No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 425

Eleanor had long grown used to Ian’s ways—his arrogance, his pride, and the way he always assumed he was right. Six years of marriage had made all of that clear as day.

That evening, Eleanor took Evelyn out to watch the fireflies.

Her little girl was so excited she couldn’t settle down, wriggling and giggling until finally, exhaustion won out. She fell asleep in Eleanor’s arms, still clutching a jar filled with glowing fireflies.

Eleanor pressed a gentle kiss to her daughter’s hair, carefully took the jar from her grasp, and soon drifted off herself.

Morning came quietly.

After releasing the fireflies back into the fields with Evelyn, Eleanor led her daughter to the dining hall. Mansfield Ellington joined them not long after, sharing breakfast, then walking them both to the lab. Only after giving a few parting instructions did he finally take his leave.

Eleanor couldn’t help but notice the subtle smiles that followed her as she walked through the corridors. Mansfield Ellington’s warmth and attention were enough to stir up all kinds of speculation.

She threw herself into her work.

It was afternoon before she emerged, grateful that Evelyn had behaved so well. The kind research assistant had kept her company, and there hadn’t been a single fuss.

At three, with Garrison heading off to a meeting, Eleanor finally had a free moment. Mansfield Ellington invited her and Evelyn to tour some of the base’s open facilities.

Evelyn’s eyes shone wide with excitement. She’d always had to settle for toy models before, but now she could finally touch the real thing. Mansfield Ellington even took her inside one of the shuttles, letting her sit in the cockpit, which left her grinning from ear to ear.

Evelyn’s happiness was infectious, and Eleanor found herself smiling as well.

As the sun set, golden light washed over the base’s airstrip. Mansfield Ellington led them up a small hill, where the whole base stretched out below them.

“It’s beautiful,” Eleanor breathed.

“It is,” Mansfield Ellington agreed, his gaze far away. “I love it here. This place is my calling, my responsibility.”

Behind them, Evelyn chased a butterfly across the grass, her laughter ringing out.

Eleanor looked at the young major general beside her, admiration in her eyes. His strong, handsome features spoke of discipline and quiet strength, a soldier through and through.

Sensing her gaze, Mansfield Ellington turned to look at her. Eleanor glanced away, letting the wind toss her hair as the last rays of sunlight bathed her in gold. In that moment, Mansfield Ellington thought she looked almost ethereal, untouchable.

That evening.

Mansfield Ellington invited Eleanor to dinner at the officers’ club—a cozy place where many service families lived, and where children like Evelyn played together.

“This is Mr. Galloway, my former commanding officer. He’s the one who invited us tonight,” Mansfield Ellington introduced.

Eleanor greeted him politely. “Good evening, Mr. Galloway.”

“I’ve heard about your work in medicine, Dr. Turner. We’re honored to have you consulting here—it’s a privilege. Please, make yourself at home. We’re all family here,” Mr. Galloway said warmly, glancing at Mansfield Ellington with a knowing grin, as if to say, “You’ve got good taste, son.”

“You’re too kind,” Eleanor replied modestly. “I’m just doing my part.”

While they talked, Evelyn and Mr. Galloway’s granddaughter played out in the garden, quickly becoming fast friends.

After dinner, on the walk back, Evelyn—worn out from the day—fell asleep against Eleanor’s shoulder.

Ian.

True to form, he wore a perfectly tailored dark suit, crouched beside their daughter as she played. When he saw Eleanor, his expression was calm, almost indifferent.

He looked up at her. She wore a simple white blouse and jeans, her hair carelessly pinned up. Her gaze was cool, distant.

“I’m here for work,” Ian said, arching an eyebrow.

“Mom, Dad says he’s here to work too, just like you,” Evelyn chimed in, clearly delighted to see her father.

Eleanor was skeptical.

Just then, Byron walked in, phone in hand. Eleanor blinked in surprise. “VP Chase? You’re here too?”

Byron grinned. “I’m here with Mr. Goodwin for a meeting.”

She eyed him, unconvinced. Byron explained, “Meridian Dynamics is working with the base on a few nonprofit tech projects, not just the AI medical research.”

She nodded, only half believing it. Why had Ian chosen this exact moment to show up? His motives were all too obvious.

Ian stood, his voice even. “If you think I’m here because of you, you can put that idea out of your mind.”

Eleanor had never thought that.

A chill flickered in her eyes as she turned to Byron. “How long are you staying?”