Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
In contrast, Laney maintained her poise, flawlessly executing the last steps and exiting with the ensemble.
Backstage, Kira was inconsolable, weeping in her sister’s arms and cursing Laney between sobs. Laney walked past without acknowledging the commotion, heading straight to remove her makeup and change.
Kira’s anger escalated with her tears, throwing a tantrum and urging Juliet to seek revenge.
“Was that slap directed at me? It was an affront to the Foster family and to you. If Laney respected you, she wouldn’t dare hit me at all,” Kira argued.
“Juliet, you have to take action against her. Where will this end if it continues?”
Juliet was troubled by Kira’s words. She knew Laney was bold and had strong backing, but confronting Cliff was no simple matter. Kira implored, “Juliet, please avenge me…”
Taking a deep breath, Juliet said, “We need a strategy that involves Cliff. Without his support, Laney won’t be so bold.”
A thought struck Kira, wiping her tears away.
“Juliet, you’re about to be engaged to Cliff, and he’s just taken on a new role. It’s a critical time, right?”
“Yes, why?”
Kira’s eyes sparkled with cunning.
“I have an idea.”
After changing, Laney realized her phone was missing. She searched thoroughly but to no avail. Returning to the dressing room, she found it deserted, as everyone had left for dinner with their families. Kailyn was also gone.
Remembering that her family was waiting, Laney felt a surge of anxiety. In her haste, she rounded a corner and collided with someone holding a bouquet, scattering petals..
Brushing off the discomfort, Laney quickly apologized.
“I’m sorry. I was in a hurry and didn’t see you. Are you all right?”
Merrick relaxed when he saw Laney, his previously tense expression softening.
“Oh, it’s you, graceful swan.”
Laney paused, studying him. She didn’t remember him, and it wasn’t the time for introductions. Noticing the disheveled bouquet, she said, “Two flowers were damaged. I’m really sorry about that. Let me compensate you.”
Merrick’s eyes sparkled with amusement.
“No need. These flowers were actually meant for you. If it bothers you, I can have another bouquet sent.”
Laney blinked in surprise but then realized. As a performer, she often received flowers and gifts from admirers. She had already collected a few earlier in the dressing room. She accepted them gracefully and said, “Thank you for your kindness.”
Initially, Merrick had been captivated by her performance. Now, up close, her flushed cheeks were charming, making it difficult for him to look away.
“What had you rushing earlier?”
Laney sighed.
“I lost my phone and can’t contact my family. They’re waiting outside for me.”
“Is that all?” Merrick handed her his phone, asking, “Do you remember their numbers?”
Laney’s face lit up. She took the phone gratefully. Embarrassingly, she couldn’t remember any numbers except for Cliff’s. With no other options, she dialed his number.
Cliff responded in a smooth, resonant voice, “Who is this?”
Laney’s heart fluttered.
“It’s me, Laney.”
“Why are you calling from an unfamiliar number?”
“I lost my phone and borrowed one from someone nearby.”
After Laney explained briefly, Cliff said he would come to find her before ending the call.
Laney handed the phone back to Merrick.
“Thank you.”
Merrick chuckled.
“We’ve only just met, and you’ve thanked me several times already.”
He found her easy to tease, which endeared her to him even more.
“Is your boyfriend too busy today?” Merrick joked.
“He missed such a beautiful performance.”
Laney smiled softly.
“I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Merrick raised an eyebrow.
“You seem quite young. Did you just graduate?”
“Yes, last year.”
“From Warrington University?”
“Yes.”
She responded readily to his questions. Her candor made it difficult for Merrick to divert his gaze.
“I also attended Warrington University, but I graduated two years ahead of you.”
Laney noticed his persistent stare and felt a twinge of shyness.
“Sir, please go about your business. Cliff will be here shortly. Thank you for the flowers and the use of your phone.”
The mention of Cliff gave Merrick another topic of conversation.
“Mr. Hopkins was collaborating on a project with my father.”
Despite the business context, the mention of Cliff stirred emotions within Laney.
As they conversed, Laney, feeling Merrick’s gaze still on her, said, “Mr. Acosta, is there something on my face?” He had been looking at her intently.
“Mr. Acosta?” It was rare for people to address him so formally. Merrick responded with a playful tone, “You’re quite formal, aren’t you?” Laney’s cheeks warmed.
Realizing he might have embarrassed her, Merrick quickly explained his attention.
“There’s nothing on your face. You’re just strikingly beautiful. Actually, there’s a flower petal in your hair, which drew my gaze.”
Laney instinctively reached up to remove it.
Merrick was quicker, gently plucking the bright rose petal from her hair.
At that moment, Cliff turned the corner and saw them.
Cliff’s expression darkened instantly.
“What are you two doing?” The sharp question caught both Merrick and Laney off guard, causing a brief pause.
Holding a flower petal, Merrick responded with a calm smile.
“Mr. Hopkins.”
Laney took this moment to part ways with Merrick.
“My ride has arrived.”
Merrick acknowledged her with a nod. He then asked, “When is your next performance? Will you be promoting it?”
Uncertain, Laney was about to name her theater when Cliff interjected, “Laney, my mother is calling for you.”
His tone was cold, bordering on a scold.
Laney felt a sense of alarm. Distracted, she lost track of her conversation with Merrick. She approached Cliff, flowers in hand, maintaining a polite distance.
Cliff reached for her wrist and gently pulled her closer. His eyes were icy as he addressed Merrick.
“We’re heading to dinner, so we won’t be able to see you out, Mr. Acosta. Please, feel free to leave.”
Merrick grinned.
“No need for formalities.”
As Cliff and Laney walked away, Merrick called after them, “Miss Collins, I know this area well. I’ll find your phone and get it to you.”
Cliff’s grip tightened around Laney’s wrist reflexively, causing her thoughts to stall. Automatically, she said, “Thank you. My phone case is the one with white wings.”
Merrick stepped closer, pulling out his phone to open the notes app.
“Please let me know where you’ll be dining.”
Laney extended her hand to type it in, but Cliff quickly intervened, turning off Merrick’s phone screen.
Laney and Merrick stared at Cliff.