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 appropriately and

had visited the mansion dressed in modest

no longer cared about playing the role of obedient wife. After putting on her suit, she carefully applied just enough makeup

softness of her skin and the delicacy of her features, giving her a certain

coming down the stairs, he stood still for

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

Passion? Sex?

heart tightened in

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

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

arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as

receive anyone, the great hall was bustling with life, relatives filling the space with

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

the other end of the room. With his legs crossed

Alice's eyes finally met hers, a familiar, commanding gaze pinned her to the spot. Her

her

breath caught. One word escaped her lips,

of his name sent a chill down his spine.

friendship, their paths had crossed for the first time when they were both barely

school and, from

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

have accepted defeat,

But not Alice.

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

as if he had his eye on her from the very

in the shadows. Their final

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

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 graduating soon. “Will you be back?” Her mother, Donna, had always been her gentlest comfort. She comforted Alicia

other plans. Phil and Donna, who were rushing back from Itrubisite

apart, leaving her an

not challenged Caden again.

for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice

as large as ours, an eldest son like

His brow furrowed slightly.