Chapter: 7

Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. “Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me.”

He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you-as long as you keep me happy."

Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger.

Hid the ring?

Couldn't bear to be without him?

His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring-wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately."

But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom.

He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention.

Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. “We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad."

Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family.

But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion.

The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow.

When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering.

Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual.

Or maybe it was the hint of color in her cheeks, as though she had just had the most passionate sex in her life.

Passion? Sex?

Joshua's heart tightened in his chest.

Alicia was still his wife. Who else could've slept with her? He must've overthought.

At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease.

Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard.

Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter.

The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin.

She instinctively Looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room.

Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding.

When Alicia's eyes finally met his- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably.

Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, “What's going on with you?"

Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her Lips, barely audible. "Caden?"

Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares.

Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten.

Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel.