No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 63

Evening settled over the city.

Eleanor was curled up on the couch with her daughter, watching television, when the front door swung open around seven. Ian strode in, the weight of the day still clinging to his shoulders.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, racing across the living room and nearly tackling his leg in a tight embrace.

"Hey, sweetheart." Ian crouched down, pulling his daughter into his arms as if he hadn't seen her in ages. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, lingering for a moment.

"Daddy, why were you gone so long? I missed you so much," Evelyn pouted, her little lips pushed out in mock complaint.

"I had some important things to take care of," Ian replied, ruffling her hair and stealing another kiss.

"Daddy, you've been away forever. You should hug Mommy too!" Evelyn announced, eyes bright with the certainty of her idea.

She was sure her mother missed her father just as much as she did. If Daddy hugged Mommy, she thought, Mommy would definitely be happy.

Eleanor, catching her daughter's suggestion, sprang up from the sofa. "Evelyn, let me get you some fruit," she offered, her voice just a touch too brisk.

Ian's gaze cooled at Eleanor's quick retreat, a shadow flickering across his face.

Eleanor busied herself in the kitchen, slicing fruit and listening as Evelyn peppered Ian with questions about gifts and souvenirs. When she brought the fruit out, Evelyn was still clinging to her father, insisting he must have brought her something from his trip. Eleanor slipped quietly upstairs, unnoticed.

Lately, her attention had been consumed by news from around the world about the RT303 virus. The research from her lab had just been published in a leading international journal—a small victory, but she felt little satisfaction.

At ten, Eleanor knocked gently on Ian's door. Evelyn was still wide awake, playing with her father. "Evelyn, time for bed," Eleanor called softly.

"Mommy, can't we sleep with Daddy tonight?" Evelyn pleaded.

"Daddy just got home from his trip, honey. He's probably exhausted. Let's let him rest, okay?" Eleanor reasoned.

Evelyn was more understanding these days. After a moment's pause, she nodded. "Okay, Mommy."

At five-thirty, she slid into Jude's car. "Ellie, let's grab dinner first," he suggested. "We'll head over around seven-thirty."

They ate at a chic bistro in a bustling shopping center, talking shop as laughter and lively conversation filled the air around them. Time slipped away, and before Eleanor realized it, they were pulling into the parking lot of a hotel just as the sky deepened into dusk.

Jude stepped out and gave her a once-over, a mischievous glint in his eye. Eleanor grinned. "Come on, Jude, just tell me—who am I about to meet?"

"You'll see soon enough," he teased, refusing to drop the act.

She shook her head, amused but trusting him. Jude wouldn't lead her astray, so she followed him through the hotel's grand lobby.

They rode the elevator to the sixth floor, stopping in front of the doors to a grand ballroom. Jude handed over an invitation at the entrance.

Eleanor's jaw dropped in surprise—he'd brought her to a formal event?