The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback
Chapter 71

Chapter 71:

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Alicia took a taxi and headed to the beauty salon, dressed in simple and modest attire. Once inside, she approached the counter and looked around at the different beauty packages on offer.

The beautician, who quickly noticed Alicia's refined demeanor, wasted no time in guiding her toward the most luxurious options, each one more extravagant than the last. Alicia, however, did not lose sight of her true objective: to meet Rachel Gray, Randolph's wife. With that goal in mind, she chose a package priced at a staggering $100,000, and closed the transaction with a calm smile.

Moments later, her phone range. It was Joshua.

"What did you just buy?" I have asked.

Alicia smiled sarcastically. Even through a text message, she could sense her irritation. Funny, she thought, that over a simple $100,000 purchase he was questioning her, but when she emptied millions from her accounts, he didn't even blink.

She quickly replied, “The autumn weather has dried out my skin, so I’m going to get a facial.”

Time passed, and when she was lying in bed, resting for the night, his belated reply came: “It is good to give priority to your appearance.”

Some time later, another message followed, more suggestive than the first: "Has your period come yet?"

Alice rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Not yet,” she replied dismissively.

Then she turned off the phone, not wanting to hear from him again that night.

The next morning, knowing Rachel's routine, Alicia made sure to position herself strategically. Not long after, Rachel arrived for her usual beauty treatment. Alicia smiled and greeted her warmly.

Raquel stopped, her eyes falling on Alicia's familiar face. After a moment, she recognized her. “Miss Bennett?”

Outwardly, Alice remained calm, but secretly she was surprised that Rachel recognized her.

Rachel, her appearance impeccably groomed, radiated elegance as she settled into bed next to Alicia. “What a coincidence,” she remarked softly. “I’ve never seen you around here before.”

Alicia smiled, sensing the opportunity she had been waiting for. Plus, Rachel seemed to like her, which was an unexpected bonus.

"Mrs. Gray, you have an impressive memory. We've only met a few times, and yet you've managed to remember me."

Rachel laughed softly, her eyes shining with a hint of warmth. “How could I forget? Gerry's movie was the talk of the town, and your voice made his theme song unforgettable. “I always notice beautiful, talented women like you.”

Alice smiled kindly. “You are very kind, Mrs. Gray.”

“Are you here alone?” Rachel asked, looking around as if she expected someone to appear.

"Yeah."

Rachel's expression changed subtly, as if lost in a fleeting thought. She didn't press the question further, but Alicia sensed the woman's curiosity.

To Alice's surprise, Rachel was much more charming and pleasant than she had imagined, kind in a way that seemed genuine, not forced.

While finishing their beauty treatments, the two began to get to know each other, turning what seemed like a “casual” meeting into the beginning of a budding friendship. By the time they were ready to leave, Alicia had already taken the initiative to add Raquel on WhatsApp.

Raquel, now in a private room, carefully changed out of her spa attire and began applying her makeup. Something seemed to be bothering her today, though. Maybe it was because she was next to a younger face, but she took longer than usual, touching up and examining her reflection with a faint, dissatisfied grimace.

“Do you have any plans for later, Mrs. Gray?” Alice asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Rachel smiled elegantly as she put the finishing touches on her lips. “Yes, my husband is meeting a very important guest tonight. “He has invited me to have dinner with them.”

"She must adore her husband."

Rachel's smile faltered slightly as she looked down, her voice softer now. “Of course. After all, we’ve been together for so many years.” She let the words hang, an air of nostalgia settling between them.

Rachel quickly changed her attitude, turning away from the mirror and turning to Alicia. “I feel like something is not right with my look today. Would you mind taking a look at it and making some adjustments?”

Alicia hesitated for a moment before approaching. She examined Rachel's appearance.

“Your complexion looks lovely with the white pearls and the soft lipstick,” Alice said thoughtfully. “But it seems too… delicate. Maybe you should try a bolder contrast, maybe some darker jewels to balance it out and give it a bolder touch.”

Rachel sighed softly. “I didn't bring any dark jewelry today.”

Alice's eyes lit up with an idea.

The salon had just launched a new collection of jewelry. Without hesitation, Alice went ahead and bought a set.

Moments later, she returned with an elegant set of dark-colored jewelry: bracelet, necklace and earrings. With her keen eye for style, she carefully helped Rachel to adjust the accessories. The result was amazing. Despite her almost forty years, Rachel's new look retained its elegance and added a touch of daring.

Rachel looked at herself in the mirror and a satisfied smile curved her lips. “I must admit, it is impressive. Thank you, Mrs. Bennett. How much was the jewelry set?” Rachel's tone had become much more relaxed with Alicia. “I’ll pay you back.”

Alicia shook her head with a soft smile. “There’s just been a new restaurant opened downtown,” she said. “Next time, let me treat you to lunch, Mrs. Gray. “I’m new to the area and I’d love to get to know you better.”

Rachel, however, had a different idea. “Why wait for next time? Randolph is here; “why don’t you join us tonight?” Alicia blinked in surprise at the spontaneous invitation.

She hesitated. “But Mr. Gray is meeting a client. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for me to accompany him?”

Rachel waved her hand dismissively. “It's not that formal. Mr. Ward has some important business with the bank, and Randolph thought it would be nice to connect with him, so it's more of an informal meeting.”

The informal nature of the event eased Alicia's concerns, but it was the name Rachel mentioned that really piqued her interest.

"Mr. Ward?" asked Alice, raising her eyebrows curiously.

“Yes, Caden Ward,” Rachel clarified. “He just got back from overseas. You’ve heard of him, right?”

Alicia's heart sank. What the hell was going on? It seemed like the universe was determined to send Caden to her when she least expected it.

Rachel caught Alicia's brief hesitation and, sensing her discomfort, added, "Oh! I almost forgot. You've written songs for Gerry before, haven't you? I remember hearing about it. He'll be there tonight, too. You 'll have plenty to talk about."

Alice felt her tension ease. Gerry was a familiar face, and the thought of seeing him again made the idea of ​​joining the dinner that much more appealing.

Meanwhile, Gerry was in the middle of the cocktail party, lazily swirling a glass of wine in his hand. He was enjoying a good vintage, but his current company was proving to be less than entertaining.

Looking at Caden, who was engrossed in his laptop despite the social atmosphere, Gerry couldn't help but roll his eyes. “You're still recovering from that cold. Why don’t you take a break and relax?”

Caden leaned back in his chair, seemingly unfazed. “It's nothing,” he replied with his usual calm, ignoring the concern.

He had always been in good health, so a cold hadn't worried him at first. But his hectic schedule and lack of sleep had taken their toll, leaving him looking paler than usual. This, combined with his reluctance to socialize, only made him seem more distant.

Gerry sighed dramatically. “With you there moping, no woman is going to come and chat me up.” Irritated by Gerry's whining, Caden moved away slightly, hoping for some peace.

His attempt to escape worked almost too well when a striking woman approached their table.

Gerry, seeing her first, gave a confident smile and started to pull out his phone, but to his dismay, the woman completely ignored him.

Her gaze fell on Caden and with a sweet smile she asked, “Mr. Ward, can I add you on WhatsApp?”

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