Chapter 82 Marriage License
Eleanor walked over, took a seat, and met Lila’s gaze. Lila was a total knockout–sharp features, killer curves. She always played lovable roles and was the kind of actress people naturally warmed up to.
Right now, Lila was rocking black sunglasses, her wavy hair down, and bold red lipstick–total boss vibes. Lila gave Eleanor a once–over. “You’re not as pretty as me.”
“You two just have different styles,” Angust said. “Eleanor is the gentle, elegant typ That’s not really your thing.”
“Bold and fiery works just as well,” Eleanor replied. Then she turned to Angust. “So what happened? Serena came back in tears.”
“That was me,” Lila admitted, taking off her sunglasses and flipping her hair. She stared Eleanor down and warned, “I thought she was you. Angust is mine, and I’m not letting anyone steal him.”
“Then maybe don’t mess with my wife,” Tyler said, putting a hand on Eleanor’s shoulder. His deep gaze swept over Lila before landing on Angust. “You should be keeping an eye on your own man.”
“And you are?” Lila asked, sizing Tyler up.
“Her husband,” Tyler replied, pulling Eleanor close and casually setting their marriage license on the table. “We’re official.”
Eleanor glanced at the license and whispered, “You really carry this around?”
“Not usually. I brought it on purpose today,” Tyler said. “I figured I might need it.”
“So you’re a couple,” Lila said, giving Eleanor a suspicious look. “Then why can’t you leave Angust alone?”
“He’s my student. I just see him as a friend, nothing more,” Eleanor said. “Honestly, I’m wondering if you’ve misunderstood something, or maybe you’ve just been listening to gossip?”
“I mean, there’s no smoke without fire,” Lila replied. “But now that I’ve met you, you don’t seem so bad. At least you’re not like that last girl–she was just annoying.
“Even if it was a misunderstanding, I helped you out by teaching her a lesson. No need to thank me–just don’t try to take Angust from me, and we’re good.”
“Eleanor, this woman is seriously scary. Come on, after all the times I’ve busted my butt for you, can’t you save me?” Angust looked at Eleanor with puppy–dog eyes.
Eleanor laughed. “Sorry, Angust, I really can’t help you with this one. When it comes to feelings, you’ve got to figure it out yourself.”
“Eleanor, I like you.” Angust suddenly dropped his usual loosey–goosey act and got serious. “I love the way you stream, the way your eyes light up when you talk about traditional crafts.
“Watching your streams doesn’t feel like you’re selling stuff–it’s like you’re just sharing what you love. And when I found out you came from money but still chose to start your own business, you became my idol. That’s why I came to you.”
“Angust, that’s not love–it’s admiration,” Eleanor said. “You just don’t want to be tied down by your family, and I happened to show up at the right time. That’s why you think you like me.”
“No, that’s not it.” Angust shook his head. “Eleanor, there’s something I have to say today. Remember that time you saw me get out of the Benz? I did that on purpose. I wanted you to know I’m not just some regular guy.
“If my family hadn’t faked being sick to trick me into going back and then kept me on a tight leash, I would’ve come looking for you a long time ago.
“And if I’d seen that jerk Chris treat you the way he did, I would’ve stepped in and taken you from him. No doubt about it.”
Eleanor was a bit surprised–she’d rarely seen Angust this serious. In her mind, he was always joking around, like nothing ever got to him. When Angust said all this, Tyler’s brows furrowed. He grabbed Eleanor’s hand, lacing their fingers together.
Lila’s face turned gloomy. She pressed her lips together, refusing to let the tears fall. She picked up the glass and downed the lemon water in one go–the sour, bitter taste matched her mood perfectly. “I’m going to use the restroom.” Lila walked
away.
*****
Lila slipped into the restroom, pulled out a cigarette, and was just about to light up when the door swung open and Eleanor walked in.
Lila paused. She knew deep down this wasn’t EXSuccessfully unlocked!vey Angust acted just now, she couldn’t help feeling a little annoyed with Eleanor. Lila’s face was frosty What do you want?”
“If your fans saw you like this, it’d totally ruin your image.” Eleanor took the cigarette from Lila’s hand. “I get how you feel, though.”
“What do you mean?”
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Chapter 82 Marriage License
“Having a crush on someone you grew up with, only to find out they don’t feel the same way, Eleanor said, her voice soft. “I ve been there. I gave up my own dreams for him, spent seven years by his side, did everything I could.
“And in the end, all I got was him telling me I made him sick.” Eleanor let out a long breath. Now, she could talk about it calmly–the pain had faded, and it barely stung anymore.
“You’ve been there?” Lila looked at Eleanor. “But you don’t seem sad at all.”
“Oh, it hurt. But eventually, I realized he wasn’t worth it. If a guy’s not worth it, I’m not wasting my time or feelings on him,” Eleanor said. “Look at me now–I dumped him and ended up marrying his uncle. Netoo shabby, right?”
Lila’s eyes went wide, and she looked at Eleanor with newfound admiration. “Suddenly, I get why that jerk liked you. Honestly, I think I’m starting to like you too. But… folks outside, they don’t think you were plotting to marry Tyler all along, do they?”
Eleanor laughed. “Sometimes, I wonder myself why I said yes. If Tyler hadn’t shown up back then, I probably would’ve gone back to the place I loved, with friends who shared my dreams.
“Work is so much better than men, honestly. A woman can live without a man, but she should never live without her own career. Even if you don’t make much, it’s still worth it.”
Lila nodded. “Yeah, I think so. So, why did you marry Tyler?”
Eleanor said, “It seemed like a coincidence, but honestly, it wasn’t. After he confessed to me, I realized a few things. What looked like chance was actually him scheming all along.
“Even if I hadn’t agreed, he would’ve found some other way to get me to say yes. I totally fell for his tricks.”
“So… he was already into you back then?”
“Yeah, he does. I just never noticed before. When the timing’s right, you’ll meet the person you’re meant to be with,” Eleanor said. “If you and Angust are really meant to be, you’ll end up together. If not, you’ll definitely find someone even better.” “But I grew up with him,” Lila said, biting her lip. “I always thought I’d end up marrying him.”
Eleanor patted Lila’s shoulder. “Angust isn’t like Chris, you know. He’s really not that bad. Oh, and do you know who stole my ex–fiancé?”
“Who was it?”
“My family’s adopted daughter. You’ve met her before–she came to see you once.”
“So the rumors online were true,” Lila said. “Just so you know, I hit that woman on purpose, and it was actually Angust’s idea. Honestly, I really envy you.
“Angust never once stood up for me like that. But now that I know you don’t like Angust, I can finally relax. So, do you love your husband?”
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