The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 1209:

Cliff kept his eyes lowered, methodically washing her body. “Because you made a wish this year, and I overheard it.”

“You were eavesdropping?” Laney’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Cliff’s chuckle filled the air. There was no need for eavesdropping when her eyes had been confessing to him every single day.

Something tugged at Cliff’s conscience—the moment felt right to speak certain truths. But her happiness in this moment was pure, untainted. He couldn’t bring himself to shatter it.

“What’s wrong, Cliff?” Laney asked, catching the shadow that passed across his features.

but the words remained trapped inside. Which cut deeper—never having tasted happiness, or having it slip through your fingers

he chose to fulfill Laney’s wish without conditions, even though his impending marriage to Juliet loomed at year’s end. At least Laney had these memories of happiness. But when news of his marriage eventually surfaced, Laney’s heart would break.

a battlefield of conflicting thoughts. He’d always detested making choices, yet this year had become a labyrinth of decisions and compromises,

its relentless pace. Laney returned to the theater while Cliff immersed himself in

distance from his professional world, waiting for his invitations rather than appearing uninvited

the ache of missing him became unbearable would she send a message, though his responses were as rare as stars in the city sky, arriving only

the darkness inside the Hopkins

newfound restraint—his touches light, almost hesitant, never delving too deep. The exhaustion etched in his features stirred guilt in Laney’s heart. “Cliff, maybe I should just stay in the apartment from now on.” She knew the truth—he needn’t rush home. Staying at the company or his private residence

voice barely above a whisper. “Take care of yourself,

reluctance as she gently pushed him away. “Go get some