No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 653

“Alright, then after dinner we’ll have cake!” Eleanor said with a gentle smile.

“Vivian, we need to save some room for cake,” Evelyn announced seriously to her friend.

The adults at the table couldn’t help but laugh at the little one’s earnestness.

Seeing how relaxed everyone was, Eleanor let out a quiet sigh of relief. She’d been worried the evening might turn awkward.

“Mom, I’m full,” Evelyn declared, setting down her fork.

“Me too,” Vivian chimed in.

The two little girls had barely finished half their meal before their thoughts drifted eagerly to dessert.

——

While laughter and warmth filled the upstairs dining room, downstairs felt cold and empty by comparison.

Ian stood in front of the tall bay window, half a glass of whiskey in his hand. He tipped his head back and finished it in one swallow, his gaze unconsciously drifting upward toward the ceiling.

From the balcony above came the faint, bright laughter of a little girl. Instantly, Ian’s stern expression softened.

He knew that laugh—it was Evelyn’s. In his mind, a scene played out: Eleanor slicing cake, two attentive men sitting nearby, and his daughter beaming with joy at her birthday dinner, surrounded by warmth and celebration.

And upstairs, that very scene was unfolding.

Eleanor sat on the sofa with the birthday cake in front of her, a single candle glowing for her twenty-eighth year.

“Lights off!” Evelyn called out, expertly darting over to flip the switch.

Eleanor sat in the gentle candlelight, her delicate features glowing in the soft flicker. She watched as her daughter climbed up beside her and began singing the birthday song, her heart overflowing with happiness.

The two men watching from the opposite sofa couldn’t help but smile as the joy in the room became infectious.

“Mom, make a wish!” Evelyn urged, still half singing, half giggling.

Eleanor laughed. “You really should listen to your doctor.”

Mansfield nodded, his voice low and sincere. “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”

Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. “Looks like I should get going. Next time, dinner’s on me—you and Evelyn are invited.”

“Focus on your recovery first,” Eleanor insisted.

“I’ll be in Ashford City for another month. Maybe we’ll get another chance,” Mansfield said, a hint of reluctance in his voice as he stood. Turning to Evelyn, he smiled, “Goodbye, Miss Evelyn.”

Evelyn ran over, grinning. “Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!”

Eleanor walked him to the door. “Drive safely, alright?”

Mansfield paused at the threshold and looked back at her. He could tell her hospitality was offered as a friend, nothing more. Still, he smiled, lips pressed together. “I tucked my gift inside the bouquet. I hope you’ll like it.”