Xavier had just released her. Noticing her grip was off, he stepped behind her again, his tall frame nearly enveloping her as he gently instructed, "Rx your wrists a little more."


    "That''s it—just like that!"


    Once Xavier stepped back, Eleanor swung again, sending the ball flying with surprising uracy. Joy, watching from the side, pped her hands in delight. "Wow, Ellie! Having a coach really makes a difference!"


    Eleanor was dressed in a pale pink athletic outfit today, her hair pulled up into a high bun, with a few wisps framing her delicate face. The pleated skirt revealed long, slender legs entuated by white sneakers, and under the afternoon sun, she seemed almost radiant.


    Xavier, you''re amazing. I can''t believe you taught Eleanor-all it took was one lesson!" Vanessa called out as she joined the group, her tone yful.


    Xavier gave her a nod. "You looked pretty good out there yourself. Who taught you?"


    Vanessa smiled slyly, ncing-perhaps a little too obviously-over atn. "I''ve been practicing a lot, actually."


    Joy caught the exchange and smirked to herself. Son''s been giving Vanessa some private lessons, huh? Teaching someone golf was always a little flirtatious, and clearly,n hadn''t been shy about helping her out.


    Eleanor, meanwhile, kept her focus on her swing. With another clean drive, the ball soared down the fairway. Joy pped again. "Nice! You''re really getting the hang of this!"


    Vanessa raised her voice just a notch. "Eleanor, you''re learning so fast! Are you sure you''re a beginner?"


    The implication was obvious: Eleanor had pretended to be clueless just so Xavier would teach her himself.


    He set up his own shot, face unreadable, and sent the ball flying with practiced precision,nding it squarely on the green.


    He turned to Eleanor suddenly and asked, "I thought you didn''t like golf."


    Eleanor brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her voice cool. "What does it matter to you?"


    Without waiting for a response, she took another swing. Ian watched where her ballnded, raising an eyebrow. "Xavier''s a good teacher."


    Right then, Xavier stepped in at just the right moment. "Eleanor, is there anything you''re still unsure about?"


    "I think I''m missing the right spot for my swing."


    Xavier smiled. “Let me show you again." With that, he gently wrapped his arms around her, guiding her hands and stance. “Come on, I''ll teach you how to putt."


    The sight of the two of them, so close, darkenedn''s expression. He remembered bringing Eleanor to the golf course before, but back then, she''d had no interest in learning. Even when he''d offered to teach her, she''d just sat on the sidelines, content to watch him y. He could still recall her standing behind him, eyes full of admiration and pride.


    Now, Eleanor stood in Xavier''s embrace, epting his guidance without hesitation.


    From the sidelines, Joy watchedn and frowned, puzzled. Was she imagining things, or did he actually look jealous?


    That couldn''t be right.


    But, thinking about it, it made sense. Ian was the kind of man who radiated control and possessiveness, whether or not Eleanor was still his wife. Deep down, he probably still thought of her as his and his alone.


    Just then, Vanessa sent another ball flying with a wless swing. She turned, beaming atn. "Ian, what do you think of that shot?"