Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Faced with such a direct question, Laney couldn’t dodge. “I like it.”
“You say you like it, yet you haven’t even opened it.”
Laney answered softly, “I’ll open it when we get home. I’m just really exhausted right now.”
Cliff moved a bit closer. “Lean your head on my shoulder.”
Laney felt a tightness in her chest. Her hands clenched tighter as she shook her head. “No.”
Gerry glanced at them through the rearview mirror, silently judging Cliff. He saw Cliff’s actions as irresponsible yet flirtatious-a real player.
Unable to contain herself any longer, Laney said, “That Miss Foster today-she’s Kira’s elder sister.”
Cliff answered, “Yes, I drank a lot today because her father was apologizing for your injuries last time. It was difficult to turn them down given the circumstances.”
Laney silently scolded him for being so ignorant. That wasn’t what she was talking about.
“Was it really an apology or a subtle setup for a blind date?” Laney asked.
Cliff’s breath paused for a moment. Previously, when he went on blind dates, he would eagerly share the details with Laney. Whether she cried or not, it didn’t affect him. Yet now, for some reason, he paused for a moment before replying, “A blind date.”
Laney felt a stab of sadness. “Did you like her?”
Tears gathered in her eyes and dropped onto Cliff’s hand, which pained him deeply.
Cliff gazed at her intently. “No, I had another reason for bringing her tonight.”
Laney calmed down and stopped crying, eventually falling asleep as she leaned against Cliff. She hadn’t slept well in a long time due to today’s competition.
now she slept soundly for around six hours, waking up in the early morning. Everyone else in the house was asleep.
Laney showered and, though exhausted and wishing to sleep more, memories from the dinner kept her awake.
Cliff was also awake. He usually needed very little sleep, finding the pre-dawn hours the time when his mind was clearest. He often used this time to do important tasks.
At that moment, he had been talking to Juliet on the phone for about ten minutes.
There wasn’t a romantic spark between them, but their professional compatibility was strong. After her university graduation, Juliet jumped straight into the family business, quickly making a mark with her achievements.
She discussed the tunnel reconstruction project with Cliff. She had secured the project herself and led the design, successfully expanding her network while continuing to advance her business interests. Cliff genuinely complimented her. “Miss Foster, you’re even more impressive than I had imagined.”
Juliet valued the compliment, especially coming from Cliff, who was not only handsome but also intelligent, eager to learn, and ambitious. Curious about him, she asked, “You had a bright future in the military, so why return to a secondary role in the Hopkins family business? It seems like Gerry is better suited to be the heir.”
Cliff responded, “He’s impulsive and struggles to commit.”
As the youngest, Gerry was spoiled from an early age, and he found the demands of leadership overwhelming.
Juliet grew more impressed. “It’s uncommon for siblings to avoid inheritance disputes. Your commitment to preserving family unity is truly admirable.”
Cliff explained, “Gerry and I grew up with everything we needed. There’s nothing to dispute.”
Juliet laughed lightly. “After all our conversation, are you considering me as a partner, Cliff?”
Surprised by the sudden shift in topic, Cliff fell silent for a moment. He thought about Juliet’s impressive credentials before saying openly, “If we’re discussing a marriage of convenience, you’d certainly be a very appealing choice.”
Yet, business ties were a secondary consideration for Cliff. The ongoing pressure of him marrying was the primary concern. He was used to giving and didn’t want to…
remain a concern for his parents, so completing the task of marriage was necessary.
Juliet’s voice softened, taking on a distinctly feminine charm. “A marriage of convenience seems so dull. Who knows, maybe feelings could develop between us over time? Mr. Hopkins, do you already have someone special?”
Cliff’s tone was detached as he said, “I don’t care about love.”
Juliet boldly confessed, “I’ve been in several relationships, but you’ve captured my interest faster than anyone. May I hope that one day you’ll fall for me?”
After exchanging a few more words, Cliff ended the call. He lit a cigarette and took his time smoking it. The bitter taste of the cigarette was dull, much like the family business he was on the edge of taking over. As the eldest son, he was obligated to uphold the family’s status and honor, following the course his father had set. His life had been carefully planned, with no room for unexpected turns.
Having finished his cigarette and still feeling restless, Cliff decided to check on Laney since she had barely eaten tonight. Surprisingly, as he opened the door, he encountered her coming out of her room.
In the stillness of the night, their eyes met clearly, and the moment lingered, creating a delicate tension in the air. Cliff broke the silence by saying, “You’re awake.”
Laney nodded quietly. Fresh from a shower, her long hair fell over her shoulders, emphasizing her delicate appearance.
“I’m hungry,” Laney said softly. “I need to find something to eat.”
Cliff had expected this. “How about I make something for you?” he offered, rolling up his sleeves.
Laney followed him, replying, “Anything will do. I always enjoy what you cook.”
Cliff quietly prepared some food for Laney, careful not to disturb the family. Laney ate quickly, finishing her meal in no time. Cliff gently wiped her face with a wet cloth. “Take a moment to relax before you head back to bed.”
Laney appreciated his care, savoring the simple comfort of being looked after and listening to him without needing to do anything herself. “Are you heading upstairs?” she asked, her gaze lingering on him. “It’s fine. You should rest.”
Cliff responded casually, “I’m not tired yet.” He looked at her and held her gaze for a moment. “Still upset with me?” Laney rinsed her mouth and nodded slightly. “A bit.”
Her honesty almost made Cliff laugh, and he felt a strong desire to make her feel better. “What can I do to make you feel better?”
Laney curled up in the chair, wrapping her arms around her knees. “You never listen to me.”
Cliff paused, glancing at her meaningfully. “If you’re thinking about intimacy, it seems you’re not angry anymore.” Laney wasn’t bothered by his remark and chuckled softly. “What am I thinking about?”
“It’s written all over your face.”
Laney touched her cheek with a smile. “No, that’s just my beauty.”
As Cliff guided her upstairs, Laney asked, “Do you think I’m pretty, Cliff?” Her tone was playful.
“Yes,” he replied automatically, cautious of her teasing. But Laney remained doubtful. “You didn’t even look at me before you answered. You’re lying.”
Cliff shrugged. “I see you every day.”
“So, why aren’t you looking now?” Laney drew closer, wrapping her arm around his and peering up at him.
Finding himself cornered, Cliff took a moment to really look at her before saying, “Yes, you’re pretty.”
Laney’s laughter was soft as she dropped her playful demeanor and snuggled against his arm. “I was really hurt that you missed my competition today.”
Cliff replied, “Let’s get you another gift tomorrow.”
“Just stay with me tonight,” she said. “Could you tell me a bedtime story?”
Cliff knew better than to take her words at face value. Yet, remembering how bold she had been during their last car ride, he found himself following her into her bedroom.
Her room was filled with a sweet, welcoming fragrance that enveloped him as soon as he stepped inside. Laney pulled the blanket aside and settled into bed, lying down quietly.
Cliff picked up a storybook, a hint of amusement in his voice. “It’s unusual to see you in pants at home.”
Laney turned to face him, her gaze steady. “Since you prefer me not wearing skirts, I figured I should stop wearing them.”
Cliff smiled, skeptical of her statement. He caressed the cover of the book and glanced at her. “Do you really read fairy tales before sleep?”
Laney blinked and feigned innocence. “What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing, but this book seems like a knock-off.”
“What do you think it is, Cliff?” Laney asked, catching onto his insinuation. She chuckled mischievously. “Why not open it and find out?”
Unfazed, Cliff played along. He was no stranger to her games and wasn’t about to be outwitted by her playful challenge.
Just as he was about to check the contents of the book, Laney gently stopped his hand. “How about a little bet?”
Cliff raised an eyebrow. “And what’s the stake?”
“If it’s a proper book, I win, and you owe me a kiss.”
“And if it’s not?”
“Then I owe you two.”
Cliff was momentarily at a loss for words.
Laney’s gaze lingered on his lips, filled with anticipation. She whispered softly, “Cliff, it’s been too long since our last kiss.”
Cliff realized he might have made a mistake by entering her room. But now that he was here, he decided to face whatever came next. Her choice of pants over a skirt made little difference in the ease of their removal.
Cliff touched her leg gently, his arousal evident as he struggled to contain his desires.
When Laney kissed Cliff, her enthusiasm was unmatched. Afterward, as he stared at her with his impassive expression, she asked shyly, “What are you looking at?”
Laney was puzzled by his reaction. Didn’t he feel anything? Then why had he reacted physically? Yet, if he did feel something, why was he so composed, his hands steady as he held her? Earlier, when she had leaned on him in the car, saying she was uncomfortable and needed his arm, he had restrained himself despite his desires.
Now sitting upright, his voice a deep, rough whisper, Cliff responded, “Didn’t you claim yourself to be pretty? I just want to take my time admiring you.”
His words were simple, yet they struck a chord with Laney. She leaned into him, her body relaxing against his shoulder, overwhelmed by the closeness they shared.
This time, it was Cliff who initiated the kiss, setting his terms gently. “If you’re comfortable, you can’t stay mad.”
Laney sniffed and nodded in agreement. Yet, she wasn’t one to back down easily. “I want more,” she said.
In the dim light, a shadow passed over Cliff’s eyes. “You never make it easy, do you?”
Unintimidated, Laney urged him on with a soft voice.