Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Laney remained perfectly still, her eyes lifting with deliberate slowness.
“There’s a security camera right above us. Are you sure you want to leave evidence of assault?”
Kira’s face contorted with rage as she released her grip like she’d been burned.
“You didn’t get the lead role, so now you’re desperately trying to outshine me. You’re making yourself look pathetic.”
“Say whatever helps you sleep at night,” Laney replied, her voice cool as winter frost.
Kira, knowing exactly where to strike, twisted the knife deeper.
“This year, my sister will join the Hopkins family. Her first order of business? Make sure you’re thrown out. No more living off their charity.”
“Whatever.”
Laney’s indifference only stoked Kira’s fury.
Kira added, “Next, she’ll blacklist you from every decent theater in town. You’ll be reduced to performing in dingy bars for drunks who couldn’t care less about art.”
“Really? Your sister must be quite something-getting married and orchestrating my downfall all at once.”
A cruel smile played across Kira’s lips.
“It’s my future brother-in-law who’s remarkable. Dealing with a problematic cousin like you will be child’s play for him.”
Kira leaned in close, her voice dripping with venom.
“Laney, harboring feelings for your own cousin-you’re truly twisted.”
Laney’s eyes flew wide, words dying in her throat. How had Kira uncovered her secret? What possible way could Kira have learned the truth?
Seeing Laney’s stricken expression, Kira’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk.
“My future brother-in-law must be revolted, having someone as twisted as you pine after him. The very thought probably makes his skin crawl.”
A sharp pain lanced through Laney’s chest. Despite the rage burning inside her, she found herself powerless to fight back. Perhaps Kira was right. Cliff did find her affection repulsive.
Lost in her despair, Laney missed the insistent ringing of her phone. When reality finally penetrated her daze and she reached for the device, her hands trembled so violently that it slipped through her fingers, hitting the floor with a dull thud, screen illuminated.
Kira’s gaze locked onto the wallpaper-half of Cliff’s face captured in perfect profile.
Before Kira could examine it further, Laney snatched up the phone. Seeing Cliff’s name flashing across the screen, Laney deliberately hit decline.
Kira suddenly remembered something.
“Oh, I have to go. My sister needs help selecting engagement dresses today.”
Laney stood frozen, clutching her phone like a lifeline, time stretching endlessly around her. She knew nothing of the engagement preparations. Cliff had kept everything under tight wraps.
But the jewelry company wouldn’t pass up such a golden publicity opportunity. That night, every trending headline blazed with news of Cliff and Juliet’s engagement.
Laney stood solitary on the balcony, her eyes fixed on the forest of skyscrapers across the river. Above the city’s heartbeat, a billboard commanded attention-an artfully edited photograph of Cliff and Juliet adorned in gleaming jewelry. He was magnificent-a golden prince carved from marble, radiating nobility. His gaze pierced through the night, sharp as winter frost, seemingly untouched by warmth or love. The man who had starred in her nightly dreams was now branded as someone else’s fianc?.
Laney’s phone trembled to life once more.
Only when Laney lowered her gaze did she realize tears had already claimed her vision. Through the watery veil, Cliff’s name pulsed on the screen like a beacon. With quivering fingers, she accepted the call.
“Why have you been so elusive today? You didn’t answer my call,” Cliff’s voice carried its usual authority.
Laney’s throat constricted, words refusing to form. She kept her eyes locked on the distant billboard, as if counting down the precious moments she had left to memorize his face.
When silence stretched between them, Cliff’s voice softened.
“Laney, can you hear me?”
“Cliff,” she whispered, his name a prayer on her lips.
Cliff paused.
“Yes?”
“Congratulations on your engagement.”
Cliff had just learned that news of his engagement was already everywhere. In a world driven by technology, whispers from elite circles didn’t stay quiet for long.
Cliff had grown used to the endless stream of congratulations. Most felt hollow, and he barely reacted anymore. But when Laney congratulated him, something shifted. Her words lingered in his mind, stirring emotions he thought he had buried. Was she sincere? He couldn’t tell. Pushing his thoughts aside, Cliff left work early and headed back to the Hopkins family villa.
As Cliff stepped inside, Gerry greeted him with his usual playful tone.
“Congrats on the engagement!” Gerry said, grinning.
“But seriously, who edited your engagement photo? They did you dirty-you look awful!”
Cliff sat down on the couch without responding, his face an unreadable mask. He reached for a cigarette and handed one to Gerry. Gerry hesitated for a moment. He wasn’t much of a smoker, but he lit the cigarette anyway, sensing that something was off. They sat in silence, the thin trails of smoke curling between them.
“You don’t seem happy,” Gerry said eventually, breaking the silence.
“I’m happy,” Cliff replied flatly, his tone devoid of emotion. He should be happy. After all, his naive cousin had finally moved on from him.
Gerry, ever oblivious, continued, “You know, Laney told me once that you liked confident, mature women. I didn’t believe her, but I guess she was right. Your fianc?e must be amazing to win you over so quickly.”
Cliff stared at the glowing tip of his cigarette. He didn’t bring it to his lips again. It dangled loosely between his fingers. A dull, aching emptiness filled him, one he couldn’t quite put into words.
“I don’t like anything,” he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Laney’s performance was scheduled at the City Center Theater in Warrington. The night before, the performers were to gather at a nearby hotel. Before leaving, Laney stopped at home for a family dinner.
As Laney stepped out the door, Philip and Madison accompanied her to see her off.
“Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything,” Madison said warmly.
“We’ll be there tomorrow to cheer you on.”
Laney smiled.
“Thanks, Madison. You two should go back inside. It’s freezing out here.”
Meanwhile, Cliff was loading Laney’s luggage into the car. He shut the trunk with a decisive thud and walked over to her.
“Everything’s ready,” he said, grabbing her bag.
“Get in. Let’s go.”
“Leaving already? Isn’t it a bit early?” Madison asked, her concern evident.
Cliff answered with his usual calm tone, “There’s a lot to prepare. Better to get there early so she can settle in and rest.”
“Alright then, drive safe,” Madison said, giving Laney a quick hug. As Laney got into the car, she realized it had been a long time since she and Cliff were alone together.
The silence in the spacious vehicle was suffocating. Each of them seemed lost in their own thoughts, unwilling or unable to speak. Finally, Cliff broke the silence.
“It’s about an hour’s drive. You should get some rest if you want.”
Laney shook her head, staring out the window.
“There’s food in the glove compartment,” he added, his voice steady and neutral.
“Okay,” she replied quietly.
To distract herself from the awkwardness, Laney opened the compartment. It was filled with her favorite snacks-clearly prepared ahead of time.
Though Laney wasn’t hungry, she absentmindedly unwrapped a pack of white chocolate sticks. Without thinking, she offered the first piece to Cliff.
Cliff glanced at her, his expression unreadable. Realizing what she had done, she quickly pulled her hand back and popped the chocolate into her mouth instead. Her cheeks flushed as she silently berated herself.
Some habits were impossible to break.
“Laney, you should slow down with the sweets,” Cliff advised.
He didn’t need to say why-Laney knew. Eating too much would lead to weight gain, and she’d end up putting herself through another punishing diet.
The last time, she had gone ten days without carbs. It had disrupted her cycle, leaving her curled up in pain and sobbing in his arms. But that was in the past. She wouldn’t let herself be that vulnerable with him again.
Laney nodded absentmindedly, agreeing with his words but continuing to nibble on the chocolate stick.
Cliff sighed and handed her a bottle of water. As he pulled it from the compartment, a folded advertisement slipped out and landed at Laney’s feet.
Laney picked it up, her curiosity piqued. It was for a private villa in a lively area, with the address circled in bold ink.
Noticing her gaze linger on the ad, Cliff offered a brief explanation.
“After the engagement party, I’ll be moving out. I’ll leave you a key so you can stop by anytime.”
Laney froze, her grip tightening on the ad. She kept her voice steady.
“That won’t be necessary.”
She didn’t need to ask who the villa was really for. It was obvious-this would be the home he’d share with Juliet. Why would she ever want to set foot in a place that wasn’t meant for her? The thought made her stomach churn. Even the chocolate in her mouth tasted bitter now.
When they reached the hotel, Laney retrieved her luggage and bid Cliff goodbye.
Cliff, however, declared, “I’ll walk you to your room.”