The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 245:

Alicia's celebration party lasted until nine o'clock at night.

Thanks to meticulous planning and the presence of several seasoned drinkers, the atmosphere remained vibrant and the event ended on a high note.

Alicia took the time to personally see off each friend and client as they made their way to their car.

Finally, Gerry stopped.

“Alice, let me take you home,” he offered.

Home? Where? To the hotel?

Alicia hesitated, her thoughts drifting to Caden.

A wave of emptiness washed over her, leaving her uneasy.

She felt the need to clear her mind, to walk and gather her thoughts.

"You may go ahead, Mr.

Hopkins.

I have some work to finish at the office," he replied.

Gerry frowned, concern evident.

“Are you sure you’ll be safe alone?”

Before Alice could respond, a pair of headlights pierced the darkness and hit her directly in the eyes.

She raised a hand to shield herself and squinted as she watched the approaching car.

Recognition washed over her as she saw the familiar license plate.

Why was Caden showing up at this hour?

The car sped forward, tires screeching as it came to an abrupt stop, narrowly avoiding colliding with the rear of Gerry's vehicle.

Irritated and nervous, Gerry shouted: "Are you blind at the wheel?"

The engine stopped and the door opened.

Hank got out of the car.

Recognizing him, Gerry's tone softened.

"Oh, is that you?"

Hank exchanged a quick greeting with Gerry before turning to Alicia, urgency etched on his face.

"Mrs.

Bennett, we have a serious situation.

You need to come with me," he said in a tense voice.

Alice's heart sank.

"What does he mean? What does he mean?"

"Mr.

Ward has fallen into the sea.

"

Her pulse quickened.

“What? How did this happen?”

“He was doing business on a cruise ship today and accidentally fell overboard.

No one knows if he’s still alive.

” Hank’s anxiety was palpable, his words laden with fear.

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Alicia paled as she processed the news.

Without hesitation, she climbed into the vehicle.

“Have you notified the authorities? Are they conducting a search?” he asked, his voice shaking with urgency.

Hank buckled his seatbelt, his expression grim.

“The search is underway, but with the stormy conditions, the chances of making it are slim.

I came to find you, hoping you could say goodbye.

”

Alice felt a ringing in her ears.

All day she had berated Caden for his insensitivity, not anticipating such devastating news.

As the car sped down the road, Gerry followed closely behind.

Alice stared out the window, her hands clenched as silent tears ran down her cheeks before she realized it.

Hank sensed her distress and fumbled with words, unsure of how to comfort her.

“Mrs.

Bennett, don’t worry.

Mr.

Ward is strong… he’ll pull through.

He always does.

”

Alice nodded mechanically, her thoughts spiraling.

The wintery coastline stretched out before them, silent and eerie in its emptiness.

A huge cruise ship loomed nearby, its imposing silhouette contrasting with the desolate scene.

As Alice got out of the car, she looked around the area.

The lack of a visible rescue operation left her confused and nervous.

“Hank, didn’t you say the police were already involved?” she asked, her voice tight with concern.

Hank gave a sheepish smile.

“Mrs.

Bennett, Mr.

Ward made a mistake earlier today and he’s been trying to make things right.

He prepared a surprise for you for the cruise.

But… he was worried that you wouldn’t come if he asked you directly, so he made me tell that little lie to get you to come.

”

Alice was speechless.

Her cheeks were still stained with the remains of her tears.

For a moment, she hesitated whether to brush them away or let them be.

Finally, she wiped them away silently, her emotions in turmoil.

Hank pointed toward the entrance to the cruise ship.

“This way, Mrs.

Bennett.

”

With a mixture of confusion and lingering frustration, Alice followed him.

When they reached the door, Hank stopped and gestured to her.

"This way," he repeated, almost apologetically.

Alice's expression was a mixture of disbelief and apprehension.

With a silent nod, she stepped forward and pushed open the door.

Behind her, Gerry rushed onto the ship, reaching her just in time.

“What happened to Caden?” Gerry cried, breathless.

“Did you manage to save him?”

Hank quickly stepped in, blocking Gerry’s path.

His tone was calm but firm.

“Mr.

Hopkins, there’s no need for either of us to be here right now.

Let me accompany you.

”

Gerry froze, panic gripping his expression as his mind jumped to the worst conclusion.

His eyes widened in horror.

“What are you trying to say?”

Hank opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Gerry grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him roughly.

“What do you mean? Caden… has passed away?”

Hank stammered, “No, he hasn’t…”

But before Hank could finish, Gerry, driven by sudden desperation, pushed him aside and rushed forward without waiting for an explanation.

Hank grabbed Gerry by the arm.

“Mr.

Hopkins! Please control yourself.

”

Gerry pounded on the door with his fists, shouting, “Caden! Open the door, dammit! This joke has gone too far.

”

Desperate to maintain control, Hank pleaded, “I swear, Mr.

Ward is fine! Please stop calling.

”

Internally, Hank was panicking.

If this fiasco ruined Caden’s carefully laid plans, his hopes for a hefty year-end bonus were practically zero.

But Gerry, oblivious to his pleas, continued to pound and kick the door like a man possessed.

Hank was on the verge of falling to his knees and begging.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door finally opened, revealing a visibly irritated Caden.

Her shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, her posture was relaxed, and her face showed no emotion.

However, it was impossible to miss the faint stain of lipstick on her lips.

Hank, seizing the opportunity, immediately released Gerry and quietly slipped away, eager to distance himself from any further chaos.

"Mr.

Hopkins, you're on your own now," Hank thought as he walked away.

Seeing Caden safe and sound, Gerry’s frantic screams abruptly ceased.

Overcome with relief, tears of joy welled up in his eyes.

“I knew it! Guys like you don’t go down that easily,” he exclaimed, half laughing.

But when she raised a fist to playfully punch Caden, her gaze fell on the unmistakable lipstick mark, and her expression froze in confusion.

Gerry's body stiffened as his eyes caught sight of Alicia's faint silhouette inside the room.

Gerry realized it like a flash and disbelief flashed across his face.

“You’ve tricked me?” he exclaimed.

Caden remained unfazed, his voice calm and measured.

“What exactly did I lie about?”

Gerry’s frustration boiled over, his tone shrill.

“You made Hank tell me you’d fallen into the sea, that you were about to die!”

Without a hint of remorse, Caden replied, “I fell.

I just got back up.

”

Then, with disturbing nonchalance, he added: “And after that, I went and kissed a woman.

Is there anything wrong with that?”