Chapter 29

Chapter29

"Did you hear what I said, Nathaniel?" Clara's sharp tone cut through the sterile hospital air.

Eleanor froze at the door, her grip tightening on the lunchbox. So Nathaniel was here too.

His voice was calm, almost detached. "Grandma, we agreed not to discuss this."

"Agreements change when promises are broken!" Clara's voice rose, then broke into a fit of coughing.

"Grandma Clara!" Isabella rushed to her side, her movements graceful even in panic.

"I'm fine," Clara waved her off. "Nathaniel, you're my only grandson. I only want what's best for you. Your mother used the Amity Group shares to force your hand before, but now you're free. You should consider ending this farce with Eleanor."

Silence.

Eleanor didn't wait for Nathaniel's response. She pushed the door open, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. The room's occupants turned in unison.

Isabella had been gazing at Nathaniel with that familiar, adoring look. At Eleanor's entrance, her expression shifted to one of feigned concern. "Eleanor!" she exclaimed, rising gracefully.

Ignoring her, Eleanor placed the lunchbox on the table. "Victoria sent this. It's soup."

Clara's eyes narrowed. "What's with that attitude?"

Eleanor looked up, a tight smile on her lips. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. If you're so reluctant, don't bother coming. I've never seen such disrespect—"

"Fine."

Before Clara could finish, Eleanor turned on her heel.

The room froze.

Nathaniel moved first, his hand closing around her wrist. "Eleanor," his voice was low, dangerous.

She met his gaze, unflinching. "What? I'm clearly not wanted here."

"Apologize to Grandma," he commanded, ignoring her words.

Eleanor's fists clenched at her sides. The air between them crackled with tension.

Isabella approached, her voice trembling with false concern. "Eleanor, please. Grandma Clara is in the hospital because of you. She's still your elder. You shouldn't—" Her voice broke, tears welling up in her eyes.

The contrast was stark - Isabella, the picture of delicate concern; Eleanor, cold and unyielding.

Clara scoffed. "Don't bother! I don't need her apologies. I just need her out of my sight!"

Eleanor's lips curved into a bitter smile. "Gladly." She turned to Nathaniel, her voice steady. "Let go of me."

For a moment, his grip tightened. Then, with a sharp exhale, he released her. Eleanor walked out, her head held high, the echo of her heels fading down the corridor.

Behind her, Clara's voice carried through the open door. "You see, Nathaniel? This is exactly why you need to end this marriage. That woman is nothing but trouble!"

The door swung shut, cutting off the rest. Eleanor didn't look back.",

Eleanor stood frozen, her heart pounding. Nathaniel's grip on her arm tightened, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Eleanor," he repeated, his tone laced with warning.

She closed her eyes briefly, then turned to face Clara Montgomery. The room fell silent as Eleanor spoke, her voice steady but laced with resignation. "I apologize, Mrs. Montgomery."

The formal address sent a ripple of shock through the room. Nathaniel's jaw tightened, his fingers digging into her arm, but Eleanor didn't flinch. She continued, her words cutting through the tension like a knife. "You were right. I'm not fit to be your grandson's wife. There's nothing holding him to me now, and I won't force myself on someone who clearly doesn't want me."

Clara blinked, momentarily stunned. "Are you saying...?"

Eleanor met her gaze head-on, her voice firm. "I'm willing to divorce Nathaniel."

The declaration hung in the air, heavy and final. Nathaniel's grip on her arm loosened, his expression unreadable. Eleanor stepped back, her heart aching but her resolve unshaken. She had made her choice, and there was no turning back.",