The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 1265:

Cliff finally released a sigh of relief. Laney’s awkward fumbling with the new lock earlier betrayed that this was a recently acquired residence. The fact that she hadn’t invited Merrick inside at this hour suggested she lived alone. They weren’t living together after all—her previous words had been nothing more than bait to provoke him.

Relief washed over Cliff, followed immediately by self-derision. Here he was, approaching thirty, skulking in darkened hallways like a lovesick teenager, tracking Laney’s every movement. He couldn’t even rationalize his own behavior. The irony wasn’t lost on him—when she had harbored feelings for him, he’d pushed her away. Now that he’d wounded her deeply and she’d turned to another, jealousy gnawed at his heart.

After lingering in the shadows a moment longer, Cliff descended silently to his car. Recalling her pallid complexion from earlier, he suspected she hadn’t eaten. He placed an order at her favorite restaurant and contacted Gerry for the delivery.

Gerry complained over the phone, “I asked for the address, but Laney won’t share it.”

Cliff responded by sending a money transfer.

“Find a way.”

Gerry replied resolutely, “Food will be at her doorstep within thirty minutes.”

was Gerry’s forte, and it served him

the meal she hadn’t asked for. The moment Laney opened the door, familiar aromas wafted through the air, stirring memories of her time

like to come in for a moment?” she

to report back to Cliff promptly. As Cliff’s brother,

your destination

Cliff apart to see

her off guard, but she managed a slight nod. Something in her

I’ll stay until you’ve eaten

as delicate as morning frost, and he doubted she’d touch the food once he left. Perhaps his presence would encourage her to

to fuel anyone’s concerns, Laney forced herself

He then revealed, “Actually, Cliff bought this meal. He asked me

Cliff—never letting their disputes

my thanks,” she murmured, her

settled in Gerry’s