Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Certain paths may appear absurd at first glance,” Caden said. “But they may turn out to be the easiest route. Likewise, the steady, well-trodden roads may well lead you to a dead end. It’s all about making the right choice.”
“You sound just like Joshua,” Alicia muttered.
“Well, with me, there is mutual consent,” Caden pointed out indifferently. “Can you say the same for Joshua?”
Alicia was at a loss for words again. “When did you find out?”
Caden shrugged. “When he touches you, you physically recoil. When I touch you, you get wet.”
Alicia let out a small gasp.
Did this man have no sense of propriety?
She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. “You knew my intentions toward the Gray family from the start, but you didn’t stop me. It’s because you wanted Joshua to fall from grace, right?”
“It’s not just him,” Caden said blandly. “The entire Yates family.”
Alicia remembered the dream she had. Who would have thought that the mighty Caden Ward had endured such a difficult childhood?
“Your target is Joshua, and mine is the Yates family. If we do this, we’ll have a clear deal. We’ll be partners. This isn’t some friends-with-benefits type of situation, do you understand?”
Caden leaned in slightly, as if to emphasize his next words. “It’s completely different from your current relationship with Joshua.”
Alicia’s heart wavered.
He decided to be honest. “I’ve been staying with the Yates family because I want to use this identity to accomplish my goals. I’m not there yet, so I can’t leave for now.”
Caden was equally blunt. “Have you slept with Joshua during this time?”
Alicia shook her head immediately. “No.”
Caden raised an eyebrow. “So, you don’t want to? Or is he impotent?”
Alicia hesitated before replying, “At the moment, it’s a bit of both.”
Caden let out a quiet laugh. “I expected more from him.” Sensing that her resolve was wavering, he didn’t press further. Instead, he asked, “What size underwear do you wear?”
Alicia froze for a second, then awkwardly answered, “Monica’s coming over later. I’ll ask her to pick some up for me.”
“Do you want her to find out that you peed on me?” he asked.
Alicia blushed at his question. “Nobody would know if we keep that between ourselves!”
“What if she asks where your underwear is? What will you say?”
Alicia fell into silence.
After a few moments, she sighed in resignation. “I wear a size M.”
“Medium, huh?”
Caden glanced at her waist and legs. They were both slender, though with a little extra flesh on her hips. Size M seemed reasonable.
He nodded and left the ward.
Once he was gone, Alicia closed her eyes, hoping for a moment of rest.
Just a few minutes later, the door creaked open.
Hearing the unmistakable sound of leather shoes, Alicia instinctively assumed it was Caden. “You’re back already?” She propped herself up and pulled back the curtain, only to freeze in shock.
It was Joshua.
He had brought some food with him.
Joshua set the food on the table and looked directly at her. “Who were you talking to?”
Alicia did her best to stay composed. “I thought it was the nurse coming in.”
He tried to reach for her phone under the blanket, hoping to message Caden and delay him from coming up.
However, Joshua moved closer to the bed, keeping his eyes locked on her, observing every move. There was no way for her to reach the phone without him noticing.
“How do you feel now?” Joshua asked with a frown.
Alicia gave him a dismissive look. “Why are you here? Didn’t you say this was a sensitive time for you?”
Joshua responded, “The Gray family told me you were seriously hurt. I had to come check on you.”
Alicia wasn’t convinced. She had seen him put on this kind of performance before.
He opened the food container, revealing seafood soup he had gone out of his way to buy. Beside it, there was a small jewelry bag.
“I can’t stay long,” he added, glancing at the bandage on her head and her pale complexion. “I have to leave soon. But Randolph really crossed the line this time. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure things are set right.”
Though he had never shown much interest in her during their two years of marriage, Joshua had never allowed her to endure this level of mistreatment.
“The Gray family really went too far this time.”
Alicia lowered her eyelids, looking tired. “Just let it go. You already have enough on your plate.”
“This is different,” Joshua said, genuinely believing she was in pain and trying to show her kindness. “Have some of the soup. Do you want me to feed you?”
“I don’t have an appetite,” Alicia muttered, closing her eyes.
At that moment, footsteps echoed from the hallway. Alicia instantly recognized them as Caden’s and let out a forced cough, hoping he would get the signal not to come inside.
Joshua patted her back. “Why are you coughing? Are you alright?”
You hear him, right, Caden? Don’t come in. Don’t come in! she thought desperately.
However, it seemed like Caden didn’t care.
As soon as he realized Joshua was in the room, not only did he refuse to avoid the situation, but he quickened his pace and walked straight in.
They quickly found themselves face to face.
Alicia’s heart sank, feeling the tension in the room spike instantly.
Joshua stood up. “Caden?”
Caden calmly set down the shopping bag he was carrying. “It seems word gets out fast. You made it here in no time.”
Joshua shifted uncomfortably, sensing something was off.
For some reason, the atmosphere made it feel as though Caden and Alicia were the couple, and he was the outsider.
“Seems like we’re both quick,” Joshua said, glancing at the bag. “Since when did you and Alicia get so close?”
Alicia didn’t want Caden to say anything that might escalate the situation, so she quickly spoke up. “He was at the Gray family’s place when I got hurt. He brought me to the hospital afterward.”
Caden shot her a cold glance, making it clear he wasn’t interested in playing along.
Joshua maintained his polite demeanor. “Is that so? Thanks for that, Caden.”
Alicia spoke up quickly, trying to send Caden away. “Mr. Ward, if you have other things to take care of, you can go ahead. Thanks for today.”
Before Caden could reply, Joshua interjected, “What’s the rush? We rarely get a chance to catch up.”
He pulled a chair over to Caden and smiled. “Caden, why don’t you sit?”
However, it seemed Caden had no interest in playing along.
“We don’t have to. I’m too busy for that,” he replied.
Joshua moved to the bedside and took Alicia’s hand. “I wanted to ask you about her condition. Is she seriously injured?”
Caden’s eyes lingered on their joined hands.
Feeling uneasy, Alicia quickly pulled her hand away.
“Talk to the doctor. He can give you all the details,” Caden stated flatly.
Recognizing the tension, Joshua nodded. “Fair enough, Caden. We won’t keep you any longer.”
When Caden reached the door, he heard Joshua’s voice. “I’ll stay with you tonight to keep you company. How does that sound?”
Caden hesitated for a heartbeat before pulling the door open and slipping out.
Alicia waited until Caden’s footsteps faded before speaking, her gaze lingering on the closed door. “You’re staying overnight?”
Joshua’s easy smile faltered. “That was just for Caden’s ears. He wants everything that’s mine. I had to remind him that you’re mine and mine alone.”
Alicia’s brow furrowed, but she remained silent, her emotions twisting in knots.
Her feelings were a tangled mess, neither clear nor easy to decipher.
She hadn’t agreed to Caden’s request, but…
Why did the thought of being alone with Joshua make her feel so guilty?
Meanwhile, Caden had just exited the hospital and climbed into Hank’s car.