Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Laney maintained her composure. “You weren’t here. Who would dare cross your threshold without permission?”
In one fluid motion, Cliff swept her into his arms, making his way toward the lounge. “Couldn’t spare a few hours of patience?” His tone held gentle reproach. “What’s got you so eager?”
Laney tucked her face against his neck, mortification keeping her hidden. “I don’t know. I just missed you, and it had to be you.”
“Wasn’t my shirt enough for you?” Cliff questioned.
“No,” Laney’s lips formed a small pout. “I lack your… expertise.”
Thirty minutes later, Laney sat contentedly in a chair, enjoying her meal while Cliff took care of his own needs in the bathroom.
Laney’s voice carried a lazy satisfaction. “Cliff, are you sure you don’t need my help?”
His reply filtered through the glass door, hoarse yet gentle. “Focus on your meal. I’ll take you home once you’re finished. Late night at the office ahead.”
Laney was not having it. “You promised to make me feel better every night.”
“I already indulged today,” Cliff responded.
“That was your initiative, not my request,” Laney countered.
“Laney, this isn’t up for discussion,” his tone brooked no argument.
Emboldened by Cliff’s indulgence, Laney had maneuvered him into a rather one-sided arrangement. The terms were simple: Cliff would visit her room each night, without fail.
Once, Gerry even caught Cliff.
“Cliff?” Gerry’s voice was thick with sleep as he caught sight of Cliff emerging from Laney’s room in the late hours. “What did you come out of Laney’s room at this hour?”
Cliff’s face remained perfectly composed as he flexed his fingers. “She’s been struggling with insomnia,” he said smoothly. “Insists on bedtime stories to help her drift off.”
A knowing smile crossed Gerry’s face. “You’re buying that? Laney’s just looking for excuses to keep you close. You know how deeply she cares for you.”
Cliff matched his smile with a chuckle.
Gerry asked, “What’s so funny?”
“Just reminiscing about an old friend.” Cliff deflected, thinking of how Caden had once masterfully deceived Gerry during his clandestine romance with Alicia. Any reasonable person would scoff at the notion of innocent storytelling being the reason for late-night visits to a woman’s room. But Gerry? He’d believe it without question.
“How are things progressing with Juliet?” Gerry shifted topics, his tone casual but purposeful.
Cliff reached for a glass of water, his throat suddenly parched. “We’ve collaborated on several business ventures. Nothing more.”
“No private dates?” Gerry inquired.
“None whatsoever,” Cliff stated firmly.
“Our father’s been hesitant to approach you directly, so he sent me to gauge the situation. He’s even suggested a wedding before year’s end. Would you consider it, Cliff?”
A peculiar weight settled in Cliff’s chest as he considered his response. “We’ll see how our dad arranges it. If everything aligns, perhaps.”
Gerry released a heavy sigh, disappointment evident in his features. “You might resolve one dilemma, but what of Laney? Your wedding day would shatter her heart. But maybe this might be what she needs-a harsh lesson in not letting men deceive her so easily, learned through you.”
Cliff’s fingers tightened around his glass as he abruptly changed course. “Who else knows about our aunt’s adoption of Laney, beyond our family?”
Gerry’s brow furrowed in contemplation. “No one, I believe. Our aunt only revealed it during her illness. She guarded that secret fiercely, fearing Laney would face rejection.”
Curiosity flickered across Gerry’s face. “Has someone uncovered her background? Is someone bullying her?”
“No one would dare.” Cliff’s voice was steel, his lips pressed into a thin line as he wrestled with emotions he couldn’t quite name.
Gerry studied him intently. “Listen up, Cliff. Being kind to Laney is one thing, but don’t take it too far. She’s young. The more attention you give her, the harder it’ll be for her to let go.”
Cliff offered no response, simply turning on his heel and walking away.
After observing Cliff for a while, Juliet opted for a more tactical approach-going through his parents rather than confronting him directly. She masterfully leveraged the goodwill she’d earned by saving Madison’s life, using it to cultivate favor with Madison.
With Madison’s influence, Cliff found himself unable to avoid encounters with Juliet. Despite their professional collaborations, an invisible wall remained between them, keeping their relationship strictly formal.
Madison noticed Cliff’s emotional distance and, attributing it to shyness, suggested he take Juliet out privately.
But Juliet simply offered a knowing smile. “No need, Mrs. Hopkins. His heart lies elsewhere. I won’t try to force what isn’t meant to be.”
Madison’s face flickered with genuine surprise. “That can’t be right. You two appear perfectly matched.”
Confusion crossed Juliet’s features as well. “Mrs. Hopkins, surely you’re aware…” She glanced meaningfully at Cliff, uncertainty creeping into her voice. “Or have I misread the situation entirely?”
Cliff disliked beating around the bush and asked coldly, “Miss Foster, if you have something to say, say it directly.”
Juliet leaned forward with a coy smile. “Mr. Hopkins, isn’t that girl who’s always trailing after you your sweetheart?”
A shadow crossed Cliff’s face.
Madison let out a chuckle. “Juliet, there’s been a misunderstanding. That’s Cliff’s cousin, not his sweetheart.”
Juliet blinked. “Oh, a cousin? I just assumed Miss Collins was by Mr. Hopkins’ side because they were childhood sweethearts.”
Cliff caught the undercurrent beneath her words but chose to remain silent.
Madison, however, grew concerned about Juliet’s misconception. “Laney’s young and naturally gravitates toward family. She’s a sweet girl without any hidden intentions.”
Juliet’s smile remained, though her silence spoke volumes.
Later, in private, Madison said to Cliff, “If you have feelings for Juliet, stop being so restrained. Take the initiative. And make sure to clarify your relationship with Laney. Don’t let misunderstandings fester. Laney looks up to you more than anyone. Have a proper conversation with her. After all, Juliet will be part of this family soon.”
Cliff’s jaw tightened. Strangely, those tiresome marriage arrangements were far from his mind at that moment. Instead, he pictured Laney’s usually sparkling eyes growing dim upon learning about his future alliance with Juliet. Would Laney accept Juliet? No, she wouldn’t. She would never accept Juliet.
“The Fosters don’t know that Laney isn’t blood-related to us, do they?” Cliff asked abruptly.
Madison stared at her eldest son, taken aback. “Of course not. Why do you ask?”
Cliff lowered his gaze, masking his emotions carefully. “It’s nothing. I’ll take Miss Foster out later, and we’ll have dinner at home tonight.”
Madison’s face brightened at his show of initiative. “You’re at the perfect age to start building your own family.”
“Okay,” Cliff replied quietly.
Juliet arrived wearing a carefully chosen dark dress. It complemented Cliff’s attire perfectly, creating a picture of sophistication. She slipped into Cliff’s car with practiced grace.
“I’ve toured all the trendy spots in Warrington. Nothing particularly captivating. Why don’t we visit your company instead? I’d love to discuss business. That interests me far more.”
“Of course,” Cliff responded with polished courtesy.
His genteel manner left Juliet feeling oddly unsatisfied. This wasn’t the real Cliff at all. He was putting on a performance, rigid as a statue. Deciding to crack his facade, she ventured, “I hope visiting your company won’t cause any awkwardness. Your cousin won’t mind, will she?”
“Miss Foster, there’s no need to probe so deeply. Even if we end up getting married, mutual feelings are lacking.”
Juliet’s laugh held a hint of mockery. “What are you afraid of? I won’t harm her, and she’s no obstacle to me.”
Cliff’s lips curved into a cold smile. Juliet’s confidence stemmed from having already gauged Madison’s position. After all, the Hopkins family held strict principles against improper relationships. Even with Laney’s lack of blood relation, Cliff recognized this reality clearly. It was precisely why he’d arranged this outing with Juliet.
Juliet didn’t mind his expression and spoke with calculated generosity. “You needn’t worry. After we’re married, you can do whatever you want. I won’t interfere, and if there’s something in it for me, I might even help keep your relationship with Laney discreet.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Cliff’s voice was devoid of emotion. He harbored no intentions of pursuing anything with Laney. Any recent moments that had crossed boundaries would be addressed before the wedding.
Cliff established firm ground rules with Juliet: until marriage, they would maintain purely professional contact. Their meetings were strictly business-related.
Juliet respected his terms. She maintained her silence and artfully avoided crossing paths with Laney during her company visits. Cliff acknowledged her efforts and expressed his appreciation through luxurious gifts.
Juliet, unimpressed, redirected all of them to Kira.
Kira selected a few choice pieces to wear. “The Hopkins family is incredibly generous,” she mused. “I only see gifts like these on my birthday.”
Juliet’s response was a dismissive scoff. “They’re all picked by his assistant. Meaningless gestures.”
Recently, Cliff had personally traveled abroad to select a particular piece of jewelry. The delicate pink hue was perfect for a young woman’s complexion.
Juliet knew without a doubt-that piece was meant for Laney. The item wasn’t just priceless in monetary terms; the sentiment it carried was beyond measure. It was something truly meaningful.
Kira, in her blissful naivety, was already dreaming of her future as Cliff’s sister-in-law. “Just imagine how spectacular your wedding will be! Every socialite in town will turn green with envy. Juliet, you absolutely must buy me a car to celebrate!”
Her excitement mounting, Kira practically danced back to the theater, her gifted jewelry catching the light as she deliberately paraded past Laney.
Laney remained pointedly indifferent.
But Kira persisted in hovering nearby.
Finally, Kailyn snapped, shoving Kira aside. “Move it! You’re blocking everyone’s way!”
Kira stumbled against a pillar, crying out dramatically. Examining her bracelet, she shrieked, “Have you lost your mind, Kailyn? This was a gift from my future brother-in-law, and now it’s ruined!”
Kailyn, no stranger to luxury herself, pulled out her phone with a scoff. “Inventing a brother-in-law just to stir up drama? When exactly does your sister plan to get married? How did I miss this news?”
Kira’s face transformed with smug satisfaction. “Who says I’m making this up? Ask anyone. The whole world knows Cliff is dating my sister.”
At the mention of Cliff’s name, Laney’s head snapped up. “Who?”
Kira’s statements lacked credibility. She often exaggerated the truth and made bold claims, easily twisting facts.
Kailyn tried to reassure Laney, “How could Cliff possibly date someone from the Foster family? He’s aware of your issues with Kira. It must be Kira stirring up trouble just to upset you.”
Laney acknowledged this with a nod, not wanting to worry Kailyn, though she felt an underlying sense of disappointment.