Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
At this, the man, driven by jealousy, covered her mouth and unlocked the door to enter the house.
The living room was dark. Laney was thrown onto the couch. Pressing down on her, he said, “Rowe, Curt, Newell, Vincent, and Mateo? I leave for a few days, and you flirt with so many? Am I not enough?”
Laney’s mind raced, both relieved and frustrated. She yelled, “Cliff! It’s really you!”
Cliff held her hands above her head, his breath cold on her face.
“After all this time, you can’t tell it’s me without seeing my face?”
Laney was so upset that she felt tears coming, feeling both tricked and relieved at having survived the scare. She resisted his touch.
“You scared me terribly! I was so panicked that I couldn’t think straight!”
Cliff suppressed his anger, slowly confronting her.
“You’re usually so sharp, but now you’re not thinking clearly. Why? Do you feel guilty?”
As soon as he spoke, a sharp sting of unease washed over Laney. Cliff continued, “Didn’t you say you were going to bed? Where were you sleeping, on the street?”
Laney stayed quiet.
“Every time I call, you’re crying and saying you miss me, yet this is how you show you miss me?”
Laney’s cheeks turned pink with embarrassment, stuttering, “I just missed you so much, so I went out with Kailyn to distract myself.”
As she spoke, she looked at him with playful, alluring eyes.
“You wouldn’t want me to just cry and stay home all day, would you?”
Cliff scoffed.
“No, I actually find your tears quite appealing. They make me want you more,” he said coldly.
“If you hadn’t brought up the new neighbor, making me worry he might see something, do you think we’d be having this conversation now?”
The image of that scene, with Cliff’s face in her mind, made Laney tremble.
Cliff rarely became angry, but when he did, it was difficult to calm him down.
Laney felt terrified. Though she missed him dearly, she couldn’t handle the current situation, wriggling to escape.
“Cliff, you’ve been away on business for a while. You must be exhausted. How about a bath and a good night’s sleep, and we talk tomorrow?”
Cliff unfastened his belt.
“I appreciate the concern, but that won’t be necessary.”
Laney was on the verge of tears, resorting to her usual tactic.
“But Cliff, I’m hungry. I really need to eat.”
Cliff’s expression didn’t change.
“Isn’t that why I’m here, to take care of that?” He glanced down at her flat stomach with a suggestive look.
“You can have it all.”
At twenty-three, Laney stood at the altar with Cliff, her heart full of dreams. Given her youth, Cliff made the conscious decision to postpone starting a family.
Three years slipped by before Cliff felt the timing was right. He bid farewell to his cigarettes and alcohol, preparing his body for the journey of fatherhood.
Yet, fate had other plans. Each passing month brought more frustration as their attempts bore no fruit.
As the seasons changed, a shadow of doubt began to cloud their thoughts. The weight of his thirty-three years pressed heavily on Cliff’s mind. Though his vigor remained unchanged, questions about fertility plagued his thoughts. His dreams were filled with visions of a daughter-one whose charm and vitality would outshine even Caden’s little girl.
Seeking answers, Cliff scheduled a consultation with an obstetrician.
The doctor leaned back in his chair, offering an unconventional piece of wisdom.
“Sometimes, the mind works in mysterious ways. During intimate moments, try wishing not to conceive.”
Cliff studied the doctor’s face, his expression a mixture of skepticism and bewilderment.
“I’m beginning to question your credentials,” he remarked, eyeing the doctor with suspicion.
Undeterred by his doubt, the doctor merely smiled.
“Give it a try when you get home.”
The doctor’s words, though strange, took root in Cliff’s mind.
With renewed determination, no corner of their home was left unexplored-from their plush bed to the moonlit balcony, the steamy bathroom to the cozy kitchen, the quiet study to their blooming garden, and even his prestigious office.
If domestic venues proved fruitless, perhaps a change of scenery would do the trick-beyond city limits, across state lines, or even foreign shores.
True to his nature, Cliff tackled the challenge with characteristic efficiency. No sooner had the idea formed than he began researching potential destinations.
Among the countless options, a quaint mountain resort captured his imagination. Local lore painted it as a place of wonder, where wise elders resided and nature itself seemed to grant wishes. Tales abounded of visitors whose deepest desires materialized during their stay.
The resort’s reputation had swelled in recent years, drawing crowds from far and wide. To maintain its exclusive atmosphere, management had implemented strict entry requirements, reserving access for those of notable standing.
In a rare moment of spontaneity, Cliff secured two coveted spots-one for himself and another for Caden.
The choice to invite Caden wasn’t random-his three-year-old daughter made him the perfect companion. Though Cliff dismissed the doctor’s theory that proximity to parents could enhance fertility, a small part of him wondered if there might be some truth to it. After all, what did he have to lose?
After completing the payment, Cliff reached out to Caden with the invitation.
A telling pause preceded Caden’s response.
“What perfect timing-Alicia and I just happen to have our schedules clear.”
Being the initiator, Cliff graciously insisted on covering all expenses for Caden’s family.
“How incredibly generous of you,” Caden remarked.
A distinct chuckle caught Cliff’s attention.
“What’s got you in such high spirits?”
“How could I not be delighted by such an entertaining prospect?” Caden’s voice carried a hint of amusement.
Dismissing any suspicion, Cliff bid farewell and embarked on the journey with Laney.
Upon arriving, Cliff and Laney encountered Caden engaged in playful banter with little Scarlette.
Cliff’s brow furrowed as he noted Caden’s settled appearance.
“You arrived ahead of us?”
“Since yesterday,” Caden confirmed, scooping up Scarlette in his arms. Even in casual attire, he exuded an effortless elegance.
Scarlette’s sweet voice rang out as she spotted them.
“Cliff, Laney,” her cherubic face beaming beneath her adorable braids.
Laney scooped up little Scarlette, peppering her face with affectionate kisses.
A suspicion nagging at his mind, Cliff turned to Caden.
“What brings you to this wish-granting haven? Perhaps a sibling for Scarlette?” Caden’s lips curved into a knowing smile.
“Nothing so specific-just enjoying the scenery.”
“Really?” Skepticism clouded Cliff’s features.
Just then, the receptionist finished processing Cliff and Laney’s check-in, her professional demeanor shifting as she caught sight of Caden.
“Welcome back, Mr. Ward,” she said warmly.
Recognition dawned on Cliff’s face.
“This place-it’s yours?”
Caden quirked an eyebrow.
“Just a minor investment for amusement’s sake.”
“So, you’re behind the exclusive access and the astronomical price hike?” Cliff pressed.
“Who knew there’d be so many affluent individuals willing to buy into the mystery?” Caden mused.
Being one of those very “individuals,” Cliff’s lips twisted into a wry smile.
“How fortunate I am to count such a friend like you among my acquaintances.”
Caden’s laughter echoed through the lobby.
Despite the exorbitant cost, the resort’s breathtaking splendor made it difficult to harbor any real resentment.
Perched atop the mountain’s crown stood two luxury suites. One belonged to Caden’s family, while the other-originally claimed by a prominent business magnate-had been secured for Cliff through Caden’s generous intervention and triple compensation.
Floor-to-ceiling windows embraced the space on all sides, unveiling a majestic panorama of mist-kissed peaks and verdant valleys below. Laney danced across the polished floors with childlike wonder, her bare feet barely touching the floor. She pressed her fingertips against the crystal-clear glass, drinking in every detail of the spectacular vista. Like a devoted sentinel, Cliff methodically arranged their belongings and secured their evening dining arrangements.