Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia’s face grew warmer. “He’s not bullying me, really. There’s no need to worry.”
After a moment, Regina seemed to accept that younger generations might view things differently and changed the subject awkwardly. “Ah, got it. Would you like anything else to eat? I can prepare something for you.”
Alicia shook her head. “No, thanks. I think I would rather get some more sleep.”
“Alright then.”
Following Scarlette’s one-month celebration, Caden’s schedule had become even more hectic, with late nights becoming the norm.
There were times when it had been a while since they were intimate, and Caden would rush home, only to be interrupted by his constantly ringing phone. He would leave for the study, disgruntled, and by the time he came back, Alicia’s interest had waned and they would end up just going to sleep.
Considering his well-being, Alicia suggested they might temporarily abstain from sex.
Surprisingly, Caden agreed.
Monica, catching wind of this decision, immediately sensed something was wrong. “You’ve been married for just two years and are still so vibrant. Why abstain from sex?”
Alicia, fiddling with a tiny baby hat, responded, “He’s just been really swamped with work.”
“Busy with what?” Monica asked.
A shiver of unease ran through Alicia at the question. Indeed, what was Caden so busy with? He had never really explained his preoccupations.
Alicia had a nagging feeling that something was off. It wasn’t that she suspected Caden of cheating or not loving her anymore, but he was definitely keeping something from her..
It was a casual remark from Monica earlier, and noticing Alicia’s concerned expression, Monica quickly added, “Alicia, I definitely think Caden won’t cheat on you.”
Alicia patted Monica’s hand. “I’m not overthinking it, but you remind me of something.”
Facing her friend, Alicia opened up. “He might be working on a new project at the company and doesn’t want me to know about it.” Alicia figured if she wasn’t privy to the details, the project likely involved considerable risk and demanded significant sacrifices from Caden. Caden was a thrill-seeker, always drawn to challenging and stimulating ventures.
With these thoughts, Alicia lost interest in continuing their shopping spree. After picking up some baby products, she was ready to part ways with Monica.
Monica reminded her, “Remember to go to the hospital tomorrow to check on your insomnia. Give me the report, and I’ll get you some medicine.”
“Okay.”
Alicia then drove to the Blizzard Group headquarters. Caden had mentioned on the phone that he would be working late, but the office lights were off. Even Hank, his assistant, wasn’t there. What could the CEO be busy with if even his assistant was absent? Something didn’t add up.
After confirming her suspicions, Alicia sat in Caden’s office chair and dialed his number.
“Who’s this?” Caden sounded somewhat tired.
Feeling a pang of sympathy for him but unable to quell her curiosity, she asked, “Are you working late?”
Caden’s tone became lighter. “Why are you calling me from the home phone? I just finished a meeting.”
Alicia’s sympathy evaporated. He was still lying to her! Was Caden secretly developing a nuclear weapon? Planning for robots to take over the world? She asked further, “Are you in the office now? I made you something to eat and thought I’d bring it over.”
“Sure. I just wrapped up. I’ll have Hank come get you.”
Alicia let out a cold laugh. “Just kidding, I’m actually right behind you.”
Caden was speechless.
Alicia added, “Take a good look at whose number this is.”
Caden glanced at his phone, and, already exhausted, felt a jolt of tension. It was his office phone number. Alicia’s voice turned icy. “We’ve been married for just a year, and you’re already playing games with me?”
Caden rubbed his temples, realizing he couldn’t keep it hidden any longer. “Wait for me in the office. I’ll explain everything,” he said.
Alicia asked coolly, “How many people are you bringing back with you?”
Caden sensed her sarcasm and his temples throbbed. “I haven’t found any women. I’m coming back alone.”
“So, I called too early. You haven’t started yet.”
Caden chuckled in exasperation and said deliberately, “Then I’ll come back in half an hour.”
Alicia took a deep breath, entering into the spirit of their banter, and said, “Is half an hour enough for you?”
“Half an hour is more than enough. She’s not as pretty as you, and her figure isn’t as good. I’m not interested in having sex with her again and again.”
Alicia said, “Isn’t half an hour not enough for you? Only with someone you love would you be that quick, right?”
“It is my first time cheating, too thrilling to control.” Caden played along.
Alicia paused before replying coldly, “Then forget it. Don’t bother coming back. I’m quite busy myself.”
“Busy with what?” Caden asked.
“Later, I’ll pick a handsome employee from your company to have an affair with.”
Caden fell silent.
“Actually, since I’m here, I might as well pick a few more. My husband has been working late a lot, and I’m feeling neglected. One might not be enough.” Alicia then asked seriously, “Which department has the most interns? I like them young and strong. Over twenty-five is excluded.”
Caden still didn’t respond.
Alicia said sweetly, “Oh, by the way, honey, should I take off my ring when I’m with them? Or should I leave it on for the thrill?”
“You’re in big trouble, Alicia.” Caden was skilled at banter, but he couldn’t handle Alicia’s teasing. Despite knowing it was all in jest, it was too much for him. He was speeding to get to the office.
After hanging up, Alicia felt quite satisfied with herself and casually picked up a document to read.
It was then that Alicia stumbled upon the initial files on the development of an artificial heart chip.
Alicia knew Dorian had been working on the chip, a demanding task that required significant effort.
When Caden returned, his exhausted appearance indicated he had been assisting Dorian.
“Is Dorian facing a tough problem?” Alicia inquired seriously. “Is there an issue with manufacturing the chip?”
Caden pointed out that she was half right. “The chip can be made, but there might be a few months’ delay. The real issue isn’t the chip. It’s Dorian.” Caden embraced her, waiting for her to mentally prepare before explaining, “He’s been hospitalized due to severe radiation exposure.”
Alicia was shocked. “Are you insane? Why would you get involved with something that has radiation risks?”
Caden chuckled. “I didn’t actually go into the lab. I just participated in the discussions. After Dorian was hospitalized, there was no one else to lead the project, so I stepped in. I used my expertise but didn’t handle any hazardous materials.”
Alicia hugged him tightly, visibly shaken. “You scared me.”
Caden then asked, “Are you upset about Dorian’s condition?”
Alicia shook her head. She responded, a bit detached, “He never really acted as a father, never showed me love. To me, he’s practically a stranger.”
Caden exhaled in relief. “Good, I was worried for nothing then. I kept this from you because I feared you wouldn’t take it well, knowing he’s your father.”
With the truth now in the open, Caden moved to a more intimate interaction. He locked the door and began unbuttoning his shirt. “So, I’m not home and you’re horny, huh?”
Captivated by his actions, Alicia swallowed hard. Leaning back in his chair, she allowed him to take the lead. “Actually, I’m okay with it.”
Caden held her…
Caden kissed her deeply. Alicia’s hand tentatively slipped down to his belt. When she touched it, she froze.
“Wait a minute.” Alicia looked down, puzzled. “Why isn’t there any reaction?”
Caden initially thought Alicia was teasing him, but a glance downward confirmed she wasn’t joking. Why wasn’t he erecting already? He froze, his brow furrowing deeply.
In that moment of stillness, Caden even questioned if he was seeing things. Was this really happening? Alicia’s next actions dispelled any illusions. She fiddled with the zipper, checking repeatedly.
After confirming he had no reaction, Alicia inhaled sharply, her voice restrained. “Have you been too tired lately?”
Hearing this, Caden felt a sharp twinge in his heart. Was he really experiencing impotence? At his age, could his sex life really be at stake? He couldn’t accept that. Yes, he had been fatigued, but he had faced worse without issues in his sex life.
Caden turned back to Alicia with an intense look. “Honey, kiss me.” Alicia wrapped her arms around his neck, and soon, Caden felt like himself again.
Alicia’s eyes sparkled with surprise. “You’re back to normal!”
Yet, Caden found no joy in her words.
After one round of intimacy, Alicia said she didn’t want to continue and cuddled against him to rest.
Caden rubbed her shoulder absentmindedly, his brow still knotted.
Alicia toyed with his shirt buttons. “Since Dorian can’t continue the chip research, why are you stepping in instead of Corey? He should be the one taking charge.” Caden stayed silent.
Alicia, still nestled against him, added, “Even though Corey’s been affected by Gemma’s situation, he should be supporting you. You’re working late every day. We haven’t shared a meal in ages. Talk to Corey tomorrow.”
“Caden?” She lifted her head, puzzled. “Did you hear me?”
Caden met her gaze. “After what happened to Gemma, Corey’s barely coping. He’s not ready to focus on work, especially not on the chips.” Alicia’s voice was laced with concern. “Why were you so quiet just now?” Alicia frowned. When did he become so easily distracted? Was he really that tired? She felt a pang of unease. Despite knowing how worn out he was, she had initiated intimacy earlier. Why had she been so demanding?
Caden’s gaze was intense, his eyes unreadable. “Did you enjoy it just now?”
Caught off guard by the sudden turn to such a personal topic, Alicia hesitated before responding, “Yes, I did.”
“If you enjoyed it, why only once?”
“In the office, and we have to be mindful of our surroundings. Plus, the chair was so uncomfortable that it hurt my back,” Alicia explained earnestly.
Despite her sincerity, Caden remained skeptical. He was still fixated on his initial difficulty, concerned there might be something wrong with him physically.