A Second Chance At Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1551

Before Eleanor's light dimmed for the last time, her mind was filled with fleeting memories of the love Bernard had hidden from her throughout those five years...

When she woke up, turning over, she could see her own body tightly embraced by a pair of strong arms. Such strength, if not love, what else could it be?

And during Sunday dinners, she could catch him glancing her way with those sidelong looks. If that wasn't a long-held crush, what was?

She could even recall how, after a long day, Bernard would lift her up, letting her rest on his chest, and gently rub her back with his slender fingers, lulling her to sleep like a child...

Bernard's love was hidden in the smallest details, elusive at a glance. Only he knew how much he had endured and loved her...

Eleanor's eyes could no longer open, her body felt as if it had been drained of its soul, devoid of any strength to rise again or to take one last look at this world...

Fumbling for her phone in her pocket, she made a call, and it was Hailey who answered...

Over the years, Hailey had aged, her voice no longer as clear as it once was, now somewhat hoarse. "Eleanor, give me a couple of days; once my daughter-in-law has had the baby, I'll come to you..."

In her final moments, hearing the voice of her lifelong friend felt like a stroke of luck to Eleanor. Yet, for some reason, tears still found their way out of her dry eyes, leaving her sobbing uncontrollably.

"Hailey, I miss him too much. I'm going to him early. Please tell Damian I'm sorry, I couldn't wait to see him married..."

Hailey, on the other end, also burst into tears, knowing well that Eleanor had held on for so many years solely because of her maternal bond. Otherwise, she would have followed Bernard long ago...

Recently, it had been evident that Eleanor's light was fading. Even the doctors, after seeing her, could only shake their heads, indicating there was no hope left. So, for Eleanor to seek out Bernard was beyond Hailey's power to stop.

"Is there anything else you'd like to tell him, Eleanor? Just tell me, and I'll make sure he knows," Hailey offered through her tears.

After a pause, Eleanor replied with a weak, "Hailey, in the next life, let's be sisters again," before her phone slipped from her hand. Hailey's desperate cries faded away as she could no longer hear...

Before her departure, Eleanor saw Bernard in the mist, reaching out to her with his distinct fingers, saying, "Eleanor, I've waited so long for you."

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