expression. “Did you use sandpaper on your face? Why so red?”
Caden’s face grew even darker with irritation. Approaching the cleared dining table, he frowned. “Where’s my breakfast?”
Alicia arched an eyebrow. “I thought you said you were skipping it?”
“When did I say that?”
“You didn’t respond when I asked you earlier.”
“I never mentioned skipping breakfast.”
Alicia shrugged casually. “Oh, sorry about that.”
Caden nearly choked in frustration. “So, you threw it out?” Her appetite had been weak in the morning, making it difficult for her to eat much of the breakfast she had prepared for them both.
“Yes, I threw it out,” Alicia nodded.
She then headed toward the kitchen. “Don’t worry. It’s not too messy. I can still retrieve it for you.”
Caden was stunned. Expecting a joke, he was taken aback when she actually returned with the breakfast. Expressionless, Caden said, “Thanks, but you really didn’t have to do that.”
Alicia fought back a chuckle. “Go on and eat. It’s probably cleaner than bird droppings, right?”
Caden gave her a piercing look.
Alicia inwardly chuckled, recalling the earlier incident of him being splattered by bird droppings, though she kept her composure. “Just kidding. I didn’t throw it away. I thought you weren’t eating, so I put it in the microwave.”
Caden looked down. The breakfast was perfectly arranged, and the warmth still lingered. Emotion washed over him as he ate with earnest intensity.
Looking up from his meal, he realized Alicia had already left.
Alicia arrived at the hospital with gifts for Gemma. Despite her weakness, Gemma’s spirits visibly lifted upon seeing Alicia, though her pale complexion was deeply moving.
Corey had already informed Gemma about the artificial heart. Alicia was there to reassure her. “The surgery is scheduled in Warrington. I’ve secured the top cardiac specialist to oversee everything.”
Gemma blinked back tears, her voice wavering. “Thank you, Alicia. I hate that I keep causing you problems.”
Alicia tousled her hair affectionately, smiling gently. “What are you saying? You’re the brave one here.”
Soon after, Pierre entered. “Ms. Bennett, Mr. Ward is waiting outside for you.”
Alicia had not anticipated Caden’s arrival. With the heart transplant plans moving forward, there was much to organize. Not wanting to delay, Alicia excused herself to join Caden. She found him just outside Gemma’s ward.
Teasingly, Alicia asked, “Are you keeping such a close watch because you’re worried I might sneak off for a secret meeting with Corey?”
Caden’s expression clouded over. He knew her comment was sparked by frustration, but it still unsettled him. Trying to justify himself, he replied stiffly, “I’m not following you. I just came to visit Gemma.”
Alicia laughed lightly. “Since when did you and Gemma become close?”
“Is it so strange for me to show a sudden act of kindness?”
“Then, by all means, go see her,” Alicia replied.
With that, she made her way to the elevator.
Caden followed closely behind. Alicia turned to him with a questioning look. “Weren’t you supposed to visit Gemma?”