No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 7

A sharp pain stabbed through Eleanor's chest. She told herself she no longer cared, but the anger was still there, simmering beneath the surface.

This time, she would never let her daughter leave the country with them. She'd make sure Vanessa had no chance to get close to Evelyn, no chance to fill her head with ideas.

That evening, Ian was home for dinner. While their daughter clung to his side, Eleanor kept her distance. After dinner, around eight-thirty, she slipped away for a shower. When she came out and couldn't find Evelyn anywhere, she finally heard her daughter's voice coming from Ian's room.

Eleanor reached for the door, ready to step inside, but paused as she caught the sound of Evelyn's delighted chatter.

"Mrs. Shannon, have you already gone abroad?"

"Yes, I just arrived today. I wish you could have come with me, Evelyn!"

"We'll see each other soon! Daddy said he'll take me to visit you in a couple of days."

"Then I'd better get your presents ready. I'll buy a pretty Christmas dress and wait for you!"

"I want lots of princess dresses, and a beautiful crown too!"

"Of course, honey. I'll have everything ready before you arrive. And I've already ordered your favorite vanilla cake from that pastry shop you love." Vanessa's voice was warm and indulgent.

Eleanor leaned against the door, waiting for her daughter and Vanessa to finish their conversation.

"I'll hang up now," Ian's voice broke in.

"Alright, I'll be waiting for you all!"

"Bye, Evelyn. Love you!" Vanessa switched to the Drexford language.

"I love you too!" Evelyn replied, her childish voice flawless in that foreign tongue.

Listening to her daughter's joyful exchange with Vanessa, Eleanor felt a sharp ache in her chest, making it hard to breathe. By the time she opened the door, she'd already forced a smile onto her face.

"Evelyn."

"Mommy! Daddy and I are going on a trip abroad. Do you want to come with us?" Evelyn looked up at her, her little face earnest and hopeful.

In her child's heart, Evelyn wanted everyone who loved her to be together.

"Evelyn, could you go play in the toy room for a bit? Mommy needs to talk to Daddy," Eleanor said, gently ruffling her daughter's hair.

Evelyn nodded her small head. "Okay! I'll go." She scampered out, and from the hallway Joslyn called, "Evelyn, I cut up some fruit for you. Come have a snack!"

Eleanor closed the door and looked up at Ian, who was sitting on the sofa under the chandelier, loosening his tie. Three buttons of his shirt were undone, and there was still a faint smudge of strawberry jam where Evelyn had hugged him before dinner.

"We need to talk," Eleanor began.

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