Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Remembering Caden’s satisfaction after getting married, Gerry seized the opportunity to probe further. “If you’re upset, just tell me. I’ve got your back.”
Alicia sighed again, shaking her head. “It’s complicated.”
Gerry voiced his speculation, “Is he sexually impotent?”
Alicia responded vaguely, “Did he tell you about that?”
Realizing he might be onto something, Gerry slapped his thigh. “It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? Everyone knows about his issues. He even said he’s not into women. If that’s true, what’s left? Impotence?”
Alicia’s lips twitched, trying to hold back a laugh. “Everyone knew this? How did I not?”
“You were enemies back then. Why would he expose his vulnerabilities to you?”
Alicia gestured for more information. “What else can you tell me about Caden’s college days?”
Gerry shrugged. “Not much to tell. All the girls were into him, but he never reciprocated. Always full of himself, really. Boring, actually.” A hint of jealousy crept into his voice. “One girl I liked gave him a scarf to pass along to him, and he put it on a dog instead.”
Alicia clicked her tongue in disapproval. “That’s harsh. Why didn’t he just give it to you?”
“Exactly! I’ve always been there for him, like a true friend, and he gives the scarf to a dog!”
As Gerry finished, a familiar bark echoed.
Alicia turned toward the door, puzzled.
Cade, the dog, bounded over, tail wagging happily.
Delighted, Alicia reached out to pet him. “What are you doing here?” Cade licked her fingers and then nudged the man behind her with his head.
Following his gaze, Alicia’s smile froze.
Caden stood there, one hand in his pocket, exuding a relaxed yet commanding presence. His black suit highlighted his noble and handsome features, and he glanced at her indifferently.
His expression neutral, Caden asked, “Why did you stop talking? Am I interrupting something?”
Having stirred the pot enough, Gerry stood up and relinquished his seat to Caden. “You two should talk. I need to go shoot a scene.” As Gerry walked away, he noticed a drink bag in Caden’s hand and grabbed it without a second thought. “What’s this?”
Gerry pulled out the bottle, a few petals floating within, emitting a sweet aroma.
“Flower tea,” Gerry said, delighted. “Thanks.”
Caden smirked. “If you like it, I can arrange to have it made for you daily.”
Gerry unscrewed the cap and took a long swig, finishing half the bottle in one gulp.
Caden, seeking some privacy with Alicia, gently nudged Cade with his foot, sending the dog to play with Gerry.
Gerry, in a considerate gesture, even poured a bit of the tea for the dog. Once they were out of earshot, Caden took a seat next to Alicia, casually crossing his legs. He remained silent, his gaze fixed on Cliff riding a horse in the distance.
Breaking the silence, Alicia looked at him curiously. “Why did you give your medicine to Gerry?”
Caden responded casually, “It’s not a cure-all. Missing one dose won’t make a difference.”
Alicia sensed the irritation in his tone. She pouted and said, “I didn’t say anything bad about you.”
“I didn’t say you did,” Caden replied.
“You didn’t have to say it. It’s clear from your expression. Who are you frowning at?”
Alicia had been holding onto her concerns for some time. “Initially, I misunderstood, thinking you were impotent because I thought you were overworked.”
Alicia fidgeted with her fingers. That day, he had indeed struggled with his erection for quite a few minutes. Yet, she knew better than to bring it up, since she knew it would surely lead to Caden’s displeasure. He was particularly sensitive about maintaining his dignity.
Caden’s face remained calm, betraying no irritation. “I took all the medicine you gave me, didn’t I? I’ve never blamed you.”
At his nonchalant response, Alicia’s frustration grew. “Just cut it out, could you?”
Caden looked at her. “What did I do wrong? You asked me to take the medicine, and I did. You wanted me to abstain, and I haven’t touched you. What else is there?”
Alicia’s heart sank. Her initial frustration now morphed into outright anger. His dismissive tone only fueled her fury.
Her voice turned icy as she said, “Fine, you’re obedient and abstinent. Keep it up for the rest of your life.”
Having sparred in countless arguments over the years, Caden wasn’t perturbed by her words. “I’ll do as you say.”
Alicia forced a smile, her eyes cold. “Then it’s settled. Abstinence.”
“Sure, I’m fine with that,” Caden responded, leaning back nonchalantly in his chair, his indifference serving as its own provocation.
Alicia sneered, brushing off his taunts.
They sat in tense silence, their attention inadvertently turning toward Cliff. Sensing their intense stares, Cliff felt unnerved and chose to dismount after another round, helping Gemma off the horse.
Corey approached to take Gemma, offering Cliff his thanks.
Wiping his sweat with a towel, Cliff walked over to Caden and Alicia, immediately sensing the tension. He asked, “Who’s upset you two?”
Alicia wasn’t one to let personal disputes show in front of others. Her face unchanged, she responded, “No one.”
Cliff said, “Then why do you both look so grim?”
Alicia absentmindedly replied, “You looked so dashing on the horse that I couldn’t help but get distracted.”
Cliff instinctively glanced at Caden, who was fiddling with the ring on his finger. His lips twitched in a semblance of a smile, but it was unsettling.
Deciding to leave the tense situation, Cliff made a gesture of goodwill. “It’s good that Caden is here. You two enjoy yourselves. I’ll cover today’s expenses.”
With that, Cliff headed toward the showers. Unexpectedly, he caught his cousin lurking near the locker room.
Upon being spotted, she turned to leave, but Cliff asked, “What are you doing here?”
Her back stiffened, and she said, “I wanted to see you.”
She came here to see him, only to catch him seemingly enjoying himself with another woman. Since realizing her feelings toward him, Cliff had become distant and even dismissive, a shift reserved just for her.
Frustrated and not wanting to show her tears, she refused to face him. Cliff approached and lifted her chin. “Why are you crying? Who upset you?” His tone was stern, almost fatherly.
She brushed off his hand. “No one. It’s just the wind… That woman earlier, is she your type?”
Cliff frowned. “Why do you ask?”
Forcing a smile, she replied, “Sorry, I won’t ask anymore… You go ahead. I won’t bother you again.”
She turned to leave, almost running away, clearly wanting to avoid him. Cliff was left feeling slightly annoyed. What did she mean by not “bothering him again”? They lived under the same roof. Avoidance was nearly impossible.
Shaking off the encounter, Cliff proceeded to take his shower.
Alicia suggested they go horseback riding. “Are you riding?” she asked Caden casually. “If you want to ride, we can go together. If not, I’ll just take a smaller horse.”
Caden’s response was nonchalant. “I’m fine with anything.”
Alicia was growing tired of that phrase, “I’m fine with anything.”
Anything? What about something absurd?
Resolved, Alicia went to get a small horse.
But Caden was quicker, choosing the larger horse and lifting her onto it by her waist. “Hold on tight.” He directed her to grip the reins firmly, yet he kept his hands on hers.
Alicia tightened her grip as instructed, feeling the horse’s sides against her thighs.
Caden then leapt up behind her, pressing closely against her back.
Despite their earlier disagreement, both were too proud to acknowledge any underlying tension, acting instead like affectionate newlyweds. Alicia nestled into Caden’s embrace, and he wrapped his arm around her waist, his hand brushing subtly against hers, creating a charged but controlled atmosphere.
“Find a comfortable position,” Caden guided her on how to sit properly on the horse.
Alicia adjusted herself slightly. Being in such close proximity, she inadvertently brushed against Caden’s crotch, but he didn’t shy away.
Within seconds, Caden’s reaction was evident.
Caden took a deep breath, striving to control his reaction.
Alicia commented casually, “Seems like the treatment is quite effective.”
Caden gently nudged the horse into a trot.
The sudden movement caused Alicia to jolt slightly, a blush spreading from her neck to her cheeks. She tightened her grip on Caden’s arm, playfully pinching him.
Caden, accustomed to this kind of interaction, knew she often pinched him when feeling content. He smiled, a hint of mischief in his tone. “We’ll only really know how effective it is through practical testing. To be on the safe side, maybe I should complete three more courses.”
Caden had once taught Alicia how to ride a horse.
Alicia was quick to master the reins, but managing Caden, positioned behind her-especially with his erection-proved more challenging.
Caden set the pace, guiding the horse freely around the field. As they rode, Alicia found herself cornered with nowhere to escape, forced to acquiesce. The wind whipped past her, her heart racing as a warmth spread through her body.
She attempted to shift forward.
Each time, Caden pulled her back against him, increasing her discomfort. “Stop moving,” he said, his tone sharp and commanding. It felt as though she were the one at fault.
Frustrated, Alicia said, “I don’t want to move, but could you behave yourself?”