No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 706

Henry Holt had just returned from an island research project overseas. The moment he landed, he rushed to see her, a bouquet of red roses cradled in his arms. He set the flowers down gently on the bedside table.

“How are you feeling? Any better?” Henry sat down beside her bed, his concern unmistakable in his eyes.

“Henry, thank you for coming to see me. I really am feeling much better.” Vanessa said, then quickly brought her hand up to cover her face. “Don’t look at me—I must look awful right now.”

Henry couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nonsense. You’ll always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me.”

Only then did Vanessa slowly lower her hand, her voice tinged with bitterness. “I was terrified this time, honestly. For a moment, I thought I might not pull through.”

“Don’t say that.” Henry frowned. “I spoke to your doctor just now—he said all your vitals are stable.”

Vanessa let out a soft sigh. “Let’s hope this is the last time I have to see the inside of a hospital.”

Henry had learned from her assistant that Ian had flown back overnight just to be by her side. That pang of guilt twisted inside him; he’d only heard the news yesterday.

“Has Ian been coming to see you lately?” Henry asked quietly.

Vanessa nodded. “He has, but he’s so busy these days. I keep telling him not to worry about coming to the hospital.” She managed a smile. “Henry, really, thank you for coming back to see me. It means a lot.”

Henry looked at the woman he’d adored in silence for years, a familiar ache settling over him. Even at her most vulnerable, it wasn’t him she longed to see most.

He stayed with Vanessa until late afternoon, only leaving when Serena arrived.

“Serena, you’re here.” Henry stood to greet her.

Serena’s tone was friendly. “Hey, Henry. Glad you made it.”

“I’ll leave Vanessa in your care. I’ve got dinner plans with Xavier tonight, so I should get going.”

A spark lit in Serena’s eyes. “You’re meeting Xavier? Is my brother coming too?”

“Afraid not—just me and Xavier,” Henry replied.

Serena’s eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointment, which Vanessa caught. She glanced at Henry. “Henry, why don’t you take Serena with you to dinner? I’ll be fine—my assistant is here.”

Serena shot Vanessa a grateful look; she hadn’t had a chance to see Xavier in ages.

Henry considered for a moment, then nodded. “Of course. Serena, come on.”

“Thanks, Vanessa. I’ll come back to see you later.” Serena grabbed her bag and followed Henry out of the hospital room.

At the restaurant, Xavier had already arrived. Under the warm lights, he looked every inch the refined gentleman in his deep blue suit—calm, composed, and effortlessly elegant.

He glanced up at the sound of footsteps. When he saw Serena with Henry, his expression briefly tightened.

Serena bit her lip and spoke up, “Xavier, if you go skiing again, could you invite me? You know how much I love it.”

Henry almost choked; he’d tried to steer the conversation away, but Serena had brought it right back.

Xavier’s tone was neutral. “I’m swamped at work these days. Doubt I’ll have time to hit the slopes again soon.”

“There are great ski resorts around here—you wouldn’t even have to travel—” Serena tried, unwilling to let it drop.

Xavier looked straight at her, cutting her off. “I don’t actually like skiing.”

The rejection was unvarnished, direct.

Serena’s face went scarlet. She gripped her cup, at a loss for words.

Henry quickly stepped in, trying to save her from further embarrassment. “Serena, don’t you love Fashion Week? Next time, maybe you and Vanessa could go together.”

Serena forced a smile. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll ask Vanessa to come along.”

Just then, Xavier’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, grabbed his jacket, and stood up. “Henry, something’s come up. Let’s catch up another time.”

Serena felt her cheeks burning. Was Xavier really so unwilling to even look at her now?