No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1453

But things were different now.

Answering whether she liked it or not was meaningless.

Besides, this symbol had once caused her immense pain.

The pool water rippled, and the sunlight was a bit glaring, but the man's gaze remained locked on her, as if still waiting for an answer. His thick lashes were dotted with water, resembling dense, feathered fans, making his eyes seem as deep as the ocean.

"As long as you like it," Eleanor said, lowering her eyes, giving the same answer as before.

Ian's eyes dimmed. He heard the evasion in her voice but didn't press her further.

He just smiled and replied in a low tone, "I like it."

The words were quiet but clear, carrying an undeniable certainty.

Eleanor kept her eyes down, idly splashing the water with her hand. Ian handed her the floatie, then turned and dove gracefully back into the water.

Across the pool, Serena, who had been keeping her niece occupied, couldn't hear their conversation, but she could see that Eleanor's expression was no longer cold when she was with her brother.

After another twenty minutes of swimming, everyone got out. Serena took Evelyn's hand and went up to change first.

Clearly, Serena's purpose in coming along was well-defined: to be the babysitter.

She made sure Evelyn didn't disturb her parents, giving them as much time alone as possible.

Eleanor climbed out of the pool. In the sunlight, her black one-piece swimsuit accentuated her slender, delicate curves. Water droplets on her skin refracted the light, making her look as fair as snow.

Ian, however, remained in the water. As for why—only he knew.

Evelyn skipped ahead, happily holding Serena's and Eleanor's hands, with Ian following at a leisurely pace behind them.

"It's so lively," Serena commented.

The atmosphere was perfect for couples, with the strong beat of the music and the cheering crowd creating a palpable sense of excitement.

They didn't get too close, watching the massive bonfire from a distance. Gavin went to get some drinks.

Here, there was no need for cups. With Lanny and the other bodyguard blending into the crowd, Ian and Gavin drank straight from their bottles.

Eleanor and Serena held bottles of juice. Eleanor glanced back at Ian. He seemed extremely relaxed, a smile in his eyes, free from the calculation and gravity of the business world. His eyes seemed to reflect the scattered starlight.

Under a sky full of stars, enjoying a beach party was indeed a perfect way to forget one's troubles.