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

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

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

of her skin and the delicacy of her

coming down the

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

Passion? Sex?

heart tightened

Who else could have slept with her? He must have

the Yates mansion, the two slipped into their usual

their movements synchronized as they

to receive anyone, the great hall was bustling

all around her, but for some reason, as soon as

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 presence was

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

noticed the change in her

One word escaped her lips,

of his name sent a chill down his spine. To

paths had crossed for the first time when they were both

a sabbatical year, moved to her school and,

matter how hard she tried, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always one step ahead.

would have accepted defeat, settling into the role

But not Alice.

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

her from the very

decade, a relentless battle waged both openly and in the shadows. Their final showdown took place at university,

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

accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to subside and asked quietly,

life had other plans. Phil and Donna, who were rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic

apart, leaving her an orphan in

challenged Caden again. Caden then left Warrington to build his

back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely

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

His brow furrowed slightly.