No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1494

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Those three men were outstanding and brilliant in their respective fields. More importantly, they carried no baggage with her; their slates were clean.

But him? He had disappointed her and caused her pain. He was only able to rebuild a connection with her through the bond they shared with their daughter. If it weren't for Evelyn...

Ian looked up. The reflection on the glass of red wine mirrored a rare glimmer of insecurity in his eyes.

His wealth, his status, his capabilities—all of it seemed to lose their weight in front of her. She was so radiant and independent that she didn't need to rely on anyone.

Eleanor had just finished pondering a work problem when she looked up and saw Ian holding his wine glass, staring at her. Yet, his gaze seemed unfocused, as if he were looking right through her at something else entirely.

"What's wrong? Is the food here not to your liking?" Eleanor asked.

Ian snapped out of his daze and met her clear, tranquil eyes. His mind wandered for another second. Eleanor no longer harbored any hostility toward him, nor were there any walls left between them. But at the same time, she lacked the romantic affection he so desperately craved.

It was as if to her, he was a friend and a family member, but completely devoid of the passionate spark reserved for a lover.

He pushed down the churning emotions in his chest and forced a smile. "No, it's delicious."

He cut a piece of steak and put it in his mouth, but it tasted bland to him.

Eleanor watched him, her sharp intuition picking up on the fact that something was weighing on his mind. Was the recent crisis at his company still unresolved? Or was his stomach acting up again?

"Is your stomach still bothering you?" she asked proactively.

"Much better," Ian shook his head with a slight smile, the lingering anxiety in his heart easing a bit. At the very least, he was the one sitting across from her right now.