No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 314

“Tomorrow, my grandmother would like to invite Miss Sutton to dinner. Would you happen to be free?” Mansfield Ellington’s voice was polite, but there was a note of hopefulness in his invitation.

Eleanor paused for a moment.

“She’s been wanting to thank you in person,” Mansfield went on, worried she might refuse. “But after that day, she had to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks and hasn’t fully recovered. When I spoke to her this morning, she mentioned it again.”

Since it was a personal invitation from Mansfield’s grandmother Mildred, Eleanor couldn’t very well turn her down—not that she wanted to. She also had a good relationship with the mayor’s wife, after all.

She smiled and nodded. “Of course. I’d be glad to.”

As soon as she agreed, Eleanor realized she needed to use the restroom. She handed her trophy to Mansfield. “Would you mind holding this for me? I need to step out for a moment.”

Mansfield accepted it, beaming. “Go ahead, I’ll wait for you.”

Eleanor stood and made her way toward the restroom. Just then, Ian rose from his seat, shaking hands with Principal Maxwell as they said their goodbyes.

Ian turned and was surprised to see Mansfield sitting a row behind, Eleanor’s trophy resting in his arms. He blinked in confusion for a couple of seconds. Maxwell, stretching his back, glanced behind him and spotted the young man.

“Well, if it isn’t young Ellington!” Maxwell exclaimed, surprised.

Mansfield, who had been watching Eleanor’s retreating figure, only then noticed the two men. He quickly stood and greeted them. “Mr. Maxwell.”

Ian nodded cordially. “Mr. Ellington, fancy seeing you again.”

“Mr. Goodwin,” Mansfield replied with equal politeness.

Maxwell grinned, “Back home for a few days, are you?”

“I managed to take all my vacation days at once. I’ll be here for two weeks,” Mansfield replied with a smile.

Maxwell chuckled. “Good. You ought to spend time with your family.”

Ian glanced around, then stepped aside, gesturing for Maxwell to go ahead of him. “After you, Principal Maxwell.”

Maxwell gave Mansfield a friendly wave. “We’ll be off, then.”

“Safe travels, Mr. Maxwell. You should visit us sometime,” Mansfield called after him.

Maxwell laughed, shaking his head with affection. “Such a polite young man—always has been, ever since he was a boy. And now he’s been promoted to brigadier general, the youngest one in their entire district.”

He shot Mansfield a look full of approval.

Ian turned, eyebrows raised in genuine surprise. He hadn’t realized Mansfield was already a general at such a young age. Now, Mansfield had stepped out from behind his seat, waiting patiently for someone.

Ian followed his gaze and saw Eleanor walking toward them, her silhouette caught in the interplay of shadows and light.

She let Mansfield keep hold of her trophy. “Did you fly in by helicopter?” she asked.

“I did,” he replied.

“I’ll give you a ride, then,” Eleanor offered. “It’s not easy to get a cab out here.”

Mansfield, misreading her expression, assumed she was heartbroken at the sight of her ex-husband leaving with another woman. He tried to offer solace. “Miss Sutton, sometimes the view ahead is far better than what’s behind.”

Eleanor blinked, startled, and looked at him. “Sorry?”

“Weren’t you feeling down because of your ex?” Mansfield asked quietly.

She laughed, running a hand through her hair. “No, nothing like that. I’m just not familiar with this area. I rushed over earlier and now I can’t remember where I parked.”

Mansfield stared at her, then burst out laughing. The sound was warm and bright in the cold night. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you find it.”

“Do you remember which direction you came from? Any landmarks?” he asked.

Eleanor thought for a moment, then pointed to a billboard. “I’m pretty sure I parked facing that sign!”

“Alright, let’s head over there.”

The night air was growing colder. Eleanor instinctively pulled her coat tighter around herself. Mansfield noticed and, without a word, shifted his position so his broad frame shielded her from the wind.

The parking lot was dimly lit. Squinting, Eleanor tried to make out her car. Suddenly, she caught her foot on something and nearly stumbled. Mansfield reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist to steady her. “Careful,” he murmured.

His hand was warm, his fingertips calloused but reassuring. Once she regained her balance, he released her immediately—though it was clear he wished he could hold on a bit longer.

“Thank you,” Eleanor said, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Mansfield gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Anytime.”