The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 1197:

“If you lock the door, Gerry might suspect something,” Laney whispered, anxiety creeping into her voice.noveldrama

Cliff’s intense gaze fixed solely on her face, dismissing all else. “There’s nothing to suspect,” he stated bluntly. “Yes, I had dinner with Juliet today, but it wasn’t a date.”

As the words left his mouth, inner conflict twisted his features. Why did he feel the need to explain himself, when there was truly nothing between him and Juliet? Bitterness welled up in Laney’s chest as she averted her gaze.

“That’s your personal business. You don’t need to tell me.”

Cliff’s heart constricted. “Juliet and I discussed work all day,” he added. “Dinner just coincided with our meeting. You understand my position. I can’t ignore a business partner.”

Laney had never witnessed him justify his actions before. The emotions she’d bottled up suddenly burst forth, her control crumbling.

“Are you really not dating her?”

“No,” Cliff answered with unwavering honesty.

“Then why did Kira say you’ll be her brother-in-law?”

Darkness clouded Cliff’s features. “When did she say that?”

“Today.”

“Did you come to the office to verify this?”

Laney shook her head, her eyes rimmed with red. “I didn’t believe Kira. I just… I missed you so much that I had to see you. But tonight, what I witnessed seemed to validate everything Kira said.”

“I’m not dating Juliet,” Cliff said firmly.

Laney wasn’t naive. Though she trusted Cliff wouldn’t outright lie, she understood his connection to Kira ran deeper than mere business. “Your parents are pressing about your marriage. Is Juliet what they envision for you?”

Her voice emerged surprisingly steady, even as her fingers trembled and she fought back tears.

Something invisible tightened around Cliff’s throat. He voiced words he himself didn’t quite believe, “She’s not.”

A tear escaped Laney’s eye, landing on her lips.

Cliff kissed away her tears. Then, he claimed her lips with his own. Laney melted into his kiss, her vision blurred by tears. “Cliff, please don’t lie to me.”

She refused to become a roadblock to his ambitions, but she couldn’t bear deception.

Cliff responded with a deep “hmm.”

His heart inexplicably heavy, he could only convey his feelings through the intensity of his kisses.

Laney winced at their fervor. Unable to withstand it, she leaned back.

Cliff lifted her into his arms, carrying her toward the bed. Clinging to his last thread of restraint, he merely settled her across his lap. Yet, the kisses weren’t enough to quench his growing desire. When he finally released her, his breathing came in ragged pants as he cradled her face in silence.

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