Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Juliet marveled at the unexpected ease of her victory. Noticing the anger simmering beneath his surface, she probed gently, “Has your cousin misinterpreted our recent social gathering? Surely, you explained that our upcoming marriage wouldn’t come between you two?”
Cliff’s expression darkened like storm clouds gathering. “What exactly are you implying? Do you think she’s some kind of plaything?” His cutting tone nearly shattered Juliet’s composure. With a bitter laugh that barely masked her hurt, she turned on her heel and left.
As the sun reached its peak the following day, Laney found herself summoned to the director’s office. Despite her resolve, the persistent pressure eventually forced her to surrender the lead role..
Though relatively new to the theater, Laney wasn’t blind to its unspoken politics. Someone wielded influence behind Kira, a force that even the mighty Hopkins family couldn’t overshadow. She accepted her fate with quiet dignity. “Whatever arrangement you decide is fine. I’ll perform as directed.”
Relief mingled with guilt across the director’s face. “This is just temporary, Laney. Let Kira have her moment. The center stage will await your return.”
Laney gave a bitter smile, not making it difficult for the director. Would it really be hers in the future? Probably not. Once Juliet became Cliff’s wife, Kira’s influence would only grow stronger. Laney felt that even keeping her place at the theater might become an impossible task. The stress weighed heavily on her mind, and she sought solitude on the balcony at the corridor’s end.
Faint laughter drifted through the air from somewhere distant.
“You’re the best, Juliet. I knew you cared for me the most.”
Laney’s steps halted as recognition struck. The voices of Kira and Juliet rang clear in her ears.
“1 only put in a word,” Juliet said dismissively. “Just make sure you excel in your first center performance. Make a name for yourself and bring honor to our family.”
“Of course. When I win an award, I’ll personally thank Cliff. He must have invested quite a bit in arranging this performance, right?”
“Money is no object to him. Why concern yourself with that?” Juliet added. “But yes, do thank him. Without his approval, this wouldn’t have fallen into place so smoothly.”
“I know.”
A bitter laugh escaped Laney’s lips as she turned and headed back to the apartment.
A Rolls-Royce glided onto the theater grounds.
The familiar license plate caught Laney’s eye, and her body froze, rooted to the spot.
Through the tinted glass, Cliff’s gaze met hers.
The car came to a stop, and they locked eyes across the distance, the air thick with unspoken words.
Within moments, Juliet emerged from the main entrance, her steps carrying her directly to Cliff’s car. She moved with practiced elegance, her smile perfectly poised.
“Didn’t I request you wait outside? What brought you onto the grounds?”
Cliff’s piercing gaze bore into Laney, so intense that it felt as though he could see right through her. His unyielding stare left her feeling exposed, as if she were guilty of some unseen crime.
Just as panic began to bubble within Laney, Kailyn appeared out of nowhere.
Laney latched onto Kailyn like a lifeline, gripping her arm tightly as they hurried away.
Cliff remained rooted in place, his eyes following their retreating figures. His expression darkened with each step they took. Laney had seen him-so why hadn’t she approached? Had she not been missing him these past few days? Shouldn’t her longing for him outweigh any resentment she might feel?
Juliet, who had noticed Laney earlier, observed Cliff’s sour mood with a knowing smile. “Oops, my bad. If I’d known your cousin was around, I wouldn’t have gotten into your car.”
Cliff’s tone was as cold as ice. “It’s not too late to get out now.”
Juliet chuckled, unfazed. “Really? That’s not exactly the chivalrous behavior I expected.”
Though he clearly wanted her gone, Juliet refused to give him the satisfaction. She had no intention of feeling embarrassed.
Cliff stepped out of the car, his voice detached. “I don’t have time to drive you home. You’ll need to figure it out yourself.”
Juliet lazily leaned back in her seat. “I can’t drive your car.”
“Then call a cab.”
Accustomed to swallowing her pride in the face of his coldness, Juliet finally slid into the driver’s seat with a sarcastic mutter. “I should’ve known. You didn’t pick me up out of kindness-your real motive had nothing to do with me.”
Cliff ignored Juliet, striding toward Laney’s apartment without so much as a glance back.
Laney was still trying to compose herself when a knock came at the door.
Kailyn glanced up, surprised. “Is my delivery here already?”
Kailyn got up to answer it but froze, her mouth falling open in shock at who stood there.
Laney, sprawled on the sofa and lost in thought, waited a moment before calling, “Kailyn?”
When no response came, Laney turned her head, only to see the door quietly closing.
Cliff’s voice followed. “She left.”
Laney’s body stiffened, every muscle tense.
Cliff entered without hesitation, carrying several shopping bags and casually placing them on the table.
“These are all your favorites-food, snacks, and a few other things,” he said, his eyes lingering on her. Concern flickered in his gaze, but he quickly masked it. “My parents have been worried about you since you’ve been staying away from home. They asked me to check on you.”
Laney’s chest tightened. The thought of being alone with him was unbearable. Turning her face away, she asked stiffly, “Where did Kailyn go? She wouldn’t have let you in without asking me first.”
Cliff’s posture was commanding, his presence unrelenting. “I asked her to give us a moment alone. You may not want to see me, but we need to talk.”
Laney replied quickly, “There’s nothing to talk about.”
Cliff stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. He noticed her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her knuckles pale. Gently, he pried her fingers loose. “If there’s no issue, then why are you avoiding me?”
She tried to pull back, but his presence left no room to retreat.
“I’ve been busy with rehearsals for a performance,” she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. She refused to cower this time. “Shouldn’t you be focusing on your engagement? Someone as insignificant as me shouldn’t bother you.”
Cliff smiled coldly. “Is getting married such a crime that you plan to disown me as your cousin for life?”
Laney’s heart clenched painfully. “We’re not even related by blood. What does it matter if I acknowledge you or not? Besides, after you’re married, I should stay even further away.”
Cliff’s expression darkened. “Laney, don’t ever say that again.”
“But it’s the truth!” she shot back.
“The truth is, families shouldn’t let trivial matters cause such a dramatic fallout. Understand?”
Laney bit her lip, anger and hurt warring inside her. What did he just say? How could he call this trivial? He didn’t like her, yet he wouldn’t let her go.
Cliff’s voice softened, though it carried an unyielding weight. “Before your mother passed away, she entrusted you to the Hopkins family. As the eldest son, it’s my responsibility to take care of you.”
Laney’s breathing quickened, her resistance flaring. “I don’t want that! I don’t want you to look after me!”
“You don’t have a choice,” Cliff said bluntly.
Cliff released her hand, his gaze drifting downward. Gerry had mentioned her running out barefoot the last time they argued, injuring her feet.
Cliff knelt and carefully pulled off her socks.
Laney tried to retract her legs, but Cliff anticipated her move and held her ankles firmly. Her feet were indeed injured, but they had mostly healed.
Noticing the medicine on the table, Cliff began applying it with meticulous care. “With your injury, don’t push yourself too hard at rehearsals. I’ve already spoken to the organizers. No matter what, you’ll secure first place.”
Laney’s heart sank further at her center spot being replaced by Kira, his future sister-in-law. Kira would undoubtedly outrank her in importance once Cliff married her.
As Cliff tended to Laney’s feet, his attention shifted to the medical kit nearby. Among the items, he found various treatments for bruises and swelling. His brows furrowed. “Do you have other injuries?” he asked sharply, his eyes scanning her. “Where else are you hurt? Let me see.”
Laney instinctively shrank her neck at his words.
Cliff’s sharp gaze caught it immediately. He grabbed her shoulders, pulling her closer. Ignoring her struggles, he tilted her chin and brushed her hair aside. Beneath the concealer on her neck, faint bruises were still visible.
Cliff’s jaw tightened, his breath hitching as fury ignited within him. His voice was low, laced with barely controlled rage. “Who the hell dared to do this?”
Laney remained silent, and Cliff, struggling to control his emotions, said, “No dance practice today. I’m heading out for a bit, but I’ll be back tonight to take you out for dinner.”
“I’m not going,” Laney said firmly. “Don’t worry about me.”
Cliff responded, “If you don’t want me, my dad will come. Do you really want him to see you so upset?”
Laney bit her lower lip, her teeth pressing into it.
Cliff reached out, gently releasing her lip from her teeth with his thumb. “Even if you’re angry with me, you shouldn’t upset my parents.”
Laney’s resolve wavered slightly.
Sensing her softening, Cliff made sure she was comfortable before he left to find Gerry.
Gerry was in the studio, reprimanding an actress for getting too close to an actor. “This is a serious film. If you’re going to kiss, just kiss. What are your hands doing? Behave, or I’ll report you.”
The actress was annoyed, casually placing her hand on the actor’s abs. Gerry, frustrated, said, “Damn, this is a pure campus romance!” The actress sighed. “You’re only filming our faces. What’s the harm in a little touch?”
The actor’s face turned beet red.
Just then, someone burst in and said, “Mr. Hopkins, your brother is here!”
Gerry, visibly annoyed, snapped, “My brother doesn’t bite. What’s the-“
But as Gerry turned and saw Cliff, he immediately fell silent.
Cliff looked furious, as if he was about to tear someone apart.
Gerry quickly adjusted his demeanor. “Cliff…”
Before Gerry could continue, Cliff grabbed him by the neck and dragged him outside.