The light in the underground garage was dim, but Eleanor could clearly see the sincerity and deep affection in Xavier''s eyes. She froze for a moment.


    His confession was so open and sincere it felt cruel to refuse, but Eleanor''s heart was a tangle ofplicated, heavy emotions. The recent discovery of her daughter''s potential gic risk filled her with an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Xavier''s deration, as kind as it was, felt like an unbearable weight at the most inopportune time.


    She lowered her gaze for a few seconds, avoiding his intense stare. When she looked up again, her eyes held only gratitude.


    "Xavier, thank you. You''re awesome, really. And I''m honored you feel that way about me. But I''m just not in that ce where I can be in a rtionship. I''m sorry."


    Her gaze drifted toward the car door, her expression softening with a quiet resolve. "All of my energy, my entire focus, has to be on Evelyn and my work. I can''t afford any distractions, and I simply don''t have the space in my life to start something new."


    She kept the truth about her daughter''s potential condition to herself. Evelyn''s future was hers to protect, a burden she couldn''t and wouldn''t ask anyone else to share.


    The light in Xavier''s eyes dimmed slightly, though her rejection didn''t seem to surprise him. He had long sensed the heavy burdens she carried beneath her strong, independent exterior. He desperately wanted to help her carry some of that weight, to keep her from facing it all alone.


    "I was too forward," he said, his voice low. "It''s okay. We can still be friends. And


    my offer still stands—if you ever need anything, I''ll be there for you."


    His grace and understanding filled Eleanor with a pang of guilt, but also a profound sense of relief.


    His gaze remained on her. "You said you can''t be in a rtionship with anyone right now. Does that include Major General Ellington?"


    Eleanor''s hand, which had been about to open the door, paused.


    She met his eyes and gave a slight nod. Then, a thought urred to her. "Xavier, you''re surrounded by so many wonderful women. You should open your eyes to them."


    For some reason, this made him smile. Despite the rejection, he didn''t seem upset. It was as if something in her words had managed to soothe him.


    "Alright," he said with a light chuckle. "I''ll keep that in mind."


    He didn''t press the matter further. Instead, he thoughtfully opened the car door for her. "Get the little one home to bed."


    As Eleanor carefully lifted her sleeping daughter, Xavier hovered protectively nearby, ready to catch them if she stumbled. He closed the door then walked over to calf the elevator, pressing the button for her floor before stepping back.


    Holding her daughter in her arms felt like holding an immense responsibility. Right now, all she felt for Xavier was a deep sense of apology. Until Evelyns Future was certain, she had neither the desire nor the right to pursue a new rtionship. Her heart was already full, leaving no room for anyone else.


    Xavier deserved someone who could love him wholeheartedly, without any reservations.


    When she got back to her apartment, Joslyn was there to gently take Evelyn and carry her to her room. Eleanor''s arms ached, but her heart was filled with a sense of peace.


    A few dayster, with the New Year fast approaching, the city was alive with festive cheer. But the


    celebratory atmosphere was


    shattered by a sudden news bulletin


    sent shockwaves across


    thats


    country.


    The Vice President had died suddenly during a conference.


    The following day, a press conference announced that Secretary of State Garth


    Ellington would serve as the acting Vice President.