?<strong>Chapter 1233:</strong>


    As Cliff stepped inside, Gerry greeted him with his usual yful 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 tly, his tone devoid of emotion. He should be happy. After all, his naive cousin had finally moved on from him.


    Gerry, ever oblivious, continued, “You know, Laney told me once 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 home for a family dinner.


    As Laney stepped out the door, Philip and Madison apanied 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.”


    Laney 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 time since she and Cliff were alone together.


    The 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 some rest if you want.”


    Laney shook her head, staring out the window.


    “There’s food in the glovepartment,” he added, his voice steady and neutral.


    “Okay,” she replied quietly.


    To distract herself from the awkwardness, Laney opened thepartment. It was filled with her favorite snacks—clearly prepared ahead of time.


    Though Laney wasn’t hungry, she absentmindedly unwrapped a pack of white chocte sticks. Without thinking, she offered the first piece to Cliff.


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