Chapter 10
Clifford got into the car that was waiting for him. The screen of his phone lit up before fading. to black, but still, there was no reply from Lilibeth.
The last message on the screen was his. It read, “I just landed. Got you a little something.”
But Lilibeth hadn’t responded. It was unlike her.
In the past, even a single period from him would have sparked a flurry of replies within seconds. She would even end them with a cute emoji. Now, she couldn’t even be bothered to send a perfunctory response.
In the rearview mirror, Joel glanced at Clifford. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Mr. Sinclair, do you want to see Ms. Sinclair first or Ms. Quimby?”
Clifford’s brow furrowed slightly. He was about to answer, but Joel beat him to it, suggesting, “Why don’t you go home first? Check in on Ms. Quimby.” He paused, then cautiously added, ” I’m sure she’s missed you. You’ve been abroad for a few days, after all.”
Clifford looked up, his cold gaze flicking toward Joel. “When did you start overstepping?” he asked, his voice edged with displeasure.
But Joel didn’t back down. “I know you have feelings for Ms. Sinclair, but Ms. Quimby is your wife. She’s been trying to win you over for six years. Don’t you see how good she’s been to you all this time?”
Clifford’s fingers stilled upon hearing that.
Joel, more determined than before, pressed on, Do you remember what she used to be like? She was wild and carefree. She loved going to clubs, having drinks, and dancing with friends.
“But ever since she married you, she hasn’t stepped foot in those places. She even became a vegetarian, started reading scriptures, and began living simply. Do you know how bold she used to be? Now, she only wears muted colors because she’s afraid you’ll think she’s improper.
“And every time you went into your meditation room, she’d sit outside for hours. Once, you were in seclusion for three days straight, and she waited by the door the entire time.
“In the end, she fainted. The maids were the ones who found her. When she woke up, the first thing she asked was whether you were out yet. She also said she missed you.”
Joel continued, “Whenever you went on a business trip, she packed your bags herself. Even your socks were folded neatly. And when you returned, she was always the first to greet you at the door, asking if you were tired or hungry. But you? You always hummed in response and didn’t even look her way.
“She threw out every bottle of perfume because you once said you didn’t like the scent. One time, you had a fever, and she drove through the night to pick herbs from the mountains. She
Chapnet 10
nearly fell off a cliff.
“Mr. Sinclair, do you really not see how much she’s changed for you? She’s barely herself
anymore.
“I still remember the first time I saw her. She was in a red dress, laughing over drinks with friends at the club. When she lost a game, she grinned. When she won, she raised her brows in triumph.
“She was bright and full of life, like a flame. But now, that spark is almost gone.”
Clifford’s hands paused mid–motion. Suddenly, the image of Lilibeth from their first meeting flashed through his mind.
Lilibeth had been 20 years old then. She had been wearing a red dress as she stood under the club’s lights, laughing freely. Then, she had turned to him, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
“You’re Clifford Sinclair? I heard you grew up in a clergy house. Do you really have no desires? “she had asked.”
At that time, Lilibeth had been so radiant and full of life that no one could look away from her.
However, after marrying Clifford, she had softened, embracing the role of a quiet wife. She had stopped wearing bright colors, avoided loud places, and even her laughter became gentler.
Now, she would wear simple loungewear and read on the couch in silence. Occasionally, she, would cast him a tentative glance, her eyes filled with hope.
At that moment, Joel’s voice broke through Clifford’s thoughts.
“Ms. Quimby loves you, Mr. Sinclair. That’s why she’s changed so much. But what if one day she realizes she’s lost herself loving you? What if by then, she’s exhausted and decides to leave? Would you be able to accept that?”
Clifford’s breath hitched.
He had never thought about that. To him, Lilibeth had always been someone he could live.
without
He had married her only to suppress his desires for Tiffany, to appear normal. He had never once considered her feelings or that she might actually leave.
But now, Joel’s words cut deep, forcing Clifford to confront the one thing he had been avoiding-
Could he really accept it if Lilibeth did leave?
What if the woman who had once come up with so many tricks to seduce him simply
disappeared from his life? What if the voice that always filled the silence went quiet? What if the person who always smiled at him, even when he ignored her, vanished?
Chap 10
Suddenly, a hint of unease crept over Clifford.
After a long pause, he asked with a frown, “Has she been discharged?”
“Yes, I believe so. The doctor said she’s recovering well,” Joel replied quickly, a flicker of delight in his tone.
Clifford hummed softly and said lightly, “Then let’s go home.”
With a sigh of relief, Joel turned the steering wheel, driving toward the villa.
Throughout the ride, memories of Lilibeth played on a loop in Clifford’s mind. He
remembered the time she had fallen into his arms on purpose, wearing nothing but a sheer nightgown. When he had pushed her away, she had glared at him.
Another time, she had snuck into the bathroom while he was showering. He then wrapped her in a towel and shoved her out, only for her to grin and say, “I’ll do it again next time.”
Once, while he had been reading the scripture, she had climbed into his lap. He had picked her
and set her aside. Even so, that hadn’t stopped her from leaning in to kiss him.
up
Those moments used to irritate him. But now, the thought of never experiencing them again made his chest tighten inexplicably.
In no time, the car slowly made its way into the residential area. As soon as it came to a stop, Clifford opened the door and stepped out, striding straight into the villa.
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