No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1572

Eleanor returned to the house. It wasn't time to pick up Evelyn from school yet, so she retreated to the study, sitting blankly on the sofa. She drifted through old memories, her chest heavy with worry for the Goodwins.

When she brought her daughter home that afternoon, Eleanor tried her best to keep her emotions in check. Evelyn was still so young; it would be better for Ian to break the news when he returned.

The next morning, after dropping Evelyn off at school, Eleanor skipped going to the lab. She sat on the living room sofa, staring at her phone, debating whether to call Ian and ask if he needed any help.

But she quickly dismissed the idea. With Ian in charge, everything was likely under control.

At two-thirty that afternoon, Eleanor was discussing the tragedy with Joslyn, who was equally shocked by the sudden loss. The sound of a car engine pulling into the driveway caught their attention. Joslyn immediately looked toward the garage. "Ma'am, I think Mr. Goodwin is back."

Eleanor hurried out of the foyer just as Lanny parked the car. Ian stepped out of the backseat, and Princess, the family dog, immediately bounded over to greet him.

"Ma'am, you should go help him," Joslyn urged gently.

Seeing the sheer exhaustion radiating from Ian, Eleanor didn't hesitate. She walked briskly toward him.

"Miss Sutton, please keep an eye on Mr. Goodwin," Lanny requested. "He hasn't slept a wink all night."

Ian swayed slightly on his feet. Eleanor quickly stepped in, grabbing his arm to steady him.

He hadn't closed his eyes since catching a single hour of sleep in the breakroom the previous morning.

Ian turned his head to look at her. His bloodshot eyes were overflowing with weariness and pain, yet a faint, reassuring smile touched his gaze.

"I'm fine," he rasped, his voice rough and dry.

Eleanor didn't argue. "I'll take care of him, don't worry," she told Lanny.

Lanny nodded and drove off.

Joslyn hurried over. "Ma'am, should I heat up some food for him?"

Eleanor looked at Ian. "Do you want to eat something?"

Ian shook his head. "I don't have an appetite. I just need to rest."

"Please take Mr. Goodwin up to his room to rest, Ma'am," Joslyn urged. "He must be exhausted."

Eleanor remained silent, but Ian cooperatively let her guide him inside.

Ian opened his eyes and nodded. He stood up, but his grip on her hand never loosened. Eleanor had no choice but to follow him upstairs.

When they reached his master bedroom, Ian still refused to let go. He sat on the edge of the bed, looking up at her with a hoarse plea. "Can you just stay for a little while?"

Eleanor nodded. "Alright. I'll stay. Go to sleep."

Only then did Ian lie down on his side, his fingers still interlaced with hers, clinging to her like a stubborn child terrified of being abandoned.

Eleanor sat on the edge of the bed until he was completely under. Very gently, she slipped her hand free, pulled the covers over him, and slipped out of the room.

At five o'clock, Eleanor brought her daughter home. When Evelyn heard her father was back, she immediately wanted to run and see him.

Eleanor stopped her gently. "Daddy is really tired. He hasn't slept in two days. Let's let him get some rest, okay?"

Evelyn nodded understandingly. "Okay."

Around nine o'clock, just as Eleanor was getting Evelyn ready for bed, the little girl cheered, "Daddy, you're awake!"

Eleanor came down from the second floor. Ian had clearly taken a shower and changed into a fresh grey t-shirt and sweatpants before coming over.