Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Eleanor’s hand holding the blanket stiffened midair. She looked at Tyler, like a thief caught in the act. “I–I wasn’t doing anything.”
She quickly let go, and the blanket slipped from her hands, falling back over Tyler.
“I’ll head downstairs.”
But before she could move, Tyler grabbed her wrist. “Why do I get the feeling you’re hiding something? What were you trying to do just now?”
Eleanor shook her head. “Nothing.”
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Flustered under his gaze, she finally muttered, “Alright, fine. I just wanted to see if you’re one of those greasy middle–aged guys.”
As soon as she said it, the atmosphere in the room froze. An awkward silence fell.
“I see,” Tyler said at last, breaking the tension. “So, did I pass?”
Eleanor muttered, “Well, it’s not like I actually saw anything.”
“Turn around, then.”
Eleanor bit her lip and thought, ‘Whatever–they were married now, what was there to be shy about?‘
She turned around and saw Tyler already sitting up. He was solid, not an ounce of extra fat, no beer belly, but not skinny either. Just right.
“Satisfied” Tyler asked.
“Of course,” Eleanor said. “People with good luck shouldn’t be too skinny. You’re perfect.”
Tyler nodded. “As long as you’re satisfied. If you want to confirm with your hands, that’s okay too.”
“No need for that,” Eleanor waved him off. “Some things aren’t meant for this room. Someone could walk in any minute.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course.” Eleanor nodded, then glanced at him again. “Hey, Tyler, do you know your exact birth date and time?”
Tyler rattled off his birthday and looked straight at Eleanor. “You’re not going to say I’m old, are you?”
Eleanor grinned. “A little superstition never hurt anyone. Someone once told me Chris and I were a bad match, but I didn’t believe it. Turns out, they were right. Consider it self–soothing.”
She took out her phone and began looking something up.
Tyler felt a headache coming on. If the results were good, fine. But if not, what were they supposed to do–get divorced?
“Eleanor, don’t you think you’re taking this a bit too seriously?”
“Wow, that was fast.” Eleanor picked up her phone, completely ignoring Tyler. “Tyler, according to your chart, you’ve got the General’s Star and the Canopy Star. You’re meant to be in charge. If you were a little shorter, stockier, and tanner, you’d be even more successful. You’ve got luck and real authority, but this year, watch out for gossip and drama. Oh, and we’re actually a pretty good match as a couple.”
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She set her phone down and gave Tyler a once–over. “Honestly, you could use a little more sun. That would suit your chart better.”
Tyler looked at her. “Where’d you even learn all this?”
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“Oh, I met a Mystic in Sandybrook once. The locals call him Master Marcus. He’s been studying mystical arts since he was a kid. He told me Chris and I weren’t a good match, but I didn’t believe him back then. I thought you made your own luck. The other day I saw he was invited to give a talk at a bank, and it made me curious about how things would turn out for us.”
“That’s pretty cool. I’ve always been interested in that stuff too. Used to listen to Professor Jamie’s shows. Maybe I’ll meet this master someday and chat with him,” Tyler said. “Didn’t know you had so many connections.”
Eleanor looked surprised. “You don’t think it’s all nonsense?”
Tyler chuckled. “Just because we don’t get it doesn’t mean it’s fake. People who really know traditional medicine or the mystical arts aren’t ordinary.”
Eleanor patted his chest. “See? You get it. But Chris never did–he thought it was all a scam. I even got him a lucky charm, and he just tossed it aside without a second look.”
Tyler shrugged. “Poor guy. If he doesn’t believe, then it’s not meant to be. Even the Langford company had a master check the place. Those two stone lions are also chosen by a Mystic.”
“I don’t really get any of this. That’s too hard. But as long as I know someone who can help, that’s enough.”
Tyler grinned. “If you were good at everything, I’d be under a lot of pressure. Best not to mess with other people’s fate anyway.”
“But Tyler, I still think you should be careful this year–try to avoid drama and gossip,” Eleanor said seriously. “That master’s usually right.”
Tyler laughed. “Easier said than done.”
Just then, a knock came from the door. “Tyler, Eleanor, are you awake?”
Tyler glanced toward the door and said calmly, “See? Here she comes.”
Eleanor let out an exasperated huff. “Seriously? Not again. Hurry up and get dressed.”
She swung the door open and shot Serena a cold look. “What do you want?”
Serena lowered her eyes, voice soft, “Chris didn’t come home last night-”
“He’s not with me,” Eleanor cut her off. “If you’re looking for him, don’t come knocking on my door.”
“I’m not saying he’s here. Even if something happened between you and Chris, Tyler wouldn’t just let it slide,” Serena kept her voice gentle, but her words had an edge. “Chris said he was at the hospital with your mom—”
“My mom?” Eleanor interrupted again, her tone icy. “Didn’t she tell you you’re not part of the Donovan family anymore? You married into the Langfords. Chris calls me Aunt Eleanor and calls my mom Grandma, so you should too.”
Serena’s hands clenched, a flash of jealousy in her eyes. But she kept her expression soft and said quietly, “Aunt Eleanor, you don’t have to be like this.”
“Do I need you to teach me how to behave?” Eleanor shot back, “What do you
want?”
Serena said softly, “Aunt Eleanor, I know Tyler only said that about you back then to protect you. Anyway, I happened to run into your old college roommate. She feels terrible about what happened and wants to apologize.”
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“No need,” Eleanor waved her off. “I don’t even remember her name.”
Serena pressed on, “You must’ve been hurt so badly you blocked it out. But she insists on apologizing. She’s Catherine’s cousin and grew up in Catherine’s houseland. Catherine feels awful too and wants to apologize. They’re hoping you’ll attend the class reunion.”
Eleanor crossed her arms and sneered. “You’re quite close with them.”
“It’s just a casual connection,” Serena replied softly, “Catherine can’t reach you, so she asked me to speak to you. If you don’t show up, she’ll apologize live online.”
Eleanor gave another short laugh. “A class reunion? Sure, I’ll go. But only if the timing works. I’ve been busy with wedding preparations lately, you know.”
“Would you like to invite them to the wedding as well?” Serena asked tentatively.
“No need. I wouldn’t feel right taking their wedding gift.” Eleanor pinched Serena’s chin. “You once told Catherine you were the Donovan heiress, didn’t you?”
