No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 783

Evelyn skipped along the sidewalk, her steps light and carefree. As they neared the entrance of Eleanor’s apartment building, she suddenly stopped, her small hands twisting together in a nervous knot.

She stared at the figure standing beneath the streetlamp by the doorway. The man’s back was to them, his tall frame outlined by the dim, yellow glow. He was smoking, the ember at the end of his cigarette flaring and fading in the darkness, casting a long, solitary shadow. There was something unmistakably somber about him, a heaviness that lingered in the air.

Evelyn squinted, studying the broad shoulders and familiar stance. Where had she seen that silhouette before?

Then it clicked—

“Daddy!” she squealed, letting go of Eleanor’s coat and dashing forward with glee.

Eleanor, who’d been watching her step, looked up just in time to see her daughter racing toward the man. She recognized him instantly—it was Ian.

Ian turned at the sound of Evelyn’s voice. He quickly dropped his cigarette, crushing it underfoot, and crouched down to catch her as she flung herself into his arms. “Back so late?” he asked, his tone gentle.

“We were at Mr. Vaughn’s house playing with the kittens!” Evelyn beamed. “Daddy, Vivian’s kitten is just the cutest!”

A faint smile played at Ian’s lips. “Is that so? Would you like to have one at home?”

Evelyn’s face scrunched up in a tiny pout. “But mommy says we already have Princess, so we can’t have a kitten. Next time, I’ll just have to visit Mr. Vaughn to see them.”

Ian’s smile stiffened for a moment. He looked up as Eleanor approached, his gaze dark and thoughtful, as if weighing something unspoken.

Eleanor stopped a few steps away, her expression cool. “It’s late. Was there something you needed?”

Ian’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. His voice was low, a little rough. “I… just wanted to see Evelyn.”

Only then did Eleanor remember that he owned an apartment in this building too. So, he had probably come home as well.

“Daddy, can you come upstairs with us?” Evelyn asked, looking up at him hopefully.

“Of course,” Ian replied, scooping her up and striding toward the lobby.

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