Eleanor Shultz thought she had found true love with Bernard Laurence, but after five years of being his secret lover, she was left heartbroken and alone. Despite her gentle and submissive nature, she could not warm his heart. When she finally decided to move on and marry someone else, Bernard unexpectedly returned and pressed her against a wall, kissing her with a fierce passion. As Eleanor struggled to understand Bernard's sudden change of heart, she must confront her own feelings and decide whether to follow her head or her heart in this steamy tale of love and desire.
Chapter 1 1
Bernard Laurence returned to the country, and his secret lover, Eleanor Shultz, was promptly taken to Rosewood Manor as per their agreement. She had to be completely clean without any trace of perfume or makeup before seeing him. She followed his preferences exactly, washing herself up and then putting on a silky nightgown before heading to the bedroom on the second floor.
When she entered, Bernard was sitting in front of his computer dealing with work. He glanced at her and said, "Come here." His voice was cold and devoid of emotion, weighing heavily on Eleanor's heart.
Bernard was an aloof man prone to mood swings, and Eleanor feared his bad temper. She quickly walked up to him. Before she could even get settled, Bernard pulled her into his embrace, his long fingers grabbing her chin. Bending down, he kissed her hard on the lips.
Bernard was never one for small talk. Making love to her was his only purpose when they met. Despite his noble appearance, he wouldn't go easy on her after being away on business for three months.
As she expected, when she woke up, he was gone, but she could hear the sound of water trickling in the bathroom. She noticed a tall figure reflected on the frosted glass and was taken aback. In the past, he would always leave as soon as he finished, never staying until she woke up. What was different this time?
Feeling tired, she sat up in bed, silently waiting for the man to appear. After a few minutes, the sound of water ceased, and he emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Water droplets fell from his hair onto his skin, tracing a path down his well-defined abs, exuding a dangerously enticing appeal.
His face was chiseled and attractive, but his deep, indifferent eyes conveyed a sense of detachment. He looked good, yet the chilly aura surrounding him made people think twice about approaching.
Noticing that she was awake, Bernard glanced at her with a cold stare. "You don't need to come anymore," he said abruptly.
Eleanor paused, perplexed by his words. Without looking at her, Bernard handed her a document. "This contract is terminated ahead of schedule."
Seeing the agreement, Eleanor finally realized the truth: Bernard was ending their relationship.
So he didn't leave right away, not because he was reluctant to part, but because he wanted to break up. They had been together for five years, and she knew this day would come eventually, but she never thought it would end like this. There was no explanation, no reason, just a simple notification. Suppressing the pain in her heart, Eleanor looked up at Bernard as he changed into his clothes.
"The contract's only got half a year left, can't you wait for a longer time?"
She had three months left to live, according to the doctor. She wanted to stay by his side until the very end. Bernard remained silent, his eyes cold and devoid of any hesitation, as if he were disposing of a worn-out object. Eleanor realized her predicament in the face of his silence.
Despite five years passing, she had been unable to capture his heart. It was time for her to wake up from this illusion. Accepting the contract, she mustered a forced laugh and tried to appear calm and satisfied. "Don't take it so seriously. I was just joking," she said. Then, she added, "Actually, I've been wanting to leave you for a while now. I'm glad the contract is ending early."
Bernard paused, buttoning up his sleeves, as he looked at Eleanor's emotionless face that seemed to hold a hint of excitement. It appeared that she felt relieved. He frowned, asking with an indifferent tone, "You've wanted to leave me for a long time?"
Eleanor casually nodded. "Yes, I'm not getting any younger. I should be getting married and having kids, not following you around without any status, right?"
In reality, marriage and children were no longer possible for her. But in front of Bernard, she wanted to preserve her dignity. Mustering strength, she smiled and asked Bernard, "Since the contract's over, can I get a boyfriend now?"
Bernard's eyes were difficult to read. He looked at her silently before reaching for his wristwatch on the bedside table and walking towards the door.
"Okay then," he said, as his final comment.
Eleanor's smile faded as she watched him leave. Bernard didn't like anyone touching his belongings, but he didn't react when she mentioned wanting a boyfriend. It seemed like he was genuinely tired of her.
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