Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Once they were back at the Hopkins family residence, Laney requested Cliff’s assistance to walk. Balancing on one leg, she leaned against him for support.
As her figure brushed against his, Cliff’s face grew serious. “Is it really that painful? Can’t you put any weight on it?”
In a low voice, Laney said, “It was okay until you dragged me out of the office, which made it worse.”
Cliff paused for a moment, during which Laney stood on her own and let go of him.
“Sorry, I forgot you dislike me. I’ll manage on my own. If my injury worsens, so be it. I might not be able to compete in the upcoming event, and Kira will replace me, embarrassing the Hopkins family.”
Cliff asked with a cool tone, “Where did you learn to be so sarcastic?”
Laney pressed her lips together. “I’m just being honest.”
Cliff had never heard a single honest word from her. Her mind was like a maze, constantly keeping him on edge, unsure of what she would do next.
Exhausted by their ongoing quarrels, he decisively picked her up and carried her into the house.
That evening, Cliff’s father, Philip Hopkins, made a call to ask about what had happened at the theater.
A video had surfaced online featuring Cliff and the Foster family, quickly drawing public interest.
Philip said, “I’ve partnered with the Foster family in several projects, Cliff. Make sure not to let small problems escalate into awkward situations.”
Cliff understood the situation and replied smoothly, “Understood. Laney acted without thinking. I’ll arrange a dinner with the Foster family soon.”
Philip expressed his approval, “You’re much more level-headed than that troublemaker Gerry.”
Cliff could hear the bustling sounds of a hospital in the background. Worried, he asked, “What’s happening over there?”
Philip, unable to keep it from his eldest son, confessed, “There was a small accident when driving past the tunnel, but your mother and I are all right. We are unharmed.”
He then passed the phone to Madison to talk.
Relieved to hear they were fine, Cliff let out a breath of relief. “Once everything calms down, come home soon. I’ll come to get you.”
Philip laughed. “I was terrified at the time. Your mother got trapped under debris, but luckily, a clever young woman figured out how to free her. It could have been much worse.”
Cliff asked, “Why are you laughing about something so frightening?”
Philip answered, “Don’t bother about it. You’ll understand when we return.”
After her shower, Laney lay on her bed, talking to Kailyn.
Kailyn, aware of the full situation, was giving Laney advice on how to capture Cliff’s interest.
Over the phone, Kailyn explained, “Cliff is a Scorpio. They tend to be reserved, crafty, and unpredictable. Ordinary people rarely grab his attention. If you want to really get noticed, you need a slow and steady approach.”
Laney whispered, “How do I go about it, slow and steady?”
Kailyn responded, “I’ll show you.”
Kailyn’s words were always daring and explicit, causing Laney to blush with embarrassment after just a few sentences, though she listened closely to every word.
Just as the conversation deepened, a knock on the bedroom door made Laney jump. She stuttered, “Uh… Who’s there?”
Cliff answered, “It’s me.”
Her heart raced faster, forcing her to hurriedly end the call and sit up straight. “Come in.”
Cliff walked in, sweeping his eyes across the room before observing her face. “Why do you look so anxious?”
Laney gave a dry chuckle. “I’m not.”
Laney quickly checked her phone to make sure the call had indeed ended.
Cliff saw through her feeble attempts at masking her thoughts. He had noticed every detail, including her reddened cheeks, and assumed she had been chatting with the questionable guy from before. Laney asked, “Did you need something?”
“I brought you some milk.” Cliff set the cup on the nightstand, his manner detached.
His towering height loomed over her, giving off a feeling of both protection and careful observation.
Laney sensed his gaze was different than usual. Usually distant, today his gaze was sharp and observing.
Laney glanced down at herself and noticed that the collar of her pajamas had shifted, exposing more than she had meant to reveal. She hurriedly adjusted it.
But then, remembering Kailyn’s advice, Laney paused, looked at Cliff, and purposely opened her collar a bit more, revealing a slight hint of cleavage.
Cliff was stunned. She had attempted similar maneuvers before, but never quite so obviously. He casually adjusted her clothes, ensuring her neck was fully covered before pulling his hand away.
“When is your competition?” he asked.
At the mention of the ballet competition, Laney’s eyes lit up, and she offered a sweet smile. “It’s in October. I have the leading role. Will you come? I’ll reserve a VIP seat for you.”
Cliff responded calmly, “I won’t attend. Just a reminder that you have less than two months to prepare. Once your foot is better, concentrate on your rehearsals. Avoid sending unnecessary messages that could distract you.”
Laney was confused. “What did I send?”
Cliff chose not to explain. He believed that giving too much detail was invasive, yet not mentioning it at all left him somewhat frustrated. “Just a reminder.” Cliff then shifted the topic. “Kira’s foot injury isn’t much better than yours. Did you do that?”
Laney couldn’t bring herself to lie and responded gloomily, “Yes.”
Cliff asked, “You’re barely ninety pounds. Were you wearing weighted ballet shoes to stomp on her like that?”
Laney answered, “I jumped on her.” The force and bitterness behind her action were so strong that it was surprising she hadn’t completely crushed Kira.
Assuming Cliff was about to lecture her, Laney glared at him and huffed, “Yes, I stepped on Kira intentionally! She deserved it. Even if you scold me, I won’t care. If she dares to bother me again, I’ll step on her again!”
To her surprise, Cliff didn’t seem upset at all. Instead, he replied calmly, “You did well. You’re more important than she is.”
Laney was momentarily stunned, and warmth quickly spread through her chest. Her thoughts wandered back to when her mother was alive-she had been the princess of the house, sheltered from any grievances. Living with the Hopkins family had brought her a similar sense of being cherished, making her feel valued once again. Perhaps this pampering had made her headstrong, always demanding specific outcomes. Especially when it came to Cliff-despite his distant demeanor, her feelings for him were uncontrollable. She liked him, even knowing it might lead to heartache.
Having said his piece, Cliff turned and left without hesitation. Laney watched him walk away, her heart sinking. The emptiness he left behind felt unbearable.
“Cliff… Are you leaving already?”
Cliff stopped at the door and glanced over his shoulder. “Is there something else?”
Laney hesitated but recalled her friend’s advice: take it slow, act cleverly, and be bold. She softened her tone, saying gently, “I haven’t slept at home in a long time. I feel uneasy sleeping alone. Could you keep me company?”
Cliff saw through her ploy instantly. With a sharp bang, he shut the door behind him and walked away without a second glance.
Cliff’s room was directly across from Laney’s. Besides managing the equestrian club, he was also studying finance, preparing to take over the Hopkins family business. His nights were usually spent immersed in his studies.
Half an hour later, a knock interrupted his focus. Without looking up, he said flatly, “What is it?”
The door creaked open, and Laney peeked in timidly. “Cliff, I think there’s a rat in my room. It’s as big as a raccoon! I’m scared…”
Cliff rubbed his temples, exhaling deeply to keep his patience intact.
“Perfect. You’re afraid of sleeping alone, so now you have company.”
Laney’s face paled. “Can you at least help me catch it?”
“I can drive you back to the theater right now.”
“You’re so heartless,” Laney huffed, and shut the door.
Another half-hour passed before she knocked again.
This time, Cliff didn’t bother replying.
Laney opened the door cautiously. “Cliff, I’m hungry…”
Cliff responded without looking up. “Ask the giant rat to cook for you.”
Laney stormed off, clearly annoyed.
Undeterred, Laney knocked again after a while. Cliff simply ignored her, putting on headphones to focus on his studies.
When there was no answer, Laney assumed he’d fallen asleep. She tiptoed into his room and quietly watched him. “Cliff,” she whispered, testing the waters.
She saw him leaning back in his chair, eyes closed, with headphones on.
When he didn’t respond, she waved a hand in front of his face. He felt her movement but remained still, curious about what she’d do next.
Believing he was fast asleep, Laney quietly turned off the course playing on his computer, removed his headphones, and draped a thin blanket over him.
As she leaned in, her hair brushed against his face, a soft tickle that sent an unexpected jolt through his chest.
Cliff’s brow twitched. Intrigued, he decided to keep pretending.
Moments later, he felt her weight settle onto his lap.
For a second, Cliff’s mind went blank, an internal curse flashing through his thoughts.
Laney, unaware, adjusted herself, her light summer nightgown brushing against his calves as she shifted.
Her soft legs resting on his thighs made Cliff’s fingers twitch involuntarily.
Thinking he was sound asleep, Laney leaned into his chest and studied his face. She let out a deep sigh a while later. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have confessed my feelings to you. You used to hold me like this and laugh when I clung to you. Now, I have to sneak just to sit on your lap. Why don’t you like me? Is it because I’m like a sister to you? Or do you think I’m not pretty enough?”
She touched her cheek, frowning. “I’m clearly more beautiful than Helen of Troy.”