The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 4:

? ? ? ? ?

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

looked down at the bag and remembered the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest and discreet clothing, doing her best to go unnoticed, to please him and

on the horizon, Alice no longer cared about playing the role of obedient wife. After putting on her suit, she carefully applied just enough makeup to enhance the glow of her already flawless

subtle touches accentuated the softness of her skin and the delicacy of her features, giving

coming down the stairs, he stood

Alicia's graceful curves, making her look more seductive than usual. Or maybe it was the color of her cheeks, as if she had just

Passion? Sex?

tightened

could have slept with her?

the two slipped into

their movements

Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the great hall was

but for some reason, as soon

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

eyes finally met hers, a familiar, commanding gaze pinned her to the spot. Her mind raced and her emotions emerged

her attitude and, frowning, asked, “What’s

escaped her lips, barely

sent a chill down his

their paths had crossed for the first

sabbatical year, moved to her school and, from that moment on, Alicia's perfect world began to fall

how late she stayed up studying, Caden was

would have accepted defeat, settling

But not Alice.

it was the currency with which she could win her parents' affection. Failure wasn't an option, and yet Caden had the audacity to

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

rivalry lasted for more than a decade, a relentless battle waged both openly and in the shadows. Their final

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

said nothing. She waited for his anger to subside

who were rushing back

leaving her an orphan

not challenged Caden again. Caden then left Warrington to build his career

back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered,

glance as she continued, “With a family empire as large as ours, an

His brow furrowed slightly.