?<strong>Chapter 1223:</strong>


    She tried to pull back, but his presence left no room to retreat.


    “I’ve been busy with rehearsals for a performance,” she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. She refused to cower this time. “Shouldn’t you be focusing on your engagement? Someone as insignificant as me shouldn’t bother you.”


    Cliff smiled coldly. “Is getting married such a crime that you n to disown me as your cousin for life?”


    Laney’s heart clenched painfully. “We’re not even rted by blood. What does it matter if I acknowledge you or not? Besides, after you’re married, I should stay even further away.”


    Cliff’s expression darkened. “Laney, don’t ever say that again.”


    “But it’s the truth!” she shot back.


    “The truth is, families shouldn’t let trivial matters cause such a dramatic fallout. Understand?”


    Laney bit her lip, anger and hurt warring inside her. What did he just say? How could he call this trivial? He didn’t like her, yet he wouldn’t let her go.


    Cliff’s voice softened, though it carried an unyielding weight. “Before your mother passed away, she entrusted you to the Hopkins family. As the eldest son, it’s my responsibility to take care of you.”


    Laney’s breathing quickened, her resistance ring. “I don’t want that! I don’t want you to look after me!”


    “You don’t have a choice,” Cliff said bluntly.


    Cliff released her hand, his gaze drifting downward. Gerry had mentioned her running out barefoot thest time they argued, injuring her feet.


    Cliff knelt and carefully pulled off her socks.


    Laney tried to retract her legs, but Cliff anticipated her move and held her ankles firmly. Her feet were indeed injured, but they had mostly healed.


    Noticing the medicine on the table, Cliff began applying it with meticulous care. “With your injury, don’t push yourself too hard at rehearsals. I’ve already spoken to the organizers. No matter what, you’ll secure first ce.”


    Laney’s heart sank further at her center spot being reced by Kira, his future sister-inw. Kira would undoubtedly outrank her in importance once Cliff married her.


    As Cliff tended to Laney’s feet, his attention shifted to the medical kit nearby. Among the items, he found various treatments for bruises and swelling. His brows furrowed. “Do you have other injuries?” he asked sharply, his eyes scanning her. “Where else are you hurt? Let me see.”


    Laney instinctively shrank her neck at his words.


    Cliff’s sharp gaze caught it immediately. He grabbed her shoulders, pulling her closer. Ignoring her struggles, he tilted her chin and brushed her hair aside. Beneath the concealer on her neck, faint bruises were still visible.


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