The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback
Chapter 61

Chapter 61:

The water enveloped Alice like a tender hug, its warmth so luxurious that she almost wondered if she was dreaming. Drowsiness took over her, making it impossible for her to keep her eyes open. He caught a glimpse of Caden through the haze, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked, Have you finished showering?

His senses were still dulled, and he wasn't fully aware of the situation, his guard completely off. low. The softness of her tone, the delicate vulnerability of her gaze... she seemed like a petal drifting in a calm breeze. Caden's lips curved into a subtle, barely noticeable smile as he gently pressed his fingers against her skin.

You're still awake, he whispered.

Alicia shivered at the soft touch. pressure, his foot jerked reflexively and sent a small splash through the water. The sudden jolt cleared the fog from his mind. Realizing where she was, she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself and her pulse quickened. What's happening Why am I here

I hadn't been waiting outside for him to finish

You fell asleep, Caden replied, his tone casual, like it was the most natural thing in the world. So I carried you in my arms.

Alicia blinked in surprise. He had fallen into such a deep sleep that he had felt nothing. His gaze went to her naked body under the water and his cheeks flushed with sudden heat. You... took off my clothes!

Caden's eyes briefly strayed to the soaked dress scattered on the floor. Earlier, when he came out of the shower, he found her curled up, shivering from the cold, with her lips dyed blue. He didn't think twice; He picked her up in his arms, knowing that she would catch a bad cold if he hadn't put her in hot water.

Yes, he admitted without hesitation.

Alicia's face turned a deeper red. . Why didn't you just wake me up, he asked, his voice raised with embarrassment.

I couldn't, Caden said, his tone still imperturbable. Why else did I wake you up like that?

Just as His brow furrowed in confusion.

Instead of responding immediately, Caden's fingers brushed her knee again, the touch sending an unexpected jolt through her.

Hey! Alicia gasped, the sudden pain startling her and she kicked her legs underwater. The movement caused ripples on the surface, briefly revealing flashes of her smooth skin.

Caden didn't even pretend to look away. Noticing his bold gaze, heat rose to Alicia's cheeks. She quickly sank deeper into the water, her arms instinctively wrapping around her chest in a feeble attempt to protect herself.

Caden stared at her, his eyes dark and unapologetic. His voice was low, almost mocking, when he spoke: Why bother covering yourself. I've seen it all. Those words silenced her.

Even with the subtle tension simmering between them, she knew he wouldn't dare do anything, at least not here.

When he stood standing, his imposing figure cast a shadow over her. With a lazy smile, he said: Go wash up.

Alicia hurried past the bathroom. Less than twenty minutes later, he limped out, his skin red and clammy. Caden was waiting for her, reclining in a chair, wearing only a dark robe. He was carrying a small bottle of ointment in his hand.

Earlier he had taken a moment to examine her injured knee. Fortunately, the bruise was not serious. The ointment would be enough to relieve her.

Without hesitation, Alicia accepted the bottle. He poured some of the cold liquid into his palm before gently rubbing the sore area.

Outside, the weather had taken a turn for the worse, rain pounding steadily against the windows. Inside, however, the room glowed with the soft amber light of the lamps. Despite the melancholy atmosphere, the warmth of Caden's presence made her feel unexpectedly safe, as if he could keep the darkness at bay.

He didn't speak, his attention fixed on the gathering storm. abroad. His expression was distant, unreadable. The minutes passed and the silence between them grew heavier and heavier.

Suddenly, lightning crossed the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. Startled, Alicia's gaze flew to Caden.

It was then that she noticed the slight tremor of his tightly clenched fists. Her breath hitched.

Despite his usual composure and arrogance, Alicia would never have imagined that the domineering Caden could be upset by something as ordinary as a storm. Normally, she would have teased him about it, but tonight, with the storm falling around her, she bit back her words.

Because she was afraid of thunder too.

It was a fear that he had carried since the night his parents died. Every flash of lightning and every gust of wind seemed to mock her, mocking her loneliness. Wrapped in blankets, she had spent countless nights staring into the darkness, waiting for comfort that never came. No one had been there to whisper to him: Don't be afraid. So she closed her eyes, willing to hold out until the light of dawn.

When another flash of lightning pierced the dark sky, Alicia screamed, Caden.

He slowly turned his head toward her. His eyes conveyed a deep and chilling coldness, almost impenetrable. But in the blink of an eye, that icy exterior softened, settling into a calm and collected demeanor. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice deep and magnetic.

She saw how his hands gradually relaxed and his fists loosened.

You were doing so well abroad. , she began, feeling her curiosity piqued. Why Are You Back

Caden's response was indifferent, almost dismissive. Because of the inheritance.

Alicia raised an eyebrow slightly. But you don't seem to fight for her. Something so obvious had not gone unnoticed.

The dark gleam in Caden's eyes dissipated, replaced by a lascivious smile.

Why this sudden interest, he asked, with a tone loaded with playful suspicion. Are you gathering information for Joshua, or are you planning to team up with me against him.

Alicia gave an amused smile. I was just asking, she answered nonchalantly, but her real motive was hidden beneath the surface. I just wanted to divert his attention, keep him busy, and protect him from the storm raging outside.

I could ask you the same question.

Not being one to let things go easily, Caden insisted: What are you doing here with the Yates family?

She dismissed his question with a shrug. I don't want to fight anymore. I'm here to enjoy life under Joshua's protection.

Caden's smile widened, his eyes shining with mischief. And if I beat him, the Yates family will be mine... and so will you.

Alicia's mouth twitched.

He was being mischievous again, and for a moment, Alicia allowed herself to forget. to the frightened child he had seen in him moments before. He quickly put the fleeting sympathy aside and capped the bottle of ointment in his hands, setting it aside with a gentle tap.

I'm leaving, he announced, his voice firm.

He headed towards the door, pausing briefly to check the hallway. When he realized that no one was around, he limped out, leaning on the wall.

But as he turned the corner, his heart leaped into his throat.

Right in his path was Shelia, with an insincere smile as sharp as the daggers her eyes threw at Alicia. It was clear that Shelia had been waiting there for a long time.

Alicia, purred, in a voice of false concern. What were you doing alone in a room with Caden for so long.

.

.

.