GoodNovelChapter 1140:
Laney bit her lip, stifling the bitterness welling up inside. “Alright.”
Cliff's face hardened. “Alright, alright. You said that last ttoo. You act so innocent, but you weren't as
obedient,” he muttered under his breath.
Cliff sighed heavily, his expression stern as he dismantled the cake she had made, lighting the candle. “After all,
this is still your sincere effort. Let's not waste it.”
Laney watched, sensing the uncharacteristic nature of his actions, yet found herself unable to leave.
As the candle flickered, casting long shadows, Laney quietly asked, “Do you want to make a wish?”
“Yes, | do.” Unlike others who might keep their wishes silent, Cliff stated plainly, “You need to stop having
feelings for me, Laney. Even though my aunt adopted you, everyone knows you're my cousin. | don’t want a
complicated relationship. Understand?”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIn his eyes, irritation and impatience flickered—it was humiliating. Her eyes teared up, her voice tight as she
said, “Then why are you so kind to me?”
Cliff hadn't expected her to continue challenging him after his blunt words. He scoffed. “You're my cousin. Why
shouldn't I be kind to you? Am | not kind to Gerry? Should he fall fortoo?”
Her lashes trembled under the weight of his harsh words, and she turned away, wiping her tears fiercely. She
didn’t want his pity or disdain. Her voice was firm. “I never asked you to like me.”
Cliff watched her trembling shoulders, his own agitation growing. Laney walked away without a backward glance.
After graduating, the Hopkins family enrolled Laney in a prestigious academy to train as a ballet dancer. She had
been staying in the dorms, preparing for an upcoming competition. Aware of this, Cliff had instructed the driver
to call only once Laney was safely dropped off.
Finally, the house was quiet. Cliff ascended the stairs to take a shower. It was his birthday, and he had spent it
indulging heavily with Caden and other friends.
As the hot water cascaded down, Cliff couldn't escape the memory of Laney’s tearful eyes. She was always so
emotional. When she had cinto his life three years ago, she had wept in his arms, and from that moment,
she had clung to him, affectionately calling him. Her small, endearing form had naturally drawn his protective
instincts. However, she had misinterpreted his familial affection for something more romantic.
When Laney first timidly confessed her feelings, Cliff dismissed it as youthful misunderstanding and tried to
gently correct her. But she escalated, sneaking into his bed at night and kissing him in his sleep.
The first time, Cliff had dismissed it, advising her to concentrate on her studies and avoid distractions. She had
agreed eagerly. Yet that snight, she returned—not merely pecking his lips but attempting a deeper kiss.
Cliff struggled to recall exactly how he had scolded her into tears, but he vividly remembered the sensation of
her soft tongue awkwardly touching his lips. He rubbed his throbbing forehead, realizing it was tto be more
assertive. Though not biologically related, Laney had been lovingly raised in the Hopkins family, where she was
doted upon. Her stubborn affection showed no signs of waning. It might be tto seriously consider his father’s
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmadvice to marry someone from a suitable family.
.
Message from Noah: Enjoy the
weekend dear eaters
op nycEul Ss you, and Noah
Shes you the best! (BRNO) The
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