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

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

obedient wife. After putting on her suit, she carefully applied just enough makeup

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

the stairs, he stood still for

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

Passion? Sex?

tightened in his

wife. Who else could have slept

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

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

Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the great hall was bustling with life, relatives filling the space

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

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

eyes finally met hers, a familiar, commanding gaze pinned her to

her attitude and, frowning,

caught. One word escaped her lips, barely

chill down his

had crossed for the first time when

school and, from

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

have accepted defeat, settling into the role of

But not Alice.

a goal, it was the currency with which she could win her parents' affection. Failure wasn't an option,

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

rivalry lasted for more than a decade, a relentless battle waged both openly and in the shadows. Their final showdown took place at university, just before graduation, in

But Caden, ever the snake, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, to come

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 you be back?” Her mother, Donna, had

plans. Phil and Donna, who were rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation,

apart, leaving her an orphan in this

challenged Caden again. Caden

back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his

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

His brow furrowed slightly.