Eleanor thought about Magdalen being home alone and decided it was time to go visit her.


    Eleanor said to Serena, "Alright, you can ride with me."


    "Thanks, Ellie." A littleter, Serena had two gifts delivered by courier.


    At five o''clock, Serena got into Eleanor''s car to head home. Watching the scenery fly by, she felt as if she''d been given a new lease on life, with Eleanor as her savior.


    "Ellie, even after you get married, can we still be friends?" Serena asked suddenly, as if afraid Eleanor would cut her offpletely.


    Eleanor kept her eyes on the road, her voice calm. "You''re Evelyn''s aunt. That will never change."


    Serena''s heart warmed, and her eyes stung a little. She said softly, "Ellie, I know that saying sorry a million times won''t erase the stupid things I''ve done."


    "It''s all in the past," Eleanor said, ncing at her. "You have to look forward."


    Serena pressed her lips together and nodded, swallowing the words she wanted to say. She understood that apologies were useless; actions would speak louder than any further words.


    Serena wanted to ask about Mansfield, but didn''t dare. She also wanted to ask aboutn, but was afraid of Eleanor''s reaction.


    So she remained quiet as the car headed toward Goodwin Manor.


    When Eleanor''s car pulled into the driveway, Magdalen came out, holding Evelyn''s hand. As soon as Serena got out, Evelyn ran happily into her arms, shouting, "Auntie!"


    Serena''s eyes immediately turned red. She hugged her little niece. "Let Auntie give you a kiss."


    Magdalen walked over to Eleanor. "Ellie, you''re here too! This is wonderful. The house hasn''t been this lively in ages."


    Eleanor stepped forward, concerned. "Grandma, how have you been feeling?"


    "I''m doing great! I just miss having you all home," Magdalen said, taking Eleanor''s hand, her eyes filled with joy.


    Just then,n came out of the house. The evening light cast a glow on him, his ck shirt and pants making his graying hair stand out even more.


    "Look,n''s been so busytely, his hair''s turned gray." Magdalen turned to see him, and her eyes suddenly welled up with tears of sympathy.


    Just a little while ago, she had secretly gone upstairs to cry. It hadn''t even been that long since she''dst seen her grandson, and now it was like his ham had turned wate overnight.


    Serena saw her grandmother wiping away her tears. She desperately wanted to tell


    her thatn''s gray hair wasn''t from overwork, but from losing Eleanor.


    Of course, she couldn''t bring herself to tell her the truth.


    Eleanor wanted tofort her too, but she didn''t know what to say.


    The old woman cleaned her tears and forced a smile. "It''s just his hair. He still looks strong Come on,


    fet


    go inside! I''ve made all your favorite dishes!"


    Serena took the gifts and went with Evelyn to unwrap them, whilen sat on the


    sofa, watching the old woman offer Eleanor some fruit.


    "You should have some fruit too. Don''t just think about work all day you need to get proper nutrition," the woman said, cing a te of fruit in front of him.  fo


    "I''ll go check on the food in the kitchen. You two talk," Magdalen said, getting up, clearly intending to give them some space.


    Just then, Eleanor''s phone rang. She nced at it, put down the orange she was peeling, and answered.


    "Hello, Mansfield," she said, getting up and walking into the sunroom.