Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
The call ended but rang again almost immediately.
Cliff frowned, asked her to mute the phone, and ignored the call.
Unfazed, Merrick didn’t bother calling again. Instead, he came over. Philip, recognizing Merrick as the Acosta family’s heir, greeted him warmly.
Merrick, ever skilled in charming elders, quickly earned Philip’s favor. After exchanging pleasantries, Merrick turned to Laney.
“You left your phone at the theater,” he said, holding it out.
“I thought I’d return it personally.”
Madison’s eyes lit up with curiosity. Since when were Laney and Merrick so close?
Laney immediately set down her fork and walked toward Merrick.
Merrick led Laney to the door, handing over her phone.
“Check if everything’s fine,” he urged.
Laney glanced at the screen and nodded.
“Everything is alright. Thank you, Mr. Acosta. You didn’t need to trouble yourself-you could’ve sent someone.”
Merrick smiled, his tone softening.
“If I’d sent someone, I wouldn’t have gotten to see you.”
His candid remark caught Laney off guard, making her blush. Merrick immediately regretted it. He was so used to flirting that he forgot it might scare her off.
“You should finish your dinner. But when you’re free, how about you treat me to a meal as thanks?”
Laney, trying to compose herself, nodded.
Before leaving, Merrick saved his number in her phone, leaning closer to catch her faint, familiar scent.
Cliff, who had been observing the exchange, felt his jaw tighten. As Merrick leaned in, it almost looked like they might kiss, sending a wave of fury through him.
But Laney turned away just in time, saying goodbye and walking back to the table. Her gaze instinctively found Cliff, who sat motionless, his emotions carefully masked.
Once seated, Laney’s phone buzzed with new messages.
Out of the corner of his eye, Cliff noticed she had added Merrick as a contact.
Their conversation seemed light but lively, judging by the faint smile on Laney’s lips.
For the first time, Cliff found his sharp eyesight annoying. He clearly made out Merrick’s playful nickname for her-Little Swan, followed by a swan emoji.
As the buzzing continued, Laney sensed the shift in Cliff’s mood. She glanced up to see his expression dark and unreadable. Feeling self-conscious, she muted her phone and shifted slightly away from Cliff, hoping not to disturb his meal.
Cliff broke the silence, his voice sharp.
“Not eating anymore? Is your phone that entertaining?”
Laney blinked.
“I’m full, Cliff.”
“You’ve barely eaten,” Cliff shot back, taking her phone and placing it face down on the table.
“Finish your meal first. Only after that can you check your messages.”
On the way back, Madison couldn’t resist probing.
“Laney, are you seeing Merrick Acosta?”
Caught off guard, Laney stammered, “No, we just met today.”
“Just met, and he’s already smitten,” Madison teased with a knowing smile.
“That boy likes you, Laney.”
Laney’s cheeks turned crimson.
“That’s impossible. We’ve only spoken briefly.”
Cliff watched her ears flush-a telltale sign of her embarrassment. He knew just how sensitive she was. Her ears would always redden when he touched or kissed her, something he cherished privately. But now, they were red because of Merrick.
Irritated, Cliff interjected, “Mom, don’t start matchmaking. Merrick’s a playboy. Laney can’t handle him.”
Madison raised an eyebrow.
“What do you know, Cliff? I held Merrick as a baby. I know what kind of person he is.”
“How can any decent man fall for someone in one day?” Cliff countered, his tone clipped.
Gerry chimed in, grinning.
“Cliff, why are you so worked up? Did you eat too much spicy food and overheat?”
Cliff didn’t even realize he was losing his temper. Wasn’t this just his usual way of speaking?
After a brief silence, Cliff’s anger subsided. In a cold tone, he said, “Laney just graduated. I’m worried she might get taken advantage of.”
Gerry found Cliff’s behavior increasingly irritating. When Laney was with Cliff, he had kept his distance, acting indifferent and proud with a fianc?e and an engagement on the horizon. But now, Cliff seemed to want to meddle in Laney’s life. Did he honestly think he still had a say in her choices?
Gerry retorted, “Come on. Laney is twenty-three. She’s been out of college for almost a year. She hasn’t even been in a proper relationship yet, and Merrick is a good guy. He’s charming and successful, and our parents approve of him. I think he’s exactly the kind of man Laney deserves.”
Cliff crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.
“And you think that makes him a decent man?”
“Why not?” Gerry shot back.
“You’re acting ridiculous, Cliff. Always sticking your nose in Laney’s business, but you never care about mine. What’s with that?”
Cliff’s jaw tightened, and the anger he’d been holding back started to show.
“Oh, feeling bold now, huh? Let me guess-your film career’s taking off, and you think you don’t need my money anymore. Is that it?”
Gerry’s face went pale.
“No, that’s not what I meant. Forget what I just said, Cliff.”
Laney had been silent the entire time, quietly observing their argument.
Madison, sensing the tension, finally spoke up.
“Laney, honey, what do you think? Do you like Merrick?”
Laney hesitated, twisting her fingers nervously. Cliff’s presence was hard to ignore. His scent, his voice, everything about him lingered in her heart. How could she accept anyone else? Merrick might have been charming and ideal, but to her, he was just another admirer. She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’m not ready to date anyone right now.”
Gerry smirked and hinted, “Seems like Laney already has someone in her heart.”
Laney’s cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head awkwardly. Madison’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Really, Laney? Why haven’t you mentioned this before? Who is it?”
With the spotlight suddenly on her, Laney felt trapped. There was no escaping now.
“It’s not important,” she said softly.
“He doesn’t feel the same way, so I didn’t think it was worth bringing up.”
Madison frowned, clearly displeased.
“What kind of man wouldn’t like you? You’re beautiful and sensible-what more could anyone want?” Laney forced a small smile.
“Everyone has their own preferences, Madison. It’s not a big deal.”
Madison wasn’t ready to let it go.
“Did you tell him how you felt?”
“Yes,” Laney admitted quietly.
“And he turned you down?”
“Yes,” Laney repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Madison’s expression turned fiery.
“Well, he must be blind! With your looks and your personality-what kind of man wouldn’t want you? Merrick has been head over heels for you since the first day he met you. But the man you like actually rejected you? Unbelievable!”
Laney’s cheeks burned red.
“Madison, I’m not as amazing as you think.”
Madison suddenly froze, a new thought striking her. She turned to Laney with wide eyes.
“Wait… Laney, is he gay?”
Laney stiffened, falling silent.