Chapter 1086
Around seven, Eleanor returned home to find a full dinner prepared by Joslyn. She had originally planned to eat with Mansfield at the hospital, but he insisted she go home to be with her daughter, a gesture for which Eleanor was very grateful.
“Mommy!” Evelyn rushed over to hug her. Eleanor’s gaze fell on lan, who was on the sofa with their daughter, and she offered him a thankful glance. Just then, Princess bounded over excitedly, and Eleanor knelt to pet her.
lan’s eyes lingered on Eleanor. Under the warm lights, her face held a soft radiance that was different from before it was the glow of a woman in love.
Eleanor playfully cooed at Princess and gave her a kiss. “Alright, I’m going to wash my hands p>
Joslyn, carrying a dish out from the kitchen, noticed the change in Eleanor as well. She seemed different tonight, more like the Eleanor from four years ago, whose eyes would light up with a love for life.
Back then, that Eleanor was by Mr. Goodwin’s side. Joslyn sensed that Eleanor must be in a new relationship.
But with whom? Mr. Vaughn? Or Mr. Ellington?
As Eleanor headed to the washroom, Evelyn ran to the sofa and tugged on lan’s arm. “Daddy, it’s time for dinner p>
lan pulled his gaze away, suppressing the turmoil in his heart. “Okay, Daddy will eat with you p>
Soon, Eleanor returned and sat down, happily serving food for her daughter. Her joy was palpable; she looked exactly like someone who had just come back from a date.
Eleanor felt a pair of eyes on her and looked up at the man across the table, her own expression clear and open. “Let’s eat p>
lan’s grip on his fork tightened slightly. Joslyn had made two of his favorite dishes tonight, yet he found he had no appetite. He took a bite of the sea bass he usually loved, but it tasted bland and flavorless, with a hint of bitterness.
“I have to go. I have something to do,” lan said, putting down his fork. He looked at his daughter. “Daddy will come pick you up tomorrow morning p>
Joslyn looked at him with some regret. “Mr. Goodwin, please have some more.” “Stay a little longer,” Eleanor added.
lan turned his head slightly. “No, you two go ahead p>
“Daddy, are you full?” Evelyn asked.
“Yes, I’m full. You need to eat more,” Ian managed a smile for his daughter. “Okay!” Evelyn nodded.
Joslyn went to see him out. At the entryway, lan glanced back at the warm scene in the dining room. Eleanor was leaning in, listening to her daughter speak, her smile exceptionally gentle-a gentleness so captivating that lah found himself an staring
for a dozen seconds before
he snapped out of it and left.
Joslyn turned back to the living room and sighed. It seemed a new man would soon
be the master of this house.
Downstairs.
lan stepped into the empty living room, lit only by the entryway lamp, which cast his long, solitary shadow across the floor.
He tossed his jacket onto the sofa and walked to the liquor cabinet to pour himself a whiskey. The cold liquid burned its way down his
throat, but it couldn’t seem to
extinguish the searing pain ine
chest.
With his drink, he moved to the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the cityscape shimmered, a galaxy artificial stars. But as be looked out,
artificialstars.
it was as if all the light had gone out of his world.
Suddenly, an unforecasted spring rain began to patter against the glass.
A bolt of lightning tore across the night sky, illuminating his gray-white hair, the sharp
angles of his brow, and the sharp, hidden pain in his eyes.
In that instant, the man was like a beast trapped in a cage, in agony but without even the right to roar.