No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 43

Just then, the door creaked open. Ian stepped into the room and walked over to the bed. He reached out and gently touched Evelyn's forehead, then placed his large hand on Eleanor's brow as well. He was checking their temperatures.

Eleanor simply pretended to be asleep, curled up with her daughter. Ian quickly pulled his hand away and left.

Eleanor knew better than to see this as some sign of concern for her. He wasn't worried about her health—he just wanted to make sure she wasn't still sick, probably afraid she'd pass it on to their daughter.

—

Days at home with Evelyn passed quickly. Before she knew it, it was time for the Lantern Festival. Ian had decided to take their daughter to Goodwin Manor for dinner. Ever since that unpleasant argument with Serena, Eleanor had dreaded going there, but tonight, tradition left her no choice.

In the manor's living room, Eleanor scrolled through her phone while Serena unleashed her temper on one of the maids. Apparently, the coffee Serena wanted was too weak. To Eleanor, it was obvious Serena's real frustration wasn't with the maid—it was aimed at her.

She shot a sympathetic glance at the maid, a woman in her forties who endured the scolding with an apologetic smile. Not wanting to be part of the scene, Eleanor excused herself and slipped into the conservatory, hoping dinner would be over soon so she could go home.

At the dinner table, Magdalen kept the atmosphere warm and peaceful, as if nothing could disturb the family harmony.

"Evelyn's in kindergarten this year, isn't she?" Magdalen asked.

"Yes, she's in the second term," Eleanor replied.

Gina chimed in suddenly, "I've heard there's a great school nearby—excellent teachers and a wonderful program. Have you thought about transferring Evelyn there?"

Eleanor tensed. Was her mother-in-law trying to keep Evelyn close by? She glanced at Ian, waiting for his reaction.

"Yes, that would be wonderful! I'd love for Evelyn to go to school here," Serena added enthusiastically. "Ian, you should start the transfer process. Let Mom look after her."

"Mommy can come visit you anytime she wants," Gina replied with a smile.

Eleanor's nerves tightened. If her daughter spent too much time with the Goodwin family, forging deeper bonds, it would make fighting for custody that much harder.

"No, I want Mommy to take me to school and pick me up. I don't want to change schools," Evelyn declared firmly.

Gina's smile faded as she glanced fleetingly at Eleanor. For a moment, disappointment flickered across her face.

Eleanor felt a wave of relief. Her daughter's clear answer was the best gift she could have asked for.

From now on, she was determined that, in Evelyn's heart, no one would ever be able to take her place as Mom.