No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1386

Ian shook hands politely with Ella, who then took Eleanor by the hand. "Come on, let's go over there."

She led them to a group of people, and after another round of introductions, everyone began chatting animatedly about medical matters. Ian listened from the side, occasionally sipping his champagne, but his gaze was mostly fixed on Eleanor.

In the past, he had always stood by her side as an investor, listening to her talk with others. But tonight, he was here as a true friend, and the feeling was entirely different.

Eleanor was listening to Ella recount a funny story about an experiment and had just burst out laughing when her eyes inadvertently met a pair of deep ones.

It was Ian.

He had turned his head to look at her, his gaze particularly intense under the lights.

Eleanor quickly averted her eyes, looking down and taking a sip of champagne. Suddenly, Ella suggested, "There's going to be a dance in a little while! El, don't forget to ask Mr. Goodwin for a dance."

"I'm not a good dancer," Eleanor said, shaking her head with a smile.

"It's easy. I'm sure Mr. Goodwin knows how. He can teach you," Ella said enthusiastically.

Just as she finished speaking, the mellow jazz music switched to a waltz, and the lights dimmed, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Ella immediately embraced her partner, not forgetting to give Eleanor a wink. "Don't be shy, El!"

Eleanor smiled as she watched them step onto the dance floor. Soon, nearly everyone, all of whom had come with partners, happily joined them.

As Eleanor watched, she saw Ian put down his glass and walk toward her.

Her heart fluttered with nervousness, and she turned her face away slightly.

"Eleanor," Ian called softly. "May I have this dance?"

Eleanor looked at the hand extended to her, then up into Ian's focused gaze.

Soon, Eleanor began to find the rhythm, and their movements became more synchronized.

The lights were dim and hazy, surrounded by swirling skirts and low murmurs of laughter. Guided by Ian, Eleanor gradually relaxed, following him as he spun and moved.

Ian's eyes barely left her face. In the soft light, her skin had a gentle glow, her eyelashes slightly lowered. The blue dress swirled into a beautiful arc as she turned, making her look radiant against the dim evening light.

How long had it been since he was this close to her? Close enough to catch her scent, to see the fine hairs on her skin under the light, to feel her warmth and breath.

Beneath his thick lashes, Ian concealed a torrent of emotions.

It was the greed that comes from having lost something and gotten it back.

It was the unconscious tightening of his grip.

It was the fear that she might vanish in the next second.