Chapter 17 Her New Flame
Chapter 17 Her New Flame
Eleanor couldn’t help but smile at Tyler’s words. “Your taste is so much better than Chris’s,” she said, linking her arm with his as she grinned.
She then quickly felt a little self–conscious and was about to pull her hand away, but Tyler caught it before she could. “Don’t feel awkward. Between husband and wife, we‘ ve barely scratched the surface of what we can do,” said Tyler. “But if we’re too unfamiliar with each other, and someone notices something off, it might get uncomfortable.”
Eleanor’s ears burned. Was this really Tyler talking? She remembered him as serious, almost rigid–not the type to say something like that.
“Tyler, did someone teach you those lines?” She couldn’t help but ask quietly.
Tyler glanced at her. Was there something wrong with what he said? He wondered.
He wasn’t exactly experienced in chasing women, so he’d asked around for advice. But those people were smooth talkers who never really got involved–maybe their advice
wasn’t the best fit for him.
Seeing Tyler’s confused look, Eleanor quickly explained; “I didn’t mean it was bad, it’s just… I didn’t think you’d say something like that.”
“Clueless about romance, just a block of wood, Tyler teased. “Is that what you think of me?”
Eleanor was taken aback. He really did know her well.
“Tyler, honestly, your flaws are also your strengths. So don’t worry about it,” she said, smiling playfully. “For now, I don’t feel like going home. Let’s go buy some clothes. I want to stay in Willowtown for a few days.”
“No problem,” Tyler agreed.
After arriving in Willowtown, Eleanor chose to stay at a B&R with Tyler. Although the
town had become more commercial, walking on the cobblestone streets in the morning while taking in the scene still felt peaceful.
As for what was happening back home, she couldn’t have cared less. It wasn’t until the day before they were to leave that Tyler reminded her, “Aren’t you going to contact your family?”
Eleanor thought for a moment and opened her phone, ignoring the countless missed calls and messages. “Tyler, can I borrow your hand for a second?”
Tyler, unsure of what she meant, followed her request.
Eleanor grabbed his hand and held it up to the sky, quickly snapping a photo. And then, she posted it on her social media with the caption: The best is always yet to come.
Soon, she got Vera’s comment below, [Got yourself a new flame? Off on a honeymoon?
Chapter 17 Her New Flame
Too bad you blocked that jerk Chris, he won’t see this.]
Eleanor replied with a smiling emoji.
Chris wouldn’t see it, but he’d hear about it from others. Ever since she broke up with him, Logan, a mutual friend, had been texting her from time to time.
I
[Did you really break up with him? I saw Chris wasn’t too happy about it. He’s been inviting us for drinks a lot lately. Wasn’t everything great between you two?]
[Chris brought a girl to the party. Someone asked if he was done with you, and he said yes. Such a pity, Eleanor, we all thought you two would get married.]
[Chris said he’s getting married. Are you really ready to let go?]
Since cutting ties with Chris, Eleanor had no intention of staying in touch with his friends. She hadn’t responded to Logan’s messages, though she hadn’t deleted him either. Chris would probably find out her situation sooner or later.
Indeed, Chris had heard from others about Eleanor moving on. He was chatting with Serena and a few other friends when someone suddenly chimed in.
“Hey, Eleanor posted something, the man said. “Looks like she’s out having fun… with. a guy?”
“Seriously?” another spoke up. “Oh man, Chris, looks like you really hurt her last time. She was the type to never want to break up.”
Chris felt a stir of frustration. After being blocked by Eleanor, a strange sense of loss. came over him, as if he were losing something important forever.
Noticing his unease, Serena squeezed his hand and gave him a concerning look. Eleanor’s been missing for so long, and now she posts something,” she suggested.” Shouldn’t we go find her? What if she’s been tricked by some random guy?”
Chris looked at Serena, her gentle concern making his heart ache. This was the woman he liked, not someone overly clever but kind–hearted and always thinking of others. He was so touched that even after everything Eleanor had done to her, Serena still cared.
Feeling guilty for thinking about Eleanor again, Chris reminded himself that he wasn’t the type to fall for a woman with a cold heart, even after seven years.
“Serena, don’t worry,” he comforted. “If something happens to Eleanor, it’s on her. She can run off with whoever she wants. It’s got nothing to do with us.”
“But Mrs. Donovan will be worried,” Serena said softly, “Last time I went to visit her, and she was really concerned.”
“This place in the picture looks so familiar,” someone suddenly spoke up. “It looks like Willowtown.”“”
“Willowtown?” Chris pondered for a second. He could still recall that Tyler was spending his time in Willowtown as well.
Chapter 17 Her New Flame
Could it really be that coincidental? Chris couldn’t help but think to himself.
Even if both Eleanor and Tyler went to the same place, it doesn’t mean that they were in touch. Besides, Tyler was the kind of man who kept his distance from women, let alone taking photos with one.
These were all Eleanor’s ideas. Chris could almost confirm. He knew Eleanor did all of these on purpose–blocking his number, and giving the show away to his friends. What a strategy!
“Chris?” Serena called out softly. “If it’s really bothering you, maybe we should go.
check it out.”
“No need,” Chris said, gently stroking Serena’s cheek, his tone soft but firm. “We’ve got enough on our plate. I’m not wasting time worrying about her. If something happens, well… it’s probably just karma catching up with her.”
“But…” Serena opened her mouth to protest, but Chris silenced her with a finger pressed gently to her lips.
“I don’t want her causing you any more stress,” Chris explained. “Besides, the only reason they’re going along with this wedding is because they think you’re pregnant. We need to make that little white lie a reality… or it’s going to be really awkward when the truth comes out.”
Chris… Serena blushed and whispered, “Stop talking like that. There are so r people here.”
many
“Exactly. That’s why I’m saying it,” Chris kissed her forehead. “Everyone thinks I don’t care about Eleanor, but they don’t know that the one I truly care about is you.”
Suddenly, a sound of something shattering broke through the conversation. Chris looked over and saw Logan standing there, staring at him with disdain.
“She’s really something, huh?” Logan sneered, glaring at Chris in anger. “Chris, you were happy to let her peel crabs for you earlier. Don’t you think she’s just trying to imitate Eleanor? She’s copying her, but doesn’t even know your stomach can’t handle crabs.” He then turned towards Serena, his gaze as cold as ice. “You know Chris has a sensitive stomach, right?” asked Logan.
Chris froze. For a moment, he thought back to the times when Eleanor would quietly accompany him and even argue with his friends over a dish, making him feel embarrassed. But secretly, others would tell him they envied him.
It was all just for show. What was there to envy? He still couldn’t understand.
“I… I didn’t know,” Serena said, fighting back tears.
“Of course you didn’t know,” Logan rolled his eyes, “Do you know what Chris can’t eat?
Do you know how to help him with his stomach issues? You’ve got nothing but a
pretty face. Eleanor never cried like this, even when she was treated badly.”
Chris frowned. “Why are you making such a big deal out of this?”
Chapter 17 Her New i
Flame
Logan was at a loss for words. He couldn’t exactly admit he had feelings for Eleanor. All he could do was leaving the room as soon as possible.
“Chris, you’ll regret this!” Logan snapped, then stormed off.
Meanwhile, Eleanor, who was enjoying her vacation, received another message from Logan: [Now that you’re single again, how about considering me?]
Eleanor glanced at Tyler, who was standing by the window talking on the phone. She was about to delete the message when Tyler’s voice interrupted her. “What are you looking at?”
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