FreeGoodNovelChapter 1233: As Cliff stepped inside, Gerry greeted him with his usual playful tone.
"Congrats on the engagement!" Gerry said, grinning.
"But seriously, who edited your engagement photo? They did you dirty-you look awful!" Cliff sat down on the couch without responding, his face an unreadable mask. He reached for a cigarette and handed one to Gerry. Gerry hesitated for a moment. He wasn't much of a smoker, but he lit the cigarette anyway, sensing that something was off. They sat in silence, the thin trails of smoke curling between them. "You don't seem happy," Gerry said eventually, breaking the silence.
"I'm happy," Cliff replied flatly, his tone devoid of emotion. He should be happy. After all, his naive cousin had finally moved on from him.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtGerry, ever oblivious, continued, "You know, Laney toldonce that you liked confident, mature women. I didn't believe her, but I guess she was right. Your fiancée must be amazing to win you over so quickly." Cliff stared at the glowing tip of his cigarette. He didn't bring it to his lips again. It dangled loosely between his fingers. A dull, aching emptiness filled him, one he couldn't quite put into words.
"I don't like anything," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Laney's performance was scheduled at the City Center Theater in Warrington. The night before, the performers were to gather at a nearby hotel. Before leaving, Laney stopped at hfor a family dinner.
As Laney stepped out the door, Philip and Madison accompanied her to see her off.
"Don't hesitate to call if you need anything," Madison said warmly.
"We'll be there tomorrow to cheer you on." Updates loaded at galLaney smiled.
"Thanks, Madison. You two should go back inside. It's freezing out here." Meanwhile, Cliff was loading Laney's luggage into the car. He shut the trunk with a decisive thud and walked over to her.
"Everything's ready," he said, grabbing her bag.
"Get in. Let's go." "Leaving already? Isn't it a bit early?" Madison asked, her concern evident.
Cliff answered with his usual calm tone, “There's a lot to prepare. Better to get there early so she can settle in and rest." "Alright then, drive safe," Madison said, giving Laney a quick hug. As Laney got into the car, she realized it had been a long tsince she and Cliff were alone together.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe silence in the spacious vehicle was suffocating. Each of them seemed lost in their own thoughts, unwilling or unable to speak. Finally, Cliff broke the silence.
"It's about an hour's drive. You should get srest if you want." Laney shook her head, staring out the window.
"There's food in the glove compartment,” he added, his voide steady and neutral. "Okay," she replied quietly.
To distract herself from the awkwardness, Laney opened then compartment, Itwas filled with her favorite snacks-clearly prepared ahead of time.
Though Laney wasn't hungry, she absentmindedly unwrapped a pack of white chocolate sticks. Without thinking, she offered the first piece to Cliff. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
