Chapter 71 A Hint Of Regret
Eleanor chuckled, the fork still pointed at Chris’s throat. “Nah, not really. Just know a few self–defense moves. No offense, but you guys don’t know me that well. So, better watch out. If I get upset, things could get physical.”
Kara, worried Eleanor might actually hurt Chris, interjected, “Okay, okay, enough talk, put the fork down, Eleanor. Seriously, you’ll poke someone’s eye out.”
Eleanor smiled, lowering the fork, a glance at Serena. “That move I just did? Supped to be with a stiletto dagger. Serena, you said it’s easy. Why don’t you give it a try?”
Serena waved her hands dismissively. “Oh, no, no. I’m not in your league, Eleanor. Someone like me wouldn’t have the privilege to learn such things.”
“The way you say it, sounds like I was sent off to some fancy martial arts school. Nope, not really. But you’re right about one thing, you definitely don’t have that kind of luck. Grandma just don’t like you.” Eleanor said.
Madam perked up, intrigued. “Eleanor, what’s that supposed to mean? Your grandma knows martial arts?”
“Not exactly.” Eleanor explained. “Grandma’s neighbor was a lay disciple of a martial arts school. I picked up some basic self–defense moves from her when I was little. Not many people know about it.”
Madam looked genuinely surprised and pleased. “Really? I had no idea you were so multi–talented.”
Tyler chimed in, “Totally. And remember when she studied traditional medicine for Chris? Mom, your daughter–in–law is quite something, isn’t she?”
*Hmm, I must say, I underestimated you, Eleanor.” Madam chuckled.
Kara muttered under her breath, “Jack of all trades, master of none.”
Madam’s tone turned sharp. “Still better than you, Kara. You see the results, but you have no idea how much effort she puts in. Stop being so bitter.”
Kara fumed, but kept her mouth shut.
Serena watched the whole exchange, biting her lip, clearly plotting something.
Tyler continued, “Because Eleanor is into traditional stuff, I wanted to surprise her. A wedding is the best gift, right?”
“Yeah,” Eleanor smiled. “I love it.”
Seeing them laughing and chatting. Chris’s heart sank. He stood up abruptly and left the room.
Serena, seeing her chance, quickly followed him.
Kara rubbed her temples, a headache coming on. “You know, maybe Chris shouldn’t come to your wedding. I mean, he’s Eleanor’s ex. It’s just… awkward you know?”
“It’s fine,” Eleanor said with a smile. “I don’t mind.”
Eleanor’s smiling face irritated Kara. Chris’s behavior had already made her uneasy. She suspected Chris was having second thoughts, but there was no turning back now. She wasn’t going to be humiliated again.
“No, no, he should not be there,” Kara said, forcing a smile. “It’s for your own good, Eleanor.”
“No,” Eleanor countered. “If Chris isn’t there, people will talk. If you’ve got nothing to hide, what’s there to be afraid of?” “Exactly, there’s no reason for him not to be there.” Madam agreed. “It’s a celebration, the more the merrier.”
Kara gritted her teath. “Fine.”
Chris stormed back to his room, fuming. How could he not have realized Eleanor had so many hidden depths?
“Are you having second thoughts?” The door opened, and Serena walked in, tears streaming down her face. She sat beside Chris and hugged him. “Is it because you realized Eleanor’s better than me at everything?”
“No, that’s not it,” Chris denied.
“Then why did you look so shocked?” Serena pressed. “Eleanor’s always been like that, picking up odd skills just to get noticed.”
“Alright, let’s just drop it,” Chris snapped, irritated.
“So you do think I don’t measure up.” Serena whispered. “If you regret choosing me, I can step aside.
Chris shook his head, a sudden pang of loss h Successfully unlocked! why. Then, it hit him, “the stiletto dagger.”
Serena choked back a sob. “You are still thinking about her
Chris remembered high school. His father’s gambling debts often landed him in trouble. Once, a group of debt collectors cornered him, beating him unconscious. Through the haze, he heard a girl’s voice yell, “Stop!” He saw a girl fighting them off. The weapons in her hands were a pair of batons. He vaguely remembered her shouting, “What are these? Haven’t you
Chaider 71 A font of Hegret
seen stiletto daggers before?
He passed out after that. When he woke up, Serena was try his side, taking care of him.
I saved you? she’d told him. “I called for help, chased thern away, and took you to the hospital.”
Serena had a few bruises on her face, which made Chris feel guilty. His affection for her grew after that.
Snapping back to the present, Chris lowered his gaze. Was it really Serena who saved me back then? he wondered.
Suddenly, Chris stood up, pushed Serena away, and walked out.
“Where are you going?” Serena yelled after him, resentment hardening in her eyes.
Meanwhile, in their room, Eleanor and Tyler were going over wedding plans.
“This is the promo video, take a look, Tyler said.
“Hmm, it looks intricate, Eleanor mused. “But I definitely prefer a traditional style over a modern one.”
Suddenly, frantic knocking echoed through the hall.
Eleanor frowned. “Who could be so annoying?”
Tyler’s expression darkened. He put a hand on Eleanor’s arm. “Ignore it.”
Seeing Tyler’s grim expression, Eleanor understood. ‘Chris really has no boundaries.”
The knocking persisted. Eleanor frowned again and nudged Tyler. “Go get rid of him.”
With a stony expression, Tyler opened the door to find Chris standing there. “What is it?”
“El-” Chris’started, then corrected himself. “I need to talk to Eleanor. Ask her about something from years ago.”
“No need,” Eleanor’s voice came from inside the room. “There’s no ‘us‘ from the past anymore. Why bring up bad memories?” “Eleanor, did you know how to use those daggers back then? Was it you who saved me?” Chris demanded loudly.
“You’re being disruptive? Eleanor snapped. “Tyler, shut the door.”
“Chris, what’s the point of digging this up now? Tyler said coldly. “Don’t forget who she is to you now.”
Chris felt a flicker of despair Right, even if he found out, what could he change?
Tjust- Chris wanted to explain.
“Drop it,” Tyler cut him off sharply. “You made your bed. You don’t get to complain about it now.”
The door shut firmly in his face. Chris clenched his fists, ready to knock again.
“Chris, what do you think you’re doing?” Kara hurried over and pulled him back. “Mom, I just need to get something straight,” Chris mumbled.
“And then what?” Kara demanded. “What good will knowing do you now?”
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Chapter 72 Utterly Useless
Chapter 72 Utterly Useless
