Chapter 12

Chapter12

In the end, Nathaniel didn't take Eleanor to the mansion. After making his intentions clear, he left her at a random street corner. Before she could even steady herself, his black Porsche had already disappeared into the distance. This didn’t surprise her, but she couldn’t help clenching her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The sharp pain was a reminder—never to hold onto hope when it came to Nathaniel.

Since she was already out, Eleanor decided to do some shopping. But luck wasn’t on her side. As soon as she stepped into the mall, she ran into someone she despised.

"Well, well, if it isn’t Mrs. Carter!" Olivia sneered, her grin widening. "What a surprise! I didn’t think someone as refined as you would be caught dead in a place like this."

Olivia, Isabella’s best friend, had always been the one to torment Eleanor the most. While others had backed off after Eleanor married Nathaniel, Olivia only grew more vicious.

Eleanor tried to walk past her, but Olivia blocked her path. "Where are you rushing off to? Why don’t you join me for some shopping? Or are you too good for that?"

Eleanor met her gaze coldly. "I’m afraid I don’t have time for this."

Olivia smirked. "Oh, do you have a secret date? Or is it your lover you’re hiding?"

Eleanor’s voice was calm but sharp. "Ms. Davenport, you’re an educated woman, aren’t you?"

Olivia blinked, caught off guard. "Of course I am! What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Then you should know the consequences of spreading lies. Did your parents and teachers raise you to slander others?" Eleanor’s tone was steady, her eyes locked on Olivia’s.

Olivia’s face flushed with anger. "Eleanor Thompson, you have no right to talk down to me! You’re just a nobody from the countryside!"

"I didn’t start this," Eleanor replied coolly. "But since you’re blocking my way, I’ll finish it. Got it?"

Olivia’s face turned red, but before she could retort, Isabella hurried over from a nearby store. She grabbed Olivia’s arm, her voice trembling. "Olivia, please, don’t fight with Eleanor."

Isabella avoided Eleanor’s gaze, her timid demeanor making it seem like she was the victim of Eleanor’s cruelty. Olivia, however, wasn’t having it. "I can’t stand her! She’s so smug, and she owes everything to you, Isabella! You’re the one who gave up Nathaniel for her!"

"Stop it," Isabella whispered, tugging at Olivia’s arm. She kept her head low as she shuffled toward Eleanor. "I’m sorry, Eleanor. Olivia can be... impulsive. But she’s a good person. Please don’t take it to heart. If it’s not enough, I’ll apologize on her behalf."

This only fueled Olivia’s anger. "Why are you apologizing? She’s the one who started it!"

Isabella’s voice quivered as she continued, "Olivia, please. Eleanor isn’t well. She was at the hospital this morning..."

Eleanor’s eyes widened in surprise. How did Isabella know about her hospital visit? Then it hit her—Nathaniel must have told her.

"The hospital?" Olivia paused, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Oh, I see. Mrs. Carter must have been at the fertility clinic, right? Poor Nathaniel. Not only did he marry a woman he doesn’t love, but she’s also *barren*!"

Eleanor’s heart sank, but she refused to let it show. She straightened her shoulders, her voice steady. "You’re wrong, Olivia. But even if I were, it’s none of your business. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do than entertain your petty insults."

With that, Eleanor turned and walked away, leaving Olivia fuming and Isabella staring after her with an unreadable expression.",