The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 4:

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Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?"

That word again: “divorce.” Irritation flashed in Joshua’s eyes.

“Why the rush?” she snapped, her voice cold and cutting. “My father is finalizing his will, and if word of my divorce gets out, it will ruin my position. Now, gather your things, we will dine at the Yates mansion this evening.”

With Caden's return, the family was organizing a welcome dinner for him.

They also hoped that by doing so, it would lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father.

However, maintaining the farce of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alice's mind.

"I'm not going," he announced curtly. "Just finalize the divorce and stop wasting my time."

Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth.

“Oh, come on, Alice. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't really want to leave me, do you? “You can’t stand the thought of being without me.”

He leaned toward me, smiling, and added, “You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we get divorced, I'll still take care of you, as long as you make me happy.”

Alice's eyes widened, disbelief turning to anger.

Did he hide the ring?

Couldn't stand being without him?

His arrogant words sounded like nails on a blackboard to Alice's ears. With a sharp sneer, she replied,

“Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I make you happy? Don't worry, I'll give you back the ring; you wouldn't want this plain Jane bothering you, would you? Once you have it, we’ll finalize the divorce immediately.”

But Joshua was unfazed by her venom.

He thought he knew her too well, convinced that it was just another ploy to get her attention.

Without thinking twice, he threw a bag at her.

today. Dress appropriately and don't

the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest and discreet clothing, doing

about playing the role of obedient wife. After putting on her suit,

of her skin and the delicacy of her features, giving her a

the stairs,

her look more seductive than usual. Or maybe it was the color of her cheeks, as if she had

Passion? Sex?

heart tightened

could have slept with her? He must have thought too much

the Yates mansion, the two slipped into their

put her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked

great hall was bustling with life, relatives filling the

but for some reason, as soon

looked up instinctively, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the other end of the room. With his legs crossed and his dark shirt unbuttoned to reveal a sliver of collarbone, the man exuded arrogance and his

Alice's eyes finally met hers, a familiar, commanding gaze pinned her to the spot. Her mind raced and her

in her attitude

One word escaped her lips, barely audible.

mere mention of his name sent a chill down his spine. To her, Caden was the

to their families' friendship, their paths had crossed for the first time when they were both barely ten

and, from that moment on, Alicia's perfect world began to fall

claim first place anymore. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always one step ahead. He edged her out by the smallest of margins—a point, maybe two—leaving her perpetually

have accepted defeat, settling

But not Alice.

it was the currency with which she

from the very

in the shadows. Their final showdown took place at university, just

sights set on perfection. And she achieved it, getting a perfect score. But Caden, ever the snake, had bribed the judges, twisting

her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment at his ranking. Alicia, accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to subside and asked quietly, “I'll be graduating soon. “Will

rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic

leaving her

again. Caden then left

Joshua muttered, his voice barely

sidelong glance as she continued, “With a family empire as large as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't

His brow furrowed slightly.