No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1340

As they approached the checkout counters, Eleanor started placing her items on the scanner belt. "Let's pay for it all together," Ian said to her.

He had already pulled out his phone and opened the payment app. Eleanor stopped him. "I'll get it myself."

"It's just a few essentials. It's nothing," Ian insisted.

Eleanor held up a hand to block him. "I'm paying for my own things." Her tone was even more insistent.

Just then, a call came through on his phone. Ian glanced at it and said to Eleanor, "I have to take an important call. Could I trouble you to—"

He gestured meaningfully, as the cart still contained his bottle of body wash and pack of whiskey. Eleanor gave him a nod. "Fine."

Ian stepped away from the checkout area and moved to a less crowded spot to answer his phone.

After Eleanor paid, she pushed the cart over to him. Ian hung up and took the cart from her. "I'll get it."

Eleanor didn't object this time. As they walked, Ian pushed the cart, his gaze resting on her as he asked in a low voice, "How is Evelyn doing in school?"

"She's doing fine," Eleanor replied, looking down.

"Thank you for everything," Ian said softly.

Eleanor didn't say anything more. Taking care of her daughter was her responsibility.

Once they were in the elevator, a little girl stared at Ian in amazement. Then, in what she thought was a whisper, she asked her mother, "Mommy, why is that man's hair white?"

The girl's mother was so mortified she quickly pulled her daughter into her arms and covered her mouth, looking at Ian apologetically. "I'm so, so sorry!"

Ian looked at the little girl, who was about the same age as his daughter, and his expression softened. "It's okay. She's adorable."

Eleanor glanced at him. "Try to be less stressed. And maybe stop scheming so much."

Ian was taken aback for a second, then a deep, magnetic laugh rumbled in his chest. "Alright. I'll listen to you."

As they drove out of the oppressive underground garage, they were met with a bright, sunny morning, and Eleanor's mood instantly lifted. Just then, the car's hands-free phone rang. It was Joel.

Eleanor answered it. "Hello, Joel!"

"Ellie, are you free for lunch? I have some technical questions I'd like to ask you."

Without a moment's hesitation, Eleanor replied, "Sure, I'm free."

The man beside her stared at her, stunned. He had just invited her to lunch moments ago, and she had flatly refused. But for Joel, she was suddenly available?