Her little face had grown even prettier lately, her pigtails swaying as she walked, revealing a smooth, pale forehead and big, sparkling eyes that shone like black gemstones.
Eleanor bent down and kissed her daughter gently on the head before taking her hand and heading out the door.
At the school gate, Eleanor happened to run into Xavier. Vivian had already gone inside, but he hadn’t left yet.
“Mr. Vaughn,” Evelyn greeted him politely.
Xavier smiled warmly at her. “Hello, Evelyn.”
After dropping her daughter off at school, Eleanor returned to the parking lot to find Xavier waiting beside her car.
“Did you go to the lab this morning?” Xavier asked.
“I did,” Eleanor replied with a small smile.
“Are you free Saturday evening?”
She blinked, curious. “Why do you ask?”
“It’s Vivian’s birthday. I’d love for you and Evelyn to come join us,” Xavier said.
Eleanor paused for a moment. The last time it was Evelyn’s birthday, Xavier had brought Vivian to the party and even brought a gift. Of course, Eleanor intended to return the gesture.
She smiled, lips pressed together. “We’d be happy to come.”
Xavier let out a barely visible sigh of relief. “Great. I’ll see you Saturday, then.” As he spoke, he opened the car door for her. Eleanor hesitated a second, then smiled. “Thank you.”
“Drive safe,” Xavier reminded her gently.
She gave a grateful nod and pulled into the morning traffic. Just as she merged, a reckless car nearly rear-ended her, making Xavier’s heart leap into his throat.
To her relief, Serena opened it, though her hair was a mess and she looked completely drained. She glanced at the soup and shook her head. “I don’t want any.”
Gina stepped quietly into the room, her voice soft. “That’s all right, you don’t have to. But can we talk for a bit?”
Serena curled up on the sofa, arms wrapped around her knees, chin resting on top. She didn’t say a word.
Gina’s heart ached as she watched her daughter. “Serena, what’s going on? Does this have something to do with Xavier?”
Serena’s eyes filled with tears instantly. She bit her lip, refusing to answer, but the tears spilled over, rolling down her cheeks one after another.
Seeing her daughter cry, Gina understood at once. She sat beside Serena, gently rubbing her back. “Did Xavier call off the engagement?”
“He said… he said he didn’t want to use marriage as a bargaining chip—” Serena choked out between sobs, “because there’s someone else he cares about.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor)