No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 430

A flicker of hurt passed through Mansfield Ellington’s eyes, but it quickly gave way to understanding. He knew exactly where Eleanor’s heart stood. A woman who’d endured the pain of a broken marriage wasn’t about to open herself up to someone new so easily.

Let alone the fact that Eleanor was raising a child on her own—she had so much more to consider than just herself.

Mansfield looked up at her, his expression earnest. “Really, there’s no pressure. We can just be friends. Even if we only ever stay friends, I’d still count myself lucky—I mean, having you as a friend is a blessing all on its own.”

Eleanor’s breath caught at his words.

He smiled again, warm and unbothered. “If I meet someone great in the future, sure, I’ll try dating. And I’ll go to those blind dates my parents arrange, too. But you? I’m not letting go of you as a friend.”

He continued, “And you don’t owe me anything. All this time we’ve spent together? It’s just work. You’re going to the research center, and as a Major General, it’s my job to take care of you. That’s professional duty, not a personal favor. Please, don’t feel like you have to repay me. The only thing that matters is that you and Evelyn are happy.”

Faced with Mansfield’s openness and sincerity, Eleanor felt her eyes sting. He was the kind of friend worth having.

But—

“Thank you for understanding,” Eleanor said, her voice a little hoarse. It was all she could say.

Mansfield’s lips quirked upward. “Hey, having a scientist from the medical field as a friend—if I ever run into trouble—”

Eleanor cut him off, her tone deadpan. “If you keep talking like that, we might have to stop being friends.”

He burst out laughing. “All right, all right, I’ll stop.”

The tension melted away, and they turned their attention to ordering lunch. Evelyn’s little classmate had to leave, so she returned to her seat and began eating quietly.

Anyone watching Eleanor look at her daughter could see it plainly: Evelyn was the center of her world.

That was the greatness of a mother.

She had money, looks, and talent, but she wasn’t out chasing after excitement or the next new thing. She was committed—steadfastly so—to being the best mother she could be.

Even when someone as remarkable as Mansfield Ellington was interested in her.

After lunch, Mansfield drove them home. Eventually, it was time to say goodbye.

“I’m heading back to the base,” he said with a smile. “Next time I’m in town, it’ll probably be for the holidays.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!” Evelyn waved her tiny hand.

He knelt down and ruffled her hair. “Remember to eat well and listen to your mom.”

“I will!” Evelyn replied, her voice bright.

Eleanor gave him a gentle nod. “Take care on your way back.”

“See you,” Mansfield said, waving as he got into his car and drove off.

Watching him leave, Eleanor was filled with a pang of guilt. Even though he’d insisted all he’d done this week was work-related, she couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful.

Just then, Joslyn heard Princess whining and opened the door to check. She saw only Eleanor and her daughter and couldn’t hide her surprise. “You’re back, ma’am!”

Then Joslyn hesitated, glancing behind her. “Isn’t Mr. Ellington coming in for a bit?”

“He’s gone,” Eleanor said, stepping into the yard.

Eleanor almost laughed. Regret? Ian, with all his pride, would regret?

“Eleanor, marriage is all about compromise—”

Eleanor cut her off sharply. “I spent six years sacrificing everything, Gina. What else do you think I have left to compromise?”

Gina was left speechless.

Just then, a gentle male voice called out, “Eleanor.”

She turned to see Xavier standing behind her, relaxed in a crisp shirt, smiling warmly. He nodded politely to Gina. “Good morning, ma’am.”

He turned to Eleanor. “My car’s in the shop. Would you mind giving me a ride?”

“Of course, no problem,” Eleanor replied.

She headed for her car, Xavier following. She slid into the driver’s seat while he took the passenger side, and together they drove off.

Gina stood there in stunned silence, covering her mouth with her hand as realization dawned.

Could Xavier be interested in Eleanor?

How could that be?

Just yesterday, Mrs. Vaughn had invited her for afternoon tea to talk about arranging a marriage between Xavier and her own daughter, Serena!