Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Alicia snorted. “You know exactly what you’re doing.”
Caden asked, “Why are you so sensitive?”
Flushed with irritation, Alicia splashed water at Caden’s face. “You’re sleeping on the couch tonight!” Caden was left speechless.
As spring arrived, the weather grew warmer.
As Alicia was preparing to take the baby out for a walk, her phone rang. It was Corey.
“I managed to coax Gemma out,” the once-arrogant Corey said, his voice laden with defeat. “Can you come and keep her company? She can’t stand me right now and doesn’t want to be around me. I need to ask you for this favor.”
Alicia had no particular affection for Corey, but she felt sympathy for Gemma. Since she was going out anyway, she agreed to help.
Caden, ready to leave, joined Alicia to push the stroller. “Going to see Monica again? I’ll pick you up for lunch after work.”
Alicia declined. “I’m having lunch with Gemma today. You go ahead and eat by yourself.”
“Gemma’s willing to go out?” Caden raised an eyebrow.
After Pierre’s death, Gemma had become reclusive, spending her days painting and playing the piano, immersed in her grief. “What made her decide to go out now?” Caden asked.
“Corey tricked her into it,” Alicia replied.
Caden’s expression hardened, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes. “So, Corey will be there at lunch too?”
Alicia dismissed his concern. “I don’t know. You should head to the office. Don’t worry about me.”
Caden was taken aback. When she desired intimacy, she softened her tone, yet now, she brushed him off with such indifference.
Alicia suggested several places that seemed ideal for a day out and let Gemma choose.
Gemma tried to appear normal so Alicia wouldn’t worry, but nothing seemed to interest her; she was untouched by anything around her.
Eventually, Gemma asked, “Alicia, can I just hang out at your place for a while?”
In recent months, Gemma had retreated into her shell, often seeking time alone. She didn’t want to live, but she couldn’t bring herself to end it. She needed to find a way to heal. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her brother to face the world alone.
Alicia was about to agree and ruffled Gemma’s hair when an advertisement popped up on her screen.
It caught Gemma’s attention.
Clicking on it, Alicia discovered it was for a newly opened equestrian club, something Cliff had started out of boredom.
“Do you want to go?” Alicia asked, remembering that Pierre had taught Gemma horse riding before he died.
Gemma’s eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded.
The last time Gemma fell off a horse, the memory still haunted Corey with lingering fear. But since she rarely expressed interest in anything, he wouldn’t deny her this. He insisted that Cliff personally accompany her on the ride.
However, Cliff, having been set up on blind dates for the past two years, was comically wary of women and refused.
Corey then asked Alicia to persuade Cliff.
Cliff glanced between Corey and Alicia. Gazing at Alicia, he inquired, “When did you and Corey become so close?”
Alicia, noting his misunderstanding, said, “Today is about taking care of Gemma. It’s not about Corey.”
“It doesn’t seem that way,” Cliff responded coolly. “Besides, Caden isn’t here today. I don’t want to be a wingman.”
Alicia was confused. A wingman for what? She wasn’t out here alone with Corey. How could a seasoned soldier like Cliff focus so much on physical strength yet lack discernment?
“If you’re unwilling, that’s fine. Are there any reliable instructors at the club?” Alicia asked.
“No, it’s just opened. I’m the only one,” Cliff answered.
Alicia forced a smile. “Are you really going to let Corey down, Cliff?”
Cliff showed no signs of yielding. He focused on adjusting the reins, calmly soothing the horse and preparing for the arrival of other visitors. Alicia noted Cliff’s reluctance but chose not to press the issue. Instead, she decided to teach Gemma how to ride herself.
Cliff knew he couldn’t leave things as they were. If anything were to happen to Alicia and Gemma, Corey and Caden would hold him responsible.
Cliff dialed Caden’s number. “What are you busy with today?”
Caden was actually free, his thoughts drifting to Alicia. Although Alicia went out to comfort Gemma, Corey was also there, and Caden couldn’t help but question Corey’s intentions. “Do you need something?” Caden asked.
Cliff quickly outlined the situation.
Caden responded without hesitation, “Gemma and Corey are two different matters. Gemma is close to Alicia and has a heart condition. She definitely needs a competent instructor.”
Cliff added meaningfully, “Alicia is here, so why aren’t you? Corey seems quite comfortable around your wife.”
Caden fell silent. He ended the call abruptly and headed straight for the equestrian club.
On his way out, Caden encountered a doctor.
“Mr. Ward, your medicine,” the doctor said, handing him a bag. This doctor was an assistant to a well-known physician Alicia had consulted for a daily tonic prescription, which this very assistant prepared and sent to Caden.
Usually, Hank would handle the delivery. Caden typically poured it out and showed Alicia an empty bottle as fake proof he had taken it. Today, caught by the assistant, Caden couldn’t discard it and instead casually took it with him.
“Mr. Ward, remember to drink it,” the assistant called out after him. Caden didn’t respond and continued on his way.
Meanwhile, the club was alive with activity.
Gerry, filming nearby and aware that Alicia was there, decided to visit during a break.
Gerry’s laid-back nature hadn’t changed over the years. His films rarely made a mark, often resulting in financial losses.
Alicia asked, “Didn’t you promise to work hard and prove something to your family so you wouldn’t need your dad’s money anymore?”
Gerry responded earnestly, “I may not have made it big yet, but I really haven’t taken any money from my dad.”
“Then who funds your movies?”
“Well, my brother opened this club, right? Whatever he earns, I spend. If I spend more than he makes, he dips into his savings to cover the difference.”
Alicia’s lips twitched. What a truly brotherly way to support each other.
Gerry and Alicia sat on chairs, enjoying snacks while watching Cliff instructing Gemma on riding a horse.
Cliff’s large build made Gemma’s small frame appear even tinier. Despite this, she showed no fear and eagerly took control of the reins, pushing the horse to go faster.
Gerry chuckled. “Why does Gemma remind me so much of my cousin? So delicate.”
Alicia’s curiosity piqued. “Which cousin?”
“The girl my aunt adopted. After my aunt passed, she came to live with us.” Leaning in closer with a mischievous grin, Gerry added, “She likes my brother. I once caught her crying in his arms.”
Alicia simply said, “Oh.”
Gerry looked surprised. “You’re not shocked?”
Just then, Gerry noticed Caden entering through the main gate, heading their way.
Alicia, with her back to the entrance, focused on the horses galloping across the field. She responded absently to Gerry, “Cliff is so impressive. Naturally, someone would fall for him. If I had a cousin who isn’t biologically related and had lived with me for two years, I’d probably end up with a crush too.”
Caden paused behind Alicia, his expression stern.
Gerry wanted to alert Alicia, but a sharp glance from Caden stopped him cold. He had no choice but to sit up straight.
However, Alicia, rarely getting the chance to chat with Gerry and already engaged in gossip, was eager to continue. “Does Cliff like that cousin?” she asked.
Feeling a chill, possibly from Caden’s presence behind him, Gerry corrected her. “Don’t call that adoptive girl my cousin. She and I are not related. It sounds odd. Just use her name.”
Alicia replied, “Isn’t using her name more odd?”
Gerry said, “When did you become so straightforward? You used to be quite reserved.”
“Why are you mincing words now? You’re the one who directs those risqu? films,” Alicia teased.
Gerry was momentarily at a loss for words. It seemed her newfound boldness, perhaps influenced by wealth, had changed how she addressed him-gone was the formal “Mr. Hopkins,” replaced now with direct references to his professional work.
Gerry rubbed his nose. “I don’t think my brother has feelings for her. Otherwise, he wouldn’t keep entertaining my mom’s matchmaking attempts, and he always seems so bothered by her affection.”
“Has she confessed to Cliff?” Alicia inquired.
“Of course not, but it’s quite obvious. Her eyes are so expressive that she can’t hide anything,” Gerry responded.
“What a shame,” Alicia mused aloud, remembering the girl was quite attractive. “Cliff doesn’t know what he’s missing.”
Gerry added, “My brother is much older than her. There’s a significant age gap, and we’re a family. It would be inappropriate if he showed interest.”
Gerry then shifted the topic and asked playfully, “How are things with you and Caden lately?”
Alicia’s expression subtly changed. Lately, Caden had been playfully teasing her a lot, to the point where she was becoming desensitized. Honestly, she simply disliked him leaving her frustrated, with her desires unfulfilled. But in front of Gerry, she chose her words carefully. “Same as always. Always eager for the drama.”
“Vague? We’ve been friends since childhood. What’s there to hide?”
“Nothing. He’s fine,” Alicia responded.
Gerry sensed something was amiss. “You never have much good to say about him. What’s going on? Has he changed? Or is there someone else?”
Alicia sighed.