Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden walked her to the door. “When you were living with the Yates family, what exactly did you tell Joshua to stop him from touching you?”
Alicia hesitated, feeling like he was questioning her honesty. After a moment, she reluctantly answered, “I told him I was on my period.”
Caden’s response was curt. “I see. Just so you know, if you ever use that excuse on me, I’ll make sure you regret it. I’ll make it so you can’t get out of bed.”
Alicia was left at a loss for words.
How did she manage to get caught up in his threats again?
As she was stepping out, a ringing sound came from her pocket.
Alicia reached into her pocket. “Great timing,” she muttered.
However, the call turned out to be bad news.
Her landlord’s voice sounded agitated. “What’s going on over there? There’s water flooding the apartment below yours! Get over here and open the door right now!”
It was only then that Alicia realized her apartment was flooded.
“Could it really be a burst pipe?” she murmured in disbelief. “That was just the excuse I used to get a day off from the doctor today.”
Caden remembered the landlord’s angry voice and frowned slightly. “I’ll come with you.”
Alicia glanced at the time. It was late, and she found comfort in the idea of having someone with her. She nodded in agreement.
When they arrived at her rental apartment, Caden took charge. He led the landlord and the downstairs neighbors aside, giving Alicia space to go in and assess the damage. She found the main water valve and turned it off. Then, she quickly called a repairman to come fix the problem. After she finished, Alicia stepped outside, only to find that the landlord and neighbors had left.
Caden approached her with a composed demeanor. “The compensation has been deducted from your security deposit. You should start looking for another place to live. Buildings this old aren’t safe.”
Alicia agreed with his assessment. It was time for a change.
Things were different now. Alicia could no longer handle everything on her own like she used to. Now that she had entered into a partnership with Caden, she needed to make sure her personal safety was secured.
She glanced back at her apartment, then quietly rolled up her sleeves and began packing her things.
Caden looked on, clearly displeased. “Everything’s waterlogged, and you still want to keep all of this?”
Alicia replied calmly, “Some of these items are very important to me.”
She picked up a bag and started putting away small items from her drawer.
Many of them were old, but they were well-preserved. It was obvious that Alicia cherished each one, keeping them neat and clean despite their age.
She moved efficiently, packing her belongings quickly. Before long, she had filled a large bag.
“That should be most of it,” she said, turning to Caden. “Would you mind if I stored these at your place for a while?”
Caden gave a slight nod. “That’s fine. I don’t mind.”
Alicia took a deep breath before lifting the heavy bag onto her shoulder. Caden was surprised.
He glanced at the dirty water covering the floor. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and took the bag from her.
“Would it kill you to ask for help?” he asked.
Alicia straightened her neck defiantly. “I don’t usually ask for help.”
Caden moved ahead, making careful steps as he walked.
Alicia frowned and asked, “What are you looking for?”
Caden’s tone became a bit flat. “Mouse traps.”
“Huh? Why?” Alicia asked, genuinely confused.
Because of the unexpected flooding, Alicia had to return to Caden’s apartment with him.
During the ride back, she unexpectedly dozed off in the car.
The soft, warm glow of the car’s interior light fell on her face, highlighting her peaceful features. She looked serene, gentle, and untouched by the harshness of the world.
Caden stared at Alicia for a moment before leaning over to pat her shoulder. “We’re here,” he said.
Alicia furrowed her brow slightly but moved only a bit, continuing to sleep.
Caden sighed. He cradled her with one arm while using the other to carry the bag, making his way upstairs.
Once inside, he placed her down carefully on the sofa. As he settled her down, a photo album slipped out of the bag and landed at his feet.
He glanced at the cover. It showed Alicia as a baby with her parents.
In the picture, she was only a few months old, her cheeks round and her skin fair. She smiled at the camera, revealing two tiny white teeth. She looked utterly adorable.
Caden had never seen these photographs before. He couldn’t resist opening the album.
On the first page, there was a picture of Alicia on the day she was born.
The photograph showed Alicia, freshly cleaned and wrapped in a soft blanket, crying as a newborn. Below the image, there was a line of elegant handwriting that read, “Our beloved daughter, Lucky.”
Caden narrowed his eyes slightly, rubbing his thumb over the name.
“Lucky, huh?” he murmured.
Alicia was still in a deep sleep when she heard the sound of his voice. She instinctively snuggled closer to him, murmuring softly, “Yeah…”
Caden looked down at her, observing her peaceful expression, before gently closing the album.
He turned off the living room lights and switched on the air conditioner. Then, with Alicia still in his arms, he lay down beside her, letting his eyes close as he drifted off to sleep.
Morning eventually came.
When Caden woke, he realized Alicia was no longer by his side.
He checked his watch, and to his surprise, it was already nine o’clock in the morning.
Caden couldn’t quite remember how he had fallen asleep the previous night. His memories were a blur, unlike his usual nights of insomnia and restless dreams.
He quickly freshened up and got ready to leave, when something caught his eye on the dining table. He walked over and realized it was breakfast, prepared by Alicia. Feeling curious, he picked up the food and took a bite.
The taste was well-balanced, rich but not overwhelming. The flavors blended perfectly, leaving a delightful sensation in his mouth. It was surprisingly good.
He continued eating as he made his way to the door. Grabbing his car keys, he stepped outside.
Caden realized that, unlike most mornings when he only had a cup of coffee, he felt genuinely satisfied after having this breakfast.
If his stomach could speak, it might say, “Finally, a proper breakfast after so long.”
When he arrived at the office, he switched immediately into work mode.
He handed the breakfast Hank had bought for him back to Hank.
Hank looked confused. “Why? Skipping breakfast isn’t good for you, sir.”
Caden replied, “I’ll eat at home from now on. You don’t need to buy me breakfast anymore.”
Hank’s eyes lit up with interest. “Did your maid make it? You must’ve really enjoyed it to change your mind after just one try. She must be a fantastic cook. Do you think she could make some for me as well?”
Caden looked up at Hank and said bluntly, “Keep dreaming.”
Hank wasn’t sure how to react.
Despite the dismissive response, Hank soon perked up and continued with his duties.
“Mrs. Ward has rescheduled her visit to Warrington for next month. I’ve shortlisted a few houses and bodyguards for her. Would you like to make the final decision?” Hank reported.
Caden gave him a nod in response.
The thought of Ciara’s arrival was less than comforting. She could be unpredictable, and just considering her upcoming visit was already giving him a headache.
Meanwhile, Alicia followed the doctor’s instructions carefully. She took her medications on time and received all her treatments. After a week, she was finally ready to leave the hospital.
Monica arrived to help with the discharge paperwork.
In the meantime, Alicia and Caden had come to an agreement, and she had successfully gathered solid proof of Joshua’s affair during their marriage.
Lately, Joshua hadn’t reached out to her. He had been busy managing the public listing of his company and dealing with Lilliana’s return to the spotlight.
Lilliana was busy building an image of herself as an expectant mother, crafting a more sentimental persona for her public presence.
With financial backing, she was already making progress on this new approach.
Monica sneered at the news. “So, the lip-syncing scandal just vanished? The internet really does forget quickly.”
Alicia stood in line, scrolling through her phone with a calm expression.
“Showbiz made her what she is now, and it’ll tear her down just as quickly. We just need to be patient,” she replied.
The more evidence she gathered, the greater Lilliana’s fall would be.
Alicia put her phone away and took out her bank card, ready to settle her medical bills.
Suddenly, a desperate voice cut through the noise of the hospital. “Please, doctor! I’m begging you to save my sister. I swear I’ll find the money in three days. Just help her now, I beg you.”