True to his word, Clifford stayed by Lilibeth’s side at the hospital for the next few days.
He showed up on time every day, bringing her oatmeal and changing her bandages. He even held her hand in silence when she woke in the middle of the night from the pain.
If this had been the old Lilibeth, she would have been giddy with joy. But now, all she felt was emptiness.
It turned out that six years of loving someone could unravel in a single moment.
On the day she was discharged, Lilibeth had barely stepped into the parking lot when she spotted Tiffany sitting in the passenger seat of Clifford’s car.
The moment Tiffany saw her, she glared at Lilibeth, her expression tight with irritation.
“Tiff, did you already forget everything I told you?” Clifford asked with a frown.
Only then did Tiffany bite her lip. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she reluctantly muttered, I’m sorry, Lilibeth. I lost my temper the other day.
“Ever since you and Cliff got married, he hasn’t wanted anything to do with me. All his attention’s been on you, and I let that get to me. But it won’t happen again.”
Clifford then turned to Lilibeth and calmly said, “Tiff wants to stay with us for a few days. I hope the two of you can get along
On the way home, Clifford and Tiffany sat up front.
Lilibeth, on the other hand, leaned against the window as she watched the scenery blur past in silence. Still, she could make out Clifford’s profile from the corner of her eye.
He had always been reserved and composed. But now, his gaze kept drifting toward Tiffany.
Tiffany’s head hung low, eyes glued to her phone. Suddenly, she let out a soft chuckle. “Cliff,
do
you think this guy’s cute? He just sent me a friend request on Facebook.”
Clifford’s grip on the steering wheel tightened at those words.
“Delete it,” he coldly ordered.
“Why?” Tiffany pouted. “I’m in my 20s. Can’t I date whoever I want?”
“I said delete it.” There was no room for argument in Clifford’s tone.
Tiffany pursed her lips but did as he said. A second later, she mumbled, “You’re worse than a
boyfriend.”
Clifford said nothing. However, Lilibeth saw his jaw clench.
He was jealous.
आहे
Back at the villa, Lilibeth skipped dinner and went straight to her room.
From behind the closed door, she could hear the linking of silverware, Tiffany’s giggles, and the soft background music from the movie. It was the kind of warmth she and Clifford had never shared in their two years of marriage.
She buried herself under the blanket, a wave of pain spreading through her chest.
Lilibeth
After what felt like an eternity, the sounds from outside faded into silence. Thirsty, got up to fetch a glass of water. But the moment she opened the door, she froze. Moonlight poured in through the floor–to–ceiling window. Clifford was crouched beside the couch, quietly watching Tiffany as she slept.
He had always been untouchable, like something sacred. Yet, at that moment, he was gazing at the one thing he worshipped.
Right then, Tiffany stirred. Still half–asleep, she wrapped her arms around Clifford’s neck and murmured, “Don’t leave me, Cliff. You’re the only one who still cares about me…
Then, without meaning to, she pulled him down toward her.
Their lips brushed. In an instant, Clifford’s pupils contracted, and his breath hitched.
In the next heartbeat, as if the last thread of his restraint had finally snapped, he leaned in and kissed her hard.
Act Fast Free Bonus Time is Running
