Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“We’ve lost a lot of time. They’re probably done eating by now. I’ll take you out to get your favorite meals.”
Laney’s eyes were still red.
“I’m going to tell your mom what you’ve done to me.”
Cliff let out a small laugh.
“Go ahead. And while you’re at it, remind her of the time you snuck into my bed and stole a kiss a few years back.”
Laney felt overwhelmed, regret pooling in her chest. She was also deeply hurt.
“Cliff, that’s not the way to apologize.”
Cliff responded with a sense of justification.
“Apologizing is another issue. You don’t like me, you hold grudges, and you don’t want to see me, so I stayed away. I thought I was being respectful. What I did earlier was to teach you not to lie.”
Laney clenched her teeth.
“You’re twisting the truth. Do you ‘teach’ Gerry the same way?”
“Everyone’s different. This approach suits you, so I use it. Gerry needs something tougher, like a belt.”
Laney was stunned.
“Next time, make sure to use a belt on me instead of your previous approach.”
Cliff looked up at her, his expression darkening.
Under his intense gaze, Laney felt a tightness in her chest, her breath becoming shallow.
Cliff fought back the inappropriate thoughts that crept into his mind and took a deep breath.
“You might regret saying that.”
Laney’s face paled as she suddenly remembered his past-years of physical training had strengthened his grip. A hit with a belt from him would be painful.
Seeing her tremble, Cliff took her hand and pulled her into a hug.
“What are you scared of? I would never hit you.”
Before Laney could respond, she stiffened, her arms awkwardly positioned between them.
“You don’t hit me, but you shouldn’t force me either.”
Cliff disagreed.
“You once promised that if you ever felt uncomfortable-“
“I would be the only one to help.”
“I’m not uncomfortable. You’re the one who started this.”
“When you first flirted with me, I made it clear I wasn’t interested. Did you respect that?”
Laney found herself without a response.
Cliff decisively carried her out.
“Now, I’m choosing not to listen either.”
As they left, Cliff politely said goodbye to Merrick’s mother. Noticing their arrival, she asked with concern, “Was everything alright with Laney? You two were inside for quite a while.”
Cliff explained, “Laney’s blood sugar dropped. I stayed with her to make sure she was okay.”
Merrick’s mother showed concern for a moment and then said, “Laney, it’s fortunate that your cousin was there to assist. We had no idea about your condition.”
Exhausted both physically and mentally, Laney forced a faint smile. Merrick’s mother handed Laney a gift, which Cliff took on her behalf.
“Laney and I need to be going now.”
On their drive back, Laney unwrapped the gift. Inside was a set of stunning jewelry and a designer bag. She was taken aback.
“Such a generous gift. The pearl I gave isn’t worth even a fraction of this. I should have asked Merrick.”
Cliff kept quiet. Merrick’s mother wasn’t known for such generosity. The valuable gift suggested she had other motives.
That evening, Cliff prepared dinner himself. He meticulously prepared all of Laney’s favorite meals.
Laney, starving, ate leisurely, engaging in conversation with Madison and the others.
Madison was aware of the ongoing tension between Laney and Cliff, but as a mother, her concern was visible.
“Laney, I worry about you living on your own. Why don’t you move back home?”
Laney answered, “Madison, my workplace is too far from the house. It’s just not practical. If you really miss me, I can visit and stay a few days each week.”
Despite her words, Laney had no real plans to return. She would find excuses as necessary.
Madison was left speechless.
Gerry interjected, “Come back, Laney. I’ll drive you to work every day, come rain or shine. Plus, Cliff is moving out tomorrow, so you won’t have to worry about him anymore.”
Laney was surprised and skeptical.
“Why is he suddenly moving out?”
Gerry shook his head sadly.
Philip chimed in, “Because he’s crossed a line. Not only did he upset you, but he also offended the Foster family. It would be one thing if he acknowledged his mistakes and asked for forgiveness. But he hasn’t earned your forgiveness, nor has he made things right with the Fosters. I’ve lost billions because he breached the contract, and he hasn’t even apologized. So, Laney, I’m considering stripping him of his role and cutting off his financial support, making him stand on his own.”
Laney felt a strange sadness settle in her heart. She stole a glance at Cliff, who appeared unaffected, concentrating solely on his food.
Unsure of what to say next, Laney just kept eating.
Gerry said, “He’s finally facing the music. Laney, if you feel like laughing, go ahead. We’re family. There’s no need to be shy.”
Laney replied, “But Gerry, your financial support is tied to Cliff. If he’s cut off, so are you. Can I really laugh about that?”
Cliff had always charted his own course in life. Even if he didn’t take over the Hopkins family business, he would never be short of money. Laney had learned not to take their teasing too seriously. She shrugged off their comments as playful banter and let them slide.
It had been ages since Laney last visited, so when Madison warmly invited her to stay the night, Laney found it impossible to decline. But unexpectedly, after dinner, Madison and Philip announced they had to leave and wouldn’t return until the next day.
Laney frowned, confused.
“Wait, Madison. Didn’t you just say you missed me so much that you couldn’t sleep? You even mentioned we’d share a bed and talk all night.”
Madison seemed genuinely regretful.
“I know, Laney. I’m so sorry, but something urgent came up. We’ll catch up next time, I promise.”
Before Laney could inquire further, Madison and Philip were already heading for the door.
Madison paused and called back to Gerry, “Aren’t you coming with us, Gerry? Let’s hurry.”
Gerry, who had been absorbed in his video game, looked up, bewildered.
“What? I didn’t agree to this. Where are we even going?”
“You’ll see when we get there,” Madison replied firmly, marching back inside to grab his arm. She tugged him along before he could protest further.
Within moments, the house that had been buzzing with activity was eerily quiet.
Laney stood in the middle of the living room, feeling a strange unease creeping over her.
From the top of the stairs, Cliff watched her.
“You should get some rest. I’ll take you to the theater tomorrow.”
Laney felt an unsettling chill. Something about his tone made her stomach twist. Alone with Cliff was the last thing she wanted.
“I’ll head back to the theater now,” she said quickly, grabbing her bag and heading for the door.
“No point in staying since no one else is here.”
Cliff leaned casually against the staircase railing, his voice calm yet pointed.
“If you leave now, how am I supposed to explain it to my parents?”
Laney didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll let them know I’m fine once I get to the theater.”
He tilted his head, his expression unreadable.
“They told me to take good care of you. If I let you leave, they’ll think I failed. Do you really want my relationship with them to sour over this?”
Laney blinked, confused.
“The consequences couldn’t be that serious…”
Cliff gave her a measured look, his tone turning slightly playful.