Eleanor paused, then smiled. "No need, I''ll be right down."
Eleanor grabbed her bag and went downstairs. As she stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor, she saw a tall, upright figure standing a few meters away. He wasn''t looking at his phone, but waiting patiently and attentively.
Their eyes met, and he couldn''t help but break into a smile.
Looking at him, Eleanor felt a pang of guilt. Thest time he hade all this way
to see her, she hadn''t even offered him a meal.
"Long time no see," Eleanor said, looking up at him. She then noticed a scar, a few centimeters long, next to his forehead. It wasn''t very obvious, but it had clearly been stitched.
Eleanor immediately stepped closer to get a better look at the wound. "How did you get this?"
Mansfield touched the spot. "A bullet grazed me. It''s nothing, just a minor injury."
Eleanor''s breath caught in her throat for a few seconds, unable to imagine how dangerously close that bullet must havee to his eye.
"Did I scare you?" Mansfield suddenly felt a bit regretful, realizing he shouldn''t have told her that.
Eleanor nodded. "That is a little scary, yes."
To him, it was a routine part of his job, but for Eleanor, she barely had the courage to even hear about it.
"Come on, get in the car. I brought you something."
Eleanor nodded and followed him to his SUV. When she opened the door, she saw a box of tiramisu sitting on the center console. She smiled and picked it up. "You remembered I like this?"
Mansfield raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Of course I remember. I picked a restaurant for tonight. We''ll see if you like it."
Mansfield drove through the bustling streets of Kingston, eventually stopping in a quiet alley.
"This private kitchen is very hard to book, but I have a feeling you''ll like it." He led Eleanor through a sandalwood gate.
with
Behind the gate was another world entirely. An elegant courtyard was adorned with stonenterns, and the sound of flowing water mingled the music of a traditional zither, creating an atmosphere far removed from the city''s hustle and bustle. Cóntent
The owner personally came to greet them. "Mr. Ellington, the private room you reserved is ready."
From the owner''s respectful demeanor towards Mansfield, Eleanor could tell that this was no ordinary restaurant. It was a ce that catered to distinguished and influential guests.
Eleanor and Mansfield entered a private room with a window overlooking a meticulously manicuredndscape of rookeries and flowing water. Eleanor couldn''t help but praise it. "It''s beautiful here."
"I''m d you like it." Mansfield sat down, his gaze deep as he looked at her. It had been less than three
months since theyst saw each months si other, but to him, it felt like a very long time.
Resting her chin on her hand, Eleanor asked, "So, on New Year''s Eve, you came specifically to say goodbye to me?"
Mansfield nodded, a little embarrassed. "Yes. Later, my team was rushing me, so I didn''t get a chance to tell you—"
Seeing that he was trying to take the me, Eleanor smiled guiltily. "It was my fault for not being a good host. I''m sorry."
"So, is Dr. Sutton nning on owing me a favor?" Mansfield asked with a mischievous grin. In the soft light, his handsome face showed a hint of boyish charm.
Eleanor paused, then smiled and pressed her lips together. "Alright, I owe you one." She picked up her teacup and asked, "Do you have to go on another mission soon?"
"I''ll be staying in the country for now." A smile shed in Mansfield''s eyes. "I managed to get a two-week leave-"
Eleanor was happy for him. "You should take a good long rest." As she spoke, she nced again at the scar on his forehead.
"In that case, can Ie over to your ce for a few meals?" Mansfield asked, his eyes shining brightly.
"You''re wee anytime," Eleanor nodded, clearly still feeling guilty about sending him away that night.
Mansfield instantly broke into a wide smile, as happy as a child who had just received a gift.