Chapter: 10

In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original.

Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate.

After dinner, it started to rain.

The relatives began to trickle out one by one.

Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly.

Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her.

“Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. “No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs."

Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway."

Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all."

His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. “What about the ring?"

"I lost it."

Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring."

She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow.

"If you can't find it he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me."

Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling.

"Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I scared to sleep alone.. Can you come over?"

The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off.

He didn't even leave her an umbrella.

Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core.

Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement.

Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low- profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain.

"Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett."

The car slowed to a stop.

Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure.

She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride.

Her slender legs glistened under the rain.

Despite her legs looking delicate, there was a quiet strength about them.

He couldn't help but recall how those legs had entwined around him like a serpent only nights before.

Caden's lips curled into a faint, knowing smirk at the memory.

"Invite her inside," he drawled.