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.

guests today. Dress appropriately and don't embarrass

the mansion dressed in modest and discreet clothing, doing her best to

divorce on the horizon, Alice no longer cared about playing the role of obedient wife. After putting on her suit, she carefully

and the

her coming down the stairs, he stood

than usual. Or maybe

Passion? Sex?

tightened in his

wife. Who else could have slept with her? He must

entrance of the Yates mansion, the two slipped into their usual roles, easily

movements synchronized as they walked towards the

too ill to receive anyone, the great hall was bustling

reason, as soon as Alice crossed the threshold, a sharp chill prickled

other end of the room. With his legs crossed and his

commanding gaze pinned her to the spot. Her mind raced

the change in her attitude and, frowning, asked, “What’s

breath caught. One word escaped her

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

paths had crossed for the first

who had taken a sabbatical year, moved to her school and, from that moment on, Alicia's perfect world began

how hard she tried, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always one step ahead. He edged her out by

have accepted defeat, settling into

But not Alice.

suffocating weight of living up to her name. Excellence wasn't just a goal, it was the currency with which she could win her parents'

his eye on her from the very beginning, and Alice, stubborn

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

herself into that moment, her sights set on perfection. And she achieved it, getting a perfect score. But Caden, ever the snake, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, to come in second

sting of injustice was deep, but the hardest blow came from 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

back from Itrubisite to attend the

leaving her an orphan in

Caden again. Caden then left Warrington to build his career

back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered,

a family empire as large as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so

His brow furrowed slightly.