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.

have guests today. Dress

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

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

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

Joshua saw her coming down the stairs, he stood

the dress clung to 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 experienced the most passionate

Passion? Sex?

heart tightened in his

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

two slipped into their usual roles,

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

too ill to receive anyone, the great hall was bustling with life,

her, but for some reason, as soon as Alice crossed the threshold, a sharp

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

commanding gaze pinned her

noticed the change in her attitude and, frowning,

breath caught. One word escaped her lips, barely

down his spine. To her, Caden was

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

sabbatical year, moved to her school and, from that moment on, Alicia's

late she stayed up studying, Caden was always one step ahead. He edged her out by the smallest

would have accepted defeat, settling into

But not Alice.

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

was as if he had his eye on her from the very beginning,

a decade, a relentless battle waged both openly and in the shadows. Their

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

for his anger to subside and asked quietly, “I'll be

were rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in

Alice's world fell apart, leaving her an orphan

challenged Caden again. Caden then left Warrington to build his

Joshua muttered, his

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

His brow furrowed slightly.