Vanessa arched a brow and dialed a number. When the call connected, her voice turned silky sweet. "Ian, are you here yet?"


    She made sure to speak loud enough for Joy and Eleanor to overhear.


    Joy clenched her jaw in frustration. "What doesn even see in her? If he''s lost his mind, maybe he should get it checked out."


    Just then, Mildred and Mrs. Ellington approached. Eleanor stepped forward with a polite greeting. "Mildred."


    "Eleanor, I''m heading out now. You enjoy the rest of the day with your friend. Next time, you muste over for dinner," Mildred said warmly.


    Eleanor couldn''t refuse in front of everyone, so she smiled graciously. "Of course, Mildred. Have a wonderful afternoon."


    Mildred turned to Joy as well. "You too, Joy. I haven''t forgotten how much you helpedst time."


    "Oh, it was nothing, really," Joy replied, waving off the thanks.


    After Mildred left, Eleanor and Joy made their way toward the golf course in the back, both carrying extra sets of athletic clothes just for this.


    The fairway was lush and green, the sky overcast, making the day pleasantly cool. Eleanor gripped her club, swinging a few times, though her skill left much to be desired.


    As she readied herself for another attempt, a shuttle cart pulled up not far behind them.


    n, look at the view over there! Let''s check it out!" Vanessa''s voice rang out. She''d changed into a bright yellow tracksuit, her ponytail swinging high. Ian and Henry were right by her side.


    Joy rolled her eyes. "Talk about a bad penny."


    Eleanor calmly looked away and focused on adjusting her stance. She raised her club, but embarrassingly enough, didn''t even graze the ball.


    "Come on, you got this!" Joy cheered her on.


    Eleanor was just here for fun anyway-she was a total beginner.


    A few yards away,n watched them, dressed sharply in deep gray casual wear that made him look all the more striking.


    Just then, another car pulled up, and Xavier stepped out, dressed in sleek gray athletic gear, obviously here for a round of golf as well.


    Joy nudged Eleanor, tugging on her sleeve. "Look, your Prince Charming just arrived."


    Eleanor whirled around, startled to see Xavier.


    Xavier shot a greeting eyebrow-raise toward Henry and the others, but his steps were already carrying him straight toward Eleanor and Joy.


    Across the green,n''s gaze sharpened, a sudden ray of sunlight casting shifting shadows across his chiseled face.


    The clouds had parted, butn''s mood only grew darker.


    After all, watching his closest friend and ex-wife meet up for a private game was enough to sour anyone''s day.