Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Though his displeasure lingered, Cliff’s tone softened slightly.
“Don’t watch those unhealthy things. They’re not good for you.”
Laney’s skeptical expression spoke volumes.
“Watching me, however…”
Cliff’s voice dropped to a suggestive murmur, leaving Laney momentarily stunned into silence.
After his discharge, Cliff whisked Laney away to a secluded villa nestled halfway up the mountainside, seeking privacy for his recovery and their reunion.
The property was a masterpiece of elegant design, featuring a sprawling backyard that housed both a swimming pool and a natural hot spring-an entire setting crafted for romance.
The season proved perfect for enjoying the hot spring. Laney had scattered her favorite flower petals across the surface.
Cliff appeared at the edge of the spring, wrapped in a bathrobe. Laney lifted her gaze from where she floated, taking in his imposing figure.
The loosely draped bathrobe fell open to his abdomen, revealing a canvas of perfectly sculpted muscle. The healing wound across his chest, rather than marring his appearance, only added to his raw magnetism-a badge of strength that enhanced his commanding presence. Yet, his face remained an enigma of contrasts: devastatingly handsome features set in their usual mask of stoic indifference, as though completely immune to his effect on women.
Cliff spoke into his phone with characteristic authority.
“There’s security at the gate. Have them escort you in when you arrive. I’m in the backyard hot spring.”
After ending the call, Cliff slipped into the warm waters and lifted Laney to perch on the spring’s edge, positioning her feet on his broad shoulders.
Though Laney recognized his intentions, a rosy blush colored her cheeks.
“What are you doing?” she asked softly.
“Thirsty,” Cliff murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.
“I need a drink.”
Laney’s breath caught in surprise.
Meanwhile, at the villa’s entrance, a doctor presented himself to security.
“I’m Mr. Hopkins’ surgeon. He requested I examine his wound today.”
Granted entry, the doctor made his way toward the backyard.
The air grew heavy with the heady scent of flower petals, and a rhythmic sound reached the doctor’s ears, making him pause mid-step. Curious, the doctor approached. Upon seeing the scene in the pool, he froze in shock, his legs turning weak as he quickly turned and fled.
After their first intimate encounter, Cliff became deeply concerned about Laney’s comfort. He often worried how such a delicate woman could endure his intense passion.
Once Cliff discovered the joys of intimacy, he found himself desiring Laney constantly, imagining a lifetime of closeness. However, he held back, fearing he might overwhelm her or cause her discomfort. Within just two months, their exceptional chemistry amazed him. After many moments together, Laney lay back in the water, relaxed, and held gently in Cliff’s arms, her gaze at him filled with a dreamlike softness.
“Do you feel any pain?” Cliff asked, his touch gentle as he massaged her, mindful of any soreness she might feel.
Laney shook her head. What she felt wasn’t pain, but a deep, overwhelming exhaustion. Still, this exhaustion seemed meaningless next to the bond they shared. She whispered, “Can we take a break? I’m really drained.”
Cliff grinned.
“You’re up for more?”
Taken aback and blushing, Laney said, “Aren’t you tired? I thought you still wanted to continue…”
Of course, Cliff hadn’t finished yet. He was merely considering her comfort, planning to resume later that evening. However, it was clear that she longed for something more.
“How about we rest for ten minutes?” Cliff suggested.
“If you feel tired, just let me know. Please, don’t push yourself too hard just for me.”
Laney wasn’t the type to hide her true feelings. She curled up against his chest, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
“I truly enjoy being close to you.”
His skill and thoughtfulness made every moment together feel both exciting and joyful in its own way.
Cliff leaned against the pool’s edge, allowing her to rest upon him. Her long hair spread across the surface as Cliff softly ran his fingers through it, uncovering her ears and cheeks.
Droplets of water trailed down her smooth skin, urging him to lean in and kiss them away. The simple water seemed to carry her taste, leaving him thirsty for more.
Laney was enchanted by his playful kisses. A thought suddenly crossed her mind.
“Had you been holding back in the hospital? You were so intense our first time just now.”
Their movements had caused the water to splash wildly, and she half-joked that she might drown right there.
Cliff asked, “Did you enjoy it?”
Laney responded with a cheeky smile. She certainly had.
Cliff’s expression softened slightly.
“Because someone walked in, and I had to clarify whether you were my cousin or my woman.”
Laney reacted with surprise.
“What?” Her body instinctively slid lower, allowing the water to envelop her as she looked around anxiously.
“Someone came in? Where? Are they still here? Didn’t they see us both?”
Cliff’s brow furrowed.
“I was facing the other way. He didn’t see you.”
“Did he catch a glimpse of your sexy butt?”
Cliff felt a little embarrassed by her comment.
“No, I was waist-deep in the water,” he explained.
Cliff playfully suggested that Laney try some techniques she had seen in a movie.
“Did I push you too hard?” Cliff looked down at her flushed cheeks and gently touched her face. His voice was soft and cautious, as if he were asking an important question. The emotions swirling in his deep eyes were so complex that Laney couldn’t tell whether it was affection or something else.
In any case, she felt so exhausted that she could barely sit up, wanting to cry.
Laney shook her head, showing her grief, yet she chose not to leave him. Cliff, noticing the pitiful expression on her face, took a deep breath, his eyes tinged with red.
“Good girl, you did well.”
Who doesn’t appreciate a bit of encouragement and praise?
A wave of emptiness washed over Laney, and without thinking, she instinctively moved closer to him.
Concerned about causing her more discomfort, Cliff did not linger and carried her inside.
“Let’s try out our new bed.”
Laney’s voice was raspy.
“Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Don’t worry about me. Think about your back.”
After a heavy snowfall, Warrington experienced a gorgeous early spring.
Cliff had originally planned to get engaged to Laney in March and marry by the end of the year, but his eagerness got the best of him. He proposed the previous November, slipping a ring on her finger and claiming her as entirely his.
In March, Cliff and Laney celebrated their wedding in Warrington with a lavish and grand ceremony, the festivities lasting a full week.
As Cliff took on the role of husband, he also officially assumed leadership of the Hopkins Group, becoming its top executive.
Laney belatedly realized something and complained, “Didn’t your father threaten to cut you off and force you out of the company? It was all a lie to me.”
Cliff clarified, “It somewhat pushed us toward marriage, didn’t it?”
Laney’s eyes widened.
“It did, but…”
“Hasn’t this month of marriage made you happy?”
“Well, I was referring to the way you all tricked me. Let’s not switch topics!”
Cliff reached for his phone.
“I’m going to call my dad and give him a piece of my mind.”
Laney quickly softened, grabbing his arm to stop him.
“Never mind. I’ll just punish you myself.”
Cliff showed genuine interest.
“How do you plan to punish me?” Noticing the change in his expression, Laney realized what he was thinking. She objected.
“I still have bruises, no… Honey, I need to ask you something.”
“Go on,” Cliff said.