Chapter 166
Eleanor had already anticipated that lan wouldn’t agree to a divorce so easily, but she was prepared for it. She picked up her purse and said coolly, “Then I guess I’ll see you in court p>
With that, she turned to leave.
lan immediately stood up and caught up, grabbing her wrist with a desperate urgency in his voice. “As long as you don’t divorce me, I’ll give you anything you want, Eleanor p>
She pulled her hand free and stepped back, her tone icy. “No. I’m divorcing you, no matter what p>
lan took a deep breath, his gaze intense as he looked at her. “Just… give me a little more time p>
Without waiting for a response, he grabbed his car keys and strode out.
Eleanor frowned. What was he up to this time? Just trying to stall the divorce?
A little later, Eleanor left as well. She drove to a quiet, old neighborhood of townhouses—a property her parents had left her. The house’s exterior was weathered by time and rain, but she made sure to have a cleaning service come by regularly, so inside it was always tidy.
Pushing open the gate and switching on the living room light, Eleanor took a long breath. After the divorce, this would be the new home for her and her daughter.
She called Frazier, her attorney, who analyzed lan’s response and advised her to be patient and give him a little time. After all, Ian would need to get his finances in order before they could discuss the division of assets.
Thursday afternoon arrived, and Eleanor went to pick up her daughter right on time. When she stepped into the living room, she noticed three large suitcases neatly packed-Gina was getting ready to leave the country.
“Evelyn, let’s go home with Mom now. Grandma will come back soon to visit you,” Gina said, ruffling her granddaughter’s hair and hugging her tightly, her eyes glistening with tears.
Evelyn hugged her back, reluctant to let go. “Grandma, you have to come back and play with me soon, okay p>
“I promise, sweetie, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Gina wiped her eyes, then turned to Eleanor. “Ian’s traveling with me this time, so I’ll have to trouble you to look after Evelyn for a while p>
Eleanor blinked in surprise. Ian was going abroad too?
“Evelyn, go play in the yard for a bit. Mom needs to talk to Grandma,” Eleanor said gently.
Evelyn darted out, eager to explore the garden. Eleanor turned to Gina. “There’s something I need to tell you p>
Gina hesitated. It had been a long time since Eleanor had spoken to her so directly.
“Go ahead p>
“Ian and I are filing for divorce,” Eleanor said plainly. She could tell her mother-in- law had long wished for a different daughter-in-law; this news would likely come as a relief.
“What? You two are divorcing?” Gina stared at her in shock.
“Yes. My lawyer has already been in touch with him,” Eleanor replied.
Gina’s expression was complicated as she looked at her. “You really want this? But back then p>
Eleanor gave a small, calm smile. “I was too young back then. I didn’t really understand what I was doing. I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you p>
Gina studied Eleanor’s serene expression, even more surprised. She never expected Eleanor to be the one to initiate the divorce.
“Well, your marriage is between you and lan. I can’t really interfere. You’re both still young. If you’re not right for each other, maybe divorce is for the best,” Gina said quietly. She didn’t try to stop her, nor did she encourage them to stay together.
Eleanor nodded, then went outside to find her daughter.
She took Evelyn to the townhouse her parents had left her. To Evelyn, everything was new and exciting; she loved it at first sight. Over the next few days, Eleanor made the house cozy and welcoming, filling it with toys for her daughter, who quickly fell in love with their new home.
At nine-thirty that evening, Eleanor received a series of photos on her phone.
She opened them-it was Trent who’d sent them. More airport snapshots. In the background behind lan, Gina was linking arms with Vanessa. The two women were chatting and laughing together, looking more like mother and daughter-or perhaps the picture-perfect in-laws.