Chapter 117

Lilliana pushed Joshua away. "Joshua, I'm serious!"

Joshua touched her belly, tenderness in his eyes. "I am too. In just a month, we'll feel the baby move. This is my first time as a father, and I cherish our life together. Lilliana, you have to trust me. I've never cheated on you. You're the only person I've ever loved. Do you understand?"

Lilliana's tears had left her eyes empty. His mention of the baby's imminent movement deeply affected her. As a mother, she longed to provide her child with a happy, complete family. This softened her heart.

"Joshua…" she whispered, her doubts fading. Tears still in her eyes, she said, "Joshua, promise me you won't let me down."

Relieved, Joshua gently ran his hand down her back. "I promise. I won't be going to the office for the next few days. I'll be here with you at all times. Is that okay?"

Lilliana nodded in agreement.

Once Joshua lulled Lilliana to sleep, her gentle expression vanished.

Meanwhile, Alice opened the bag Caden had given her. Inside were several types of underwear—disposable and soft cotton. The designs were simple yet well-made.

Alice put on the cotton ones, a strange flush warming her cheeks. Gazing out the window at the autumn landscape, her thoughts drifted. Sleep soon overtook her.

Awakening, Alice felt someone hugging her. The scent was familiar. Still half-asleep, she instinctively pushed them away. "We're in a hospital. Don't be so reckless… Wait." She felt something soft in her hand. Opening her eyes, she saw a soft breast—probably a C-cup. Startled, she looked up. "Monica?"

Alice turned, embarrassed. "When did you get here?"

Monica narrowed her eyes, leaning closer. "Who exactly did you think it was?"

Alice stammered, avoiding Monica's gaze. "No one. I… I was just having a wet dream."

Monica looked unconvinced. "Yeah, because I've had wet dreams too," she said sarcastically. "You looked too guilty for it to be just a wet dream."

Monica's expression hardened. "Who is this mysterious man you're hiding?"

Alice replied softly, "It's definitely not Joshua. You can be sure of that."

"Did you sleep with that man?" Monica pressed.

Alice groaned, closing her eyes. "Suddenly, my head is killing me."

Exasperated, Monica lightly slapped Alice's bottom. Then, more seriously, she asked, "Are you really happy with him?"

Alice paused. In a way, yes. Especially sexually. Caden's touch was unforgettable.

"Yeah, I guess," she muttered. He had rescued her more than once, and even if his intentions weren't entirely selfless, he had helped her considerably.

Seeing Alice seemed content, Monica let it go. "So how long are you going to keep pretending with Joshua?"

Alice sighed. "At first, I planned to gather more solid evidence through the Gray family, but it proved much more difficult than expected. I'd barely started, and now I'm stuck here."

Monica looked worried. "For now, avoid anything too dangerous. Try to find other evidence."

"I've already hired someone to look for evidence of Joshua's affair with Lilliana during our marriage. Maybe that will be enough," Alice replied.

"Joshua is shrewd," Monica warned. "And even if you get the evidence, what then? Have you considered retaliation from the Yates and Green families?"

Alice, once fearless, now realized the danger these families posed. Monica knew careful planning was crucial.

Alicia clenched her fists, determination hardening her gaze. Caden's image flickered in her mind. Facing the two powerful families alone would be impossible, but with a strong ally, she had a chance.

Once Monica ensured Alice was alright, she slipped out of the hospital unnoticed.

Shortly after, Hank entered, carrying fruit and flowers. "Mrs. Bennett, are you okay?" he asked.

Alice accepted the gifts with a polite smile. "Just minor injuries. Thank you."

"I'm terrible at picking presents. Mr. Ward chose these," Hank said, glancing around the room, relaxing when he saw only one nurse. "It's getting late. I'll be going now. Get some rest."

Alice agreed. "Okay. Take care."

After Hank left, she looked at the luxurious fruit basket, confused. Since when had she become so close to Hank?

As soon as Hank left the hospital, he texted Caden: "Mr. Yates didn't spend the night at the hospital."