Eleanor nodded.


    "What did you two talk about?"n surprised her by actually showing some interest.


    She replied mildly, "Nothing much."


    Meanwhile, Eleanor''s mind wandered back through old memories. How had she managed to get hold ofn''s phone in the past? Sometimes she''d simply snatch it from him, other times she''d coax him yfully, or use the excuse of ordering takeout. Once, she''d even sent their daughter to "borrow" it for her.


    But now, after nearly four months of cold silence between them, she couldn''t think of a single way to get his phone without raising suspicion.


    Unless things warmed up between them.


    But that would mean she''d have to make the first movepromise, seek peace, maybe even give in to his demands as a husband.


    "How about we pick up Evelyn and go out for dinner tonight?" Eleanor finally decided to enlist their daughter for help.


    "Evelyn''s noting home tonight," Ian said.


    Eleanor blinked. "But she has school tomorrow!"


    "My mother will bring her in the morning."


    Eleanor wanted to protest, butn looked up and said, "Let''s go out for dinner tonight, just the two of us."


    She could tell he was trying to smooth things over too, which left her feeling unexpectedly conflicted.


    She''d often wondered whyn refused to divorce. She figured there were two reasons: first, she was like an old habitforting but unremarkable, and he wanted to keep the family together for Evelyn''s sake. Second, Vanessa, his girlfriend, was smart and amodating, content to stay on the sidelines and never make a fuss. Son got to keep his picture-perfect family at home and his colorful love life outside.


    "Alright," Eleanor agreed.


    She was willing to y along-for now-to get what she needed.


    That afternoon, she worked on some paperwork in her upstairs study. Ian stayed home as well, not venturing out.


    At half past five,n knocked on her door. "We should get going."


    She answered, "Okay."


    "Put on a dress," he added.


    Eleanor hadn''t worn a dress in a long time, but since he''d asked, she went into the walk-in closet. It was April, spring in full bloom-the perfect season for something light and flowy.


    She chose a yellow floral dress with a cinched waist and a fluttery skirt. She let her hair down and put on a touch of makeup before heading downstairs with her purse.<fn5d7a> Get full chapters from Find★Novel</fn5d7a>


    He gripped it tightly, leading her to the car. At the curb, she slipped her hand free and climbed into the passenger seat.


    They drove toward the city center, the skyline glowing in the golden dusk.


    Eleanor propped her chin on her hand, lost in thought. Ian handed her the menu; she nced over it and named a few dishes.


    He ordered a few more and then leaned back, arms folded, studying her in the warm light-his gaze more assessing than affectionate.


    Eleanor turned her attention to the city lights outside, trying her best to ignore him.


    Just then,n''s phone rang. He nced at the screen. "I need to take this."


    "Who is it?" Eleanor asked suddenly.