No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 698

“It’s been four years,” Xavier said, his tone unhurried. “I doubt I’ve forgotten how.”

“I want to see Dad ski!” Evelyn chimed in, her eyes shining.

“I want to see Uncle Xavier ski, too.” Vivian echoed, grinning at her cousin.

With a gentle smile, Xavier replied, “Tomorrow we’ll spend the whole day with you girls. We’ll stick to the beginner slopes.”

He glanced at Vivian. “Vivian, have you ever skied before?”

Vivian shook her head. “Not yet.”

“I have!” Evelyn piped up proudly.

Ian, in the midst of sipping his wine, suddenly started coughing, nearly choking. He covered his mouth, trying to compose himself.

Evelyn’s attention darted instantly. “Dad, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Ian managed a reassuring smile. “Tomorrow, I’ll teach you everything I know.”

Just then, the server arrived with piping hot cheesy baked potatoes. Evelyn eyed the dish eagerly, but Ian gave her a gentle warning. “Take it slow, sweetheart. It’s hot.”

Eleanor’s expression was unreadable, but she carefully split the potatoes onto two plates for the girls.

Across the table, Xavier watched the scene with soft eyes. He said to Eleanor, “I think today is the happiest Vivian’s been since we arrived.”

Eleanor understood. The last time Vivian had called her, the girl had burst into tears mid-conversation. There were dark circles under her eyes, clear signs she hadn’t been sleeping well.

As a mother, Eleanor did her best to look after Vivian’s feelings, just as she did her own child’s.

After dinner, as they reached the restaurant’s entrance, Ian joined them on the shuttle bus, insisting on seeing Eleanor and Evelyn safely back to their villa.

“Shift your weight a little more forward,” the instructor encouraged, gently steadying Eleanor by the elbows.

Eleanor nodded, took a deep breath, and tried gliding forward. She’d barely made it a few meters before her skis tangled and she pitched headlong into a drift of soft snow.

“Ahh!”

She landed with a thump, a bright splash of red against the white.

Both men looked over from where they were helping the girls. Seeing Eleanor sit up, cheeks flushed with embarrassment but unharmed, they couldn’t help but smile.

Her fall had been almost endearing.

Too far away to notice anyone’s amusement, Eleanor simply dusted herself off and got right back to practicing, undeterred.