For six years, Eleanor Sutton played the perfect wife—devoted, selfless, invisible. Until she discovered her husband Ian Goodwin’s dirty secret: a glittering mistress stashed abroad, lavished with everything Eleanor was denied. She’d believed even the coldest heart could be thawed. Until the day his mistress won an international award, celebrated with champagne and flashing cameras… while their daughter fought for her life in a sterile OR. That was the day Eleanor woke up. She tore her love from him like a bandage off a wound—no hesitation, no looking back. The divorce papers were signed before his mistress’s victory champagne went flat. But Eleanor wasn’t done. Now, with nothing left to lose, the former housewife went back to school, enduring sleepless nights and patronizing professors. Her comeback wasn't pretty—it was war. Yet within years, her groundbreaking research shook the medical world. Academic journals fought for her papers, international awards piled up, and suddenly, Dr. Sutton was the name on everyone's lips. And when she finally allowed herself to smile again—to love again—the man who’d once treated her as an afterthought cracked. Ian Goodwin, the controlled, calculating tycoon, fell to his knees. His voice trembled: "Eleanor… don’t leave me." Too late. The surgeon had already cut him out of her heart.

Chapter 1Ashford City.A night of torrential rain.Eleanor Sutton dialed her husband Ian Goodwin's number.The call went through, but he didn't pick up.Curled against her chest, their daughter burned with fever—her temperature spiking to 104 degrees—and in her delirium, kept crying, "Daddy, Daddy, I want Daddy…"Eleanor hurried downstairs, clutching her feverish child, and called out to the nanny, "Joslyn, we need to go to the hospital.""Should we wait for Mr. Goodwin to come home?" Joslyn asked, worried."No."Tonight was the birthday of Ian's old flame. He wouldn't be coming home.The rain outside was icy, but Eleanor's heart felt colder. Her daughter's cheeks were bright red and she whimpered in pain, yet her father was off celebrating with another woman.Eleanor sped through the storm toward the hospital, anxiety clawing at her. With her foot nearly flooring the accelerator, she had only a split second to react as a car careened wildly into her lane. She hit the hazard lights and slammed on the brakes, but the oncoming vehicle kept charging straight at them.Eleanor jerked the steering wheel, the front of her car slamming into the curb.In the back seat, Joslyn clutched the child tighter and let out a terrified cry.Eleanor stomped on the brakes just in time. The car hit the stone post with a dull thud, but it wasn't a serious crash. Still, in that moment, Eleanor fell apart, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.All the years of hurt and unspoken sorrow crashed over her at once.Seeing Eleanor's shoulders shaking as she sobbed over the steering wheel, Joslyn's heart ached. "Mrs. Sutton, we need to get to the hospital! Evelyn feels even hotter now."Eleanor snapped out of her daze, remembering her daughter's fever. She pulled herself together, reversed the car, and drove on.At the hospital, Eleanor rushed in carrying her daughter. When the nurse tried to prick Evelyn's finger for a blood test, the little girl fought, screaming and crying until her voice broke. Eleanor had to hold her down, her own heart breaking with every sob.It was a viral infection—and not just one. At least seven aggressive viruses were raging through Evelyn's body. Her chest scan showed both lungs clouded over."I'm afraid this is life-threatening." the doctor said gravely. "We have to flush her lungs right away."Joslyn's hands began to tremble. "At her age...are you sure this is safe?"Eleanor took the scan from the doctor's hand, studying it. The doctor looked at her, surprised. "You can read this?"Eleanor nodded, decision made. "Please schedule the procedure as soon as her fever drops."Joslyn leaned in, whispering, "Perhaps...perhaps we should mention this to Mr. Goodwin?"Eleanor stroked her daughter's burning forehead and shook her head, voice steady. "That won't be necessary."In that moment, she seemed to have finally made a choice she'd been avoiding.Three days later.Eleanor sat at Evelyn's bedside after the procedure, watching her daughter sleep—her face pale, lips colorless. Eleanor's phone buzzed with a message: "Something you need?"Just two curt words, laced with cold arrogance.She set the phone down, not bothering to reply.In the kitchen, Joslyn's phone rang. She picked up quickly. "Hello, Mr. Goodwin.""Is something going on at home?" Ian asked.Joslyn hesitated. "No… nothing serious, sir. Are you still in the country?""I am.""Alright, everything's fine here. No need to worry."After the call ended, Joslyn muttered to herself, puzzled. Why wouldn't Mrs. Sutton let her tell Mr. Goodwin what had happened? He was here in the country, after all!Eleanor held Evelyn's tiny hand, her own eyes red and raw from exhaustion, but she couldn't sleep. Evelyn whimpered in her dreams, little hands reaching out. "Daddy… Miss Vanessa, I'm scared, I'm scared…"Eleanor squeezed her hand gently. "Mommy's here."Evelyn startled awake, and upon seeing Eleanor, turned away in frustration. "I don't want Mommy. I want Miss Vanessa."Eleanor blinked back tears, swallowing the lump in her throat as she gently stroked her daughter's back until the child's breathing eased into sleep once more.On the seventh day, Eleanor finally brought her daughter home from the hospital.Her body gave out. She asked Joslyn to watch Evelyn for a while so she could rest upstairs.When she woke an hour later and came downstairs, Joslyn looked uneasy. "Mrs. Sutton, you're awake. Mr. Goodwin stopped by just now. He took Evelyn out for dinner."Eleanor's throat tightened. She turned away, silent, and went back to her room.Downstairs, Joslyn sighed. With a husband like that, why did Mrs. Sutton have to bear everything alone?Eleanor picked up her phone and called Ian.This time, someone answered.A woman's cheerful voice came through. "Ian's just taken Evelyn to the restroom. Can I help you with something?"Eleanor's breath caught. She bit her lip and hung up.She closed her eyes. Years ago, despite her father's objections, she'd given up her studies and married the man she loved. In the end, it had left her utterly defeated.She remembered her father pulling her aside on her wedding day to ask if she'd ever regret her decision.She'd smiled brightly and promised, "Don't worry, Dad! I'll never regret this."So she'd thrown herself into marriage, leaving her ambitions behind.Two years ago, Eleanor found her daughter hiding out in Ian's room, secretly calling Vanessa Shannon—her husband's old flame. The two spoke to each other like mother and daughter.It was during that drive to the hospital that Eleanor finally understood.She regretted this marriage.It was time to let go. No amount of effort could sustain a union founded on unrequited love - such bonds were destined to unravel from their very inception.The rest of her life, she would spend learning to love herself.A new message chimed on her phone—a notification for a new email.Eleanor climbed to the third-floor study, opened her laptop, and checked her inbox.The sender was the Department of Experimental Medicine at Ashford Medical University.Eleanor closed her eyes and whispered, "Dad, you were right. Thank you for giving me a way out."In her mind, she heard her father's words from before he passed: "My daughter will never be a failure. Make me proud. Even if you're married, never stop learning."Six years. Eleanor had persevered, keeping her promise, studying in secret while no one else knew.At exactly eight, the door revealed Ian guiding their giggling daughter inside. Eleanor watched as their little girl, her hair in two playful pigtails, bounced into the foyer with a pink stuffed bunny clutched in her arms.Eleanor moved closer, wanting nothing more than to gather her up in a hug.But Evelyn's small hands pushed her away. She pouted, glaring up at her mother. "Hmph, I don't want a hug from you, Mommy."Eleanor's arms froze in midair, awkward and empty. At that moment, Ian knelt down beside their daughter, his tall frame folding gracefully as he spoke to her in a gentle, soothing voice. "Evelyn."Evelyn's lips trembled, and she buried her face into her father's embrace, her eyes growing red and watery.A sharp ache twisted in Eleanor's chest. Her five-year-old had spent three years under Vanessa's quiet influence—it was Eleanor's own fault, not Evelyn's.Swallowing hard, Eleanor managed to speak. "Joslyn, could you give Evelyn her bath in a bit?""Yes, ma'am," Joslyn replied with a nod.As soon as Eleanor stepped away, the living room filled with the sound of her daughter's delighted laughter and Ian's deep, affectionate voice.The media had called Ian a doting father on more than one occasion, and Eleanor couldn't have agreed more.Of all souls walking this earth, none held dominion over Ian's affections like his daughter - this was the first and last law of his heart.Leaning against the doorframe, Eleanor drifted into memory.Eight years earlier, Ian had been in a terrible car accident, left comatose for a year in his father's hospital. Eleanor, hopelessly in love with him, had taken a year off from college without a second thought and devoted herself to his care.When Ian finally woke, he accepted her confession. Despite his mother's fierce objections, he married Eleanor anyway. Their daughter was born a year later; it should have made their marriage perfect.But when Evelyn turned two, Ian's relentless business trips began, and Evelyn started to shy away from her mother for reasons Eleanor couldn't fathom.It took two years for her to realize that another woman had slipped into the role of mother in her daughter's life.Vanessa—a celebrated concert pianist, the darling of the art world, and Ian's long-cherished dream.Now, she was Mrs. Shannon in Evelyn's eyes, the subject of all her adoration.Ian never said he regretted marrying Eleanor, but his actions over the past two years spoke volumes.Eleanor wandered downstairs to get a glass of water. Just as she rounded the corner, she overheard Ian on the phone."Yeah, I know. I'll remind her to brush her teeth.""And don't forget to put ointment on your finger. Follow the doctor's orders and don't be stubborn."A bitter smile tugged at Eleanor's lips. He was talking to Vanessa.Vanessa always remembered to remind Evelyn about brushing her teeth. It wasn't hard to guess what that meant: Evelyn had probably had dinner with her tonight and indulged in plenty of sweets—Vanessa's favorite way to win her over.Ian, meanwhile, never objected. He just let it happen."Don't stay up late. Get some sleep. Goodnight." Ian finished the call and headed for the stairs.He turned, spotting Eleanor, and for a moment his handsome features stiffened. "You'll put Evelyn to bed tonight. I have a conference call and might be late."He glanced at the calendar, frowning slightly. "Today's the eighth.""I'll come to your room when I'm done." With that, Ian disappeared down the hall.The eighth—the scheduled night.She remembered the night she'd broken down in tears, demanding that they at least be together four times a month. Ian had agreed, marking it on the calendar: the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 26th. If he was home, he had to honor the arrangement."I'm exhausted. Let's just skip tonight," Eleanor called after his retreating figure.Later, Joslyn carried a freshly bathed Evelyn into the bedroom. Eleanor sat on the bed, waiting with her daughter's favorite picture book."Evelyn, come here. Mommy will read you a story," she said with a hopeful smile.Evelyn turned to Joslyn instead. "Auntie, I want my little dinosaur.""I'll go get it for you," Joslyn replied, stepping out.Eleanor waited patiently. Soon, Evelyn clambered onto the bed, hugging a plush dinosaur to her chest—a gift from Vanessa for her fourth birthday overseas. These days, Evelyn couldn't sleep without it.Under the warm light, Evelyn smelled sweet and clean from her bath, her hair soft and damp. Eleanor couldn't help but press a kiss to her daughter's head.But Evelyn immediately pushed her away. "Don't kiss me, Mommy."Eleanor's heart clenched."Evelyn…""You're never here for me. You don't buy me treats. You don't even like me. So I don't want to like you either." Evelyn crossed her arms and pouted defiantly.The pain in Eleanor's chest was almost physical. She reached out, wanting to comfort her, but Evelyn only grew more upset, her face crumpling as she let out a wailing cry. "Daddy, I want Daddy! I want Daddy to tuck me in!"It didn't take long for Ian's tall figure to appear in the doorway. Evelyn scrambled off the bed and ran straight into his arms. He scooped her up, his voice gentle. "What's wrong, sweetheart?""I want to sleep with you, Daddy. I don't want Mommy," Evelyn whimpered, snuggling close.Ian ruffled her hair, a soft chuckle in his voice. "Alright, Daddy will sleep with both of you tonight."Evelyn nodded eagerly.Eleanor shifted over, making space for them. Only then did Evelyn finally settle under the covers. Ian lay down on the other side, stretching out his arm so Evelyn could curl up against him.His arm was long, and as he settled in, his fingers brushed Eleanor's shoulder. She tensed, inching closer to the edge of the bed.Evelyn made a few contented, cat-like noises and burrowed into her father's warmth, quickly drifting off.Eleanor closed her eyes, quietly waiting for Ian to leave.About twenty minutes later, with Evelyn sound asleep, Ian gently withdrew his arm, tucked the blanket around his daughter, and bent to kiss her head.Eleanor knew he usually kissed her too, but she rolled over, turning her back to him.Once she heard his footsteps fade down the hall, Eleanor finally turned, reaching out to pull her daughter close.Evelyn's tiny hand found her mother's face, searching for comfort, that familiar, soft cheek pressing into Eleanor's embrace—just as she had as a baby.Eleanor rested her forehead against her daughter's, the little girl she'd carried for nine long months, the one she'd risked everything to bring into this world.If she could only take one thing from this marriage, it would be her daughter.Vanessa could have the title of Mrs. Goodwin if she wanted, but if she thought she could take Eleanor's little girl—she was sorely mistaken.Early the next morning, Eleanor put on her makeup and waited by Evelyn's bedside, cradling her daughter's favorite little dress.When Evelyn finally opened her eyes and saw her mother's gentle smile, she blinked sleepily, turned over, and curled up on her side like a kitten, her small face half-buried in the pillow."Evelyn, do you want to wear your pretty dress today?" Eleanor asked, her voice soft and warm.Evelyn rolled onto her back, her gaze falling on the pink princess dress. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"Eleanor dressed her daughter with loving care, then carried her downstairs. Ian was already waiting in the living room, sitting on the sofa. Taking Evelyn to school before heading to the office had become his daily routine."Daddy, do I look pretty?" Evelyn twirled in front of him, her eyes sparkling with delight.Ian's gaze softened with affection. Without hesitation, he praised her, "You look beautiful."He gathered Evelyn into his arms while Eleanor took the backpack from Joslyn, the housekeeper, and followed them out the door.The school was just outside their gated community—a prestigious, outrageously expensive private kindergarten in the heart of Ashford City.When they arrived, Evelyn hopped out of the car. Eleanor walked her to the entrance, adjusted her backpack, and knelt down to say, "I'll come pick you up early this afternoon. How about we bake a cake together when you get home?"Evelyn nodded enthusiastically, then waved goodbye and greeted the principal and her teachers before heading inside.Eleanor watched her daughter disappear through the doors, her heart brimming with tenderness. She turned to glance at the man waiting in the car. Sunlight and shadows danced across his face; he was as calm and enigmatic as ever. Yet, as always, Ian's eyes held a chill, the distant coldness of a winter's night, cool and impenetrable."I'll walk home," Eleanor said as she approached the driver's window. "You go on to work."At her words, Ian pressed his lips together, his long, elegant fingers turning the steering wheel with practiced ease. The black Rolls-Royce glided smoothly away, merging into the morning traffic.Eleanor watched his car disappear. Even after all these years of marriage, Ian remained a stranger to her.In the quiet chambers of her heart, she understood - what he mistook for affection was merely gratitude, a debt of kindness mistaken for love. Yet still she waited. Like a sailor's wife staring at empty horizons, she clung to foolish hope. Six years of tides had risen and fallen, six years of waiting for a love that never came ashore.Now, Eleanor no longer blamed anyone but herself—for choosing the wrong person, for living with the consequences.She walked home in silence. Joslyn met her at the door. "Ma'am, what would you like for breakfast?""Just boil me a couple of eggs and half an ear of corn," Eleanor replied quietly.Joslyn hesitated, surprised, then hurried to the kitchen. There was something different about Eleanor's expression today—colder, somehow, more distant than usual. And last night, there hadn't been any of the usual arguments between her and Mr. Ashford, either.Normally, when Ian stayed away for weeks at a time, Eleanor would be upset—especially now, after Evelyn's hospitalization. But this time, she hadn't said a word.Upstairs in her third-floor study, Eleanor sat lost in thought. Just a month ago, she'd stood onstage at the Montclair Medical Forum as the top graduate of her class, delivering a keynote speech that caught the attention of a hundred leading pharmaceutical companies. With a single nod, she could have joined any research lab, secured billions in funding, launched a brilliant career.But she had never spoken about that success—not at home, not to anyone. In the eyes of her family and the world, she was just a gilded bird trapped in a golden cage—a housewife with nothing to offer.And then there was Ian. At eighteen, he'd already become a star consultant on Wall Street. By twenty-three, he'd taken over the family firm, earning a ruthless reputation in the world of investment banking. In just four years, he'd climbed to the top of the national wealth rankings.Chapter 2Ashford City.A night of torrential rain.Eleanor Sutton dialed her husband Ian Goodwin's number.The call went through, but he didn't pick up.Curled against her chest, their daughter burned with fever—her temperature spiking to 104 degrees—and in her delirium, kept crying, "Daddy, Daddy, I want Daddy…"Eleanor hurried downstairs, clutching her feverish child, and called out to the nanny, "Joslyn, we need to go to the hospital.""Should we wait for Mr. Goodwin to come home?" Joslyn asked, worried."No."Tonight was the birthday of Ian's old flame. He wouldn't be coming home.The rain outside was icy, but Eleanor's heart felt colder. Her daughter's cheeks were bright red and she whimpered in pain, yet her father was off celebrating with another woman.Eleanor sped through the storm toward the hospital, anxiety clawing at her. With her foot nearly flooring the accelerator, she had only a split second to react as a car careened wildly into her lane. She hit the hazard lights and slammed on the brakes, but the oncoming vehicle kept charging straight at them.Eleanor jerked the steering wheel, the front of her car slamming into the curb.In the back seat, Joslyn clutched the child tighter and let out a terrified cry.Eleanor stomped on the brakes just in time. The car hit the stone post with a dull thud, but it wasn't a serious crash. Still, in that moment, Eleanor fell apart, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.All the years of hurt and unspoken sorrow crashed over her at once.Seeing Eleanor's shoulders shaking as she sobbed over the steering wheel, Joslyn's heart ached. "Mrs. Sutton, we need to get to the hospital! Evelyn feels even hotter now."Eleanor snapped out of her daze, remembering her daughter's fever. She pulled herself together, reversed the car, and drove on.At the hospital, Eleanor rushed in carrying her daughter. When the nurse tried to prick Evelyn's finger for a blood test, the little girl fought, screaming and crying until her voice broke. Eleanor had to hold her down, her own heart breaking with every sob.It was a viral infection—and not just one. At least seven aggressive viruses were raging through Evelyn's body. Her chest scan showed both lungs clouded over."I'm afraid this is life-threatening." the doctor said gravely. "We have to flush her lungs right away."Joslyn's hands began to tremble. "At her age...are you sure this is safe?"Eleanor took the scan from the doctor's hand, studying it. The doctor looked at her, surprised. "You can read this?"Eleanor nodded, decision made. "Please schedule the procedure as soon as her fever drops."Joslyn leaned in, whispering, "Perhaps...perhaps we should mention this to Mr. Goodwin?"Eleanor stroked her daughter's burning forehead and shook her head, voice steady. "That won't be necessary."In that moment, she seemed to have finally made a choice she'd been avoiding.Three days later.Eleanor sat at Evelyn's bedside after the procedure, watching her daughter sleep—her face pale, lips colorless. Eleanor's phone buzzed with a message: "Something you need?"Just two curt words, laced with cold arrogance.She set the phone down, not bothering to reply.In the kitchen, Joslyn's phone rang. She picked up quickly. "Hello, Mr. Goodwin.""Is something going on at home?" Ian asked.Joslyn hesitated. "No… nothing serious, sir. Are you still in the country?""I am.""Alright, everything's fine here. No need to worry."After the call ended, Joslyn muttered to herself, puzzled. Why wouldn't Mrs. Sutton let her tell Mr. Goodwin what had happened? He was here in the country, after all!Eleanor held Evelyn's tiny hand, her own eyes red and raw from exhaustion, but she couldn't sleep. Evelyn whimpered in her dreams, little hands reaching out. "Daddy… Miss Vanessa, I'm scared, I'm scared…"Eleanor squeezed her hand gently. "Mommy's here."Evelyn startled awake, and upon seeing Eleanor, turned away in frustration. "I don't want Mommy. I want Miss Vanessa."Eleanor blinked back tears, swallowing the lump in her throat as she gently stroked her daughter's back until the child's breathing eased into sleep once more.On the seventh day, Eleanor finally brought her daughter home from the hospital.Her body gave out. She asked Joslyn to watch Evelyn for a while so she could rest upstairs.When she woke an hour later and came downstairs, Joslyn looked uneasy. "Mrs. Sutton, you're awake. Mr. Goodwin stopped by just now. He took Evelyn out for dinner."Eleanor's throat tightened. She turned away, silent, and went back to her room.Downstairs, Joslyn sighed. With a husband like that, why did Mrs. Sutton have to bear everything alone?Eleanor picked up her phone and called Ian.This time, someone answered.A woman's cheerful voice came through. "Ian's just taken Evelyn to the restroom. Can I help you with something?"Eleanor's breath caught. She bit her lip and hung up.She closed her eyes. Years ago, despite her father's objections, she'd given up her studies and married the man she loved. In the end, it had left her utterly defeated.She remembered her father pulling her aside on her wedding day to ask if she'd ever regret her decision.She'd smiled brightly and promised, "Don't worry, Dad! I'll never regret this."So she'd thrown herself into marriage, leaving her ambitions behind.Two years ago, Eleanor found her daughter hiding out in Ian's room, secretly calling Vanessa Shannon—her husband's old flame. The two spoke to each other like mother and daughter.It was during that drive to the hospital that Eleanor finally understood.She regretted this marriage.It was time to let go. No amount of effort could sustain a union founded on unrequited love - such bonds were destined to unravel from their very inception.The rest of her life, she would spend learning to love herself.A new message chimed on her phone—a notification for a new email.Eleanor climbed to the third-floor study, opened her laptop, and checked her inbox.The sender was the Department of Experimental Medicine at Ashford Medical University.Eleanor closed her eyes and whispered, "Dad, you were right. Thank you for giving me a way out."In her mind, she heard her father's words from before he passed: "My daughter will never be a failure. Make me proud. Even if you're married, never stop learning."Six years. Eleanor had persevered, keeping her promise, studying in secret while no one else knew.At exactly eight, the door revealed Ian guiding their giggling daughter inside. Eleanor watched as their little girl, her hair in two playful pigtails, bounced into the foyer with a pink stuffed bunny clutched in her arms.Eleanor moved closer, wanting nothing more than to gather her up in a hug.But Evelyn's small hands pushed her away. She pouted, glaring up at her mother. "Hmph, I don't want a hug from you, Mommy."Eleanor's arms froze in midair, awkward and empty. At that moment, Ian knelt down beside their daughter, his tall frame folding gracefully as he spoke to her in a gentle, soothing voice. "Evelyn."Evelyn's lips trembled, and she buried her face into her father's embrace, her eyes growing red and watery.A sharp ache twisted in Eleanor's chest. Her five-year-old had spent three years under Vanessa's quiet influence—it was Eleanor's own fault, not Evelyn's.Swallowing hard, Eleanor managed to speak. "Joslyn, could you give Evelyn her bath in a bit?""Yes, ma'am," Joslyn replied with a nod.As soon as Eleanor stepped away, the living room filled with the sound of her daughter's delighted laughter and Ian's deep, affectionate voice.The media had called Ian a doting father on more than one occasion, and Eleanor couldn't have agreed more.Of all souls walking this earth, none held dominion over Ian's affections like his daughter - this was the first and last law of his heart.Leaning against the doorframe, Eleanor drifted into memory.Eight years earlier, Ian had been in a terrible car accident, left comatose for a year in his father's hospital. Eleanor, hopelessly in love with him, had taken a year off from college without a second thought and devoted herself to his care.When Ian finally woke, he accepted her confession. Despite his mother's fierce objections, he married Eleanor anyway. Their daughter was born a year later; it should have made their marriage perfect.But when Evelyn turned two, Ian's relentless business trips began, and Evelyn started to shy away from her mother for reasons Eleanor couldn't fathom.It took two years for her to realize that another woman had slipped into the role of mother in her daughter's life.Vanessa—a celebrated concert pianist, the darling of the art world, and Ian's long-cherished dream.Now, she was Mrs. Shannon in Evelyn's eyes, the subject of all her adoration.Ian never said he regretted marrying Eleanor, but his actions over the past two years spoke volumes.Eleanor wandered downstairs to get a glass of water. Just as she rounded the corner, she overheard Ian on the phone."Yeah, I know. I'll remind her to brush her teeth.""And don't forget to put ointment on your finger. Follow the doctor's orders and don't be stubborn."A bitter smile tugged at Eleanor's lips. He was talking to Vanessa.Vanessa always remembered to remind Evelyn about brushing her teeth. It wasn't hard to guess what that meant: Evelyn had probably had dinner with her tonight and indulged in plenty of sweets—Vanessa's favorite way to win her over.Ian, meanwhile, never objected. He just let it happen."Don't stay up late. Get some sleep. Goodnight." Ian finished the call and headed for the stairs.He turned, spotting Eleanor, and for a moment his handsome features stiffened. "You'll put Evelyn to bed tonight. I have a conference call and might be late."He glanced at the calendar, frowning slightly. "Today's the eighth.""I'll come to your room when I'm done." With that, Ian disappeared down the hall.The eighth—the scheduled night.She remembered the night she'd broken down in tears, demanding that they at least be together four times a month. Ian had agreed, marking it on the calendar: the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 26th. If he was home, he had to honor the arrangement."I'm exhausted. Let's just skip tonight," Eleanor called after his retreating figure.Later, Joslyn carried a freshly bathed Evelyn into the bedroom. Eleanor sat on the bed, waiting with her daughter's favorite picture book."Evelyn, come here. Mommy will read you a story," she said with a hopeful smile.Evelyn turned to Joslyn instead. "Auntie, I want my little dinosaur.""I'll go get it for you," Joslyn replied, stepping out.Eleanor waited patiently. Soon, Evelyn clambered onto the bed, hugging a plush dinosaur to her chest—a gift from Vanessa for her fourth birthday overseas. These days, Evelyn couldn't sleep without it.Under the warm light, Evelyn smelled sweet and clean from her bath, her hair soft and damp. Eleanor couldn't help but press a kiss to her daughter's head.But Evelyn immediately pushed her away. "Don't kiss me, Mommy."Eleanor's heart clenched."Evelyn…""You're never here for me. You don't buy me treats. You don't even like me. So I don't want to like you either." Evelyn crossed her arms and pouted defiantly.The pain in Eleanor's chest was almost physical. She reached out, wanting to comfort her, but Evelyn only grew more upset, her face crumpling as she let out a wailing cry. "Daddy, I want Daddy! I want Daddy to tuck me in!"It didn't take long for Ian's tall figure to appear in the doorway. Evelyn scrambled off the bed and ran straight into his arms. He scooped her up, his voice gentle. "What's wrong, sweetheart?""I want to sleep with you, Daddy. I don't want Mommy," Evelyn whimpered, snuggling close.Ian ruffled her hair, a soft chuckle in his voice. "Alright, Daddy will sleep with both of you tonight."Evelyn nodded eagerly.Eleanor shifted over, making space for them. Only then did Evelyn finally settle under the covers. Ian lay down on the other side, stretching out his arm so Evelyn could curl up against him.His arm was long, and as he settled in, his fingers brushed Eleanor's shoulder. She tensed, inching closer to the edge of the bed.Evelyn made a few contented, cat-like noises and burrowed into her father's warmth, quickly drifting off.Eleanor closed her eyes, quietly waiting for Ian to leave.About twenty minutes later, with Evelyn sound asleep, Ian gently withdrew his arm, tucked the blanket around his daughter, and bent to kiss her head.Eleanor knew he usually kissed her too, but she rolled over, turning her back to him.Once she heard his footsteps fade down the hall, Eleanor finally turned, reaching out to pull her daughter close.Evelyn's tiny hand found her mother's face, searching for comfort, that familiar, soft cheek pressing into Eleanor's embrace—just as she had as a baby.Eleanor rested her forehead against her daughter's, the little girl she'd carried for nine long months, the one she'd risked everything to bring into this world.If she could only take one thing from this marriage, it would be her daughter.Vanessa could have the title of Mrs. Goodwin if she wanted, but if she thought she could take Eleanor's little girl—she was sorely mistaken.Early the next morning, Eleanor put on her makeup and waited by Evelyn's bedside, cradling her daughter's favorite little dress.When Evelyn finally opened her eyes and saw her mother's gentle smile, she blinked sleepily, turned over, and curled up on her side like a kitten, her small face half-buried in the pillow."Evelyn, do you want to wear your pretty dress today?" Eleanor asked, her voice soft and warm.Evelyn rolled onto her back, her gaze falling on the pink princess dress. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"Eleanor dressed her daughter with loving care, then carried her downstairs. Ian was already waiting in the living room, sitting on the sofa. Taking Evelyn to school before heading to the office had become his daily routine."Daddy, do I look pretty?" Evelyn twirled in front of him, her eyes sparkling with delight.Ian's gaze softened with affection. Without hesitation, he praised her, "You look beautiful."He gathered Evelyn into his arms while Eleanor took the backpack from Joslyn, the housekeeper, and followed them out the door.The school was just outside their gated community—a prestigious, outrageously expensive private kindergarten in the heart of Ashford City.When they arrived, Evelyn hopped out of the car. Eleanor walked her to the entrance, adjusted her backpack, and knelt down to say, "I'll come pick you up early this afternoon. How about we bake a cake together when you get home?"Evelyn nodded enthusiastically, then waved goodbye and greeted the principal and her teachers before heading inside.Eleanor watched her daughter disappear through the doors, her heart brimming with tenderness. She turned to glance at the man waiting in the car. Sunlight and shadows danced across his face; he was as calm and enigmatic as ever. Yet, as always, Ian's eyes held a chill, the distant coldness of a winter's night, cool and impenetrable."I'll walk home," Eleanor said as she approached the driver's window. "You go on to work."At her words, Ian pressed his lips together, his long, elegant fingers turning the steering wheel with practiced ease. The black Rolls-Royce glided smoothly away, merging into the morning traffic.Eleanor watched his car disappear. Even after all these years of marriage, Ian remained a stranger to her.In the quiet chambers of her heart, she understood - what he mistook for affection was merely gratitude, a debt of kindness mistaken for love. Yet still she waited. Like a sailor's wife staring at empty horizons, she clung to foolish hope. Six years of tides had risen and fallen, six years of waiting for a love that never came ashore.Now, Eleanor no longer blamed anyone but herself—for choosing the wrong person, for living with the consequences.She walked home in silence. Joslyn met her at the door. "Ma'am, what would you like for breakfast?""Just boil me a couple of eggs and half an ear of corn," Eleanor replied quietly.Joslyn hesitated, surprised, then hurried to the kitchen. There was something different about Eleanor's expression today—colder, somehow, more distant than usual. And last night, there hadn't been any of the usual arguments between her and Mr. Ashford, either.Normally, when Ian stayed away for weeks at a time, Eleanor would be upset—especially now, after Evelyn's hospitalization. But this time, she hadn't said a word.Upstairs in her third-floor study, Eleanor sat lost in thought. Just a month ago, she'd stood onstage at the Montclair Medical Forum as the top graduate of her class, delivering a keynote speech that caught the attention of a hundred leading pharmaceutical companies. With a single nod, she could have joined any research lab, secured billions in funding, launched a brilliant career.But she had never spoken about that success—not at home, not to anyone. In the eyes of her family and the world, she was just a gilded bird trapped in a golden cage—a housewife with nothing to offer.And then there was Ian. At eighteen, he'd already become a star consultant on Wall Street. By twenty-three, he'd taken over the family firm, earning a ruthless reputation in the world of investment banking. In just four years, he'd climbed to the top of the national wealth rankings.Chapter 3Ashford City.A night of torrential rain.Eleanor Sutton dialed her husband Ian Goodwin's number.The call went through, but he didn't pick up.Curled against her chest, their daughter burned with fever—her temperature spiking to 104 degrees—and in her delirium, kept crying, "Daddy, Daddy, I want Daddy…"Eleanor hurried downstairs, clutching her feverish child, and called out to the nanny, "Joslyn, we need to go to the hospital.""Should we wait for Mr. Goodwin to come home?" Joslyn asked, worried."No."Tonight was the birthday of Ian's old flame. He wouldn't be coming home.The rain outside was icy, but Eleanor's heart felt colder. Her daughter's cheeks were bright red and she whimpered in pain, yet her father was off celebrating with another woman.Eleanor sped through the storm toward the hospital, anxiety clawing at her. With her foot nearly flooring the accelerator, she had only a split second to react as a car careened wildly into her lane. She hit the hazard lights and slammed on the brakes, but the oncoming vehicle kept charging straight at them.Eleanor jerked the steering wheel, the front of her car slamming into the curb.In the back seat, Joslyn clutched the child tighter and let out a terrified cry.Eleanor stomped on the brakes just in time. The car hit the stone post with a dull thud, but it wasn't a serious crash. Still, in that moment, Eleanor fell apart, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.All the years of hurt and unspoken sorrow crashed over her at once.Seeing Eleanor's shoulders shaking as she sobbed over the steering wheel, Joslyn's heart ached. "Mrs. Sutton, we need to get to the hospital! Evelyn feels even hotter now."Eleanor snapped out of her daze, remembering her daughter's fever. She pulled herself together, reversed the car, and drove on.At the hospital, Eleanor rushed in carrying her daughter. When the nurse tried to prick Evelyn's finger for a blood test, the little girl fought, screaming and crying until her voice broke. Eleanor had to hold her down, her own heart breaking with every sob.It was a viral infection—and not just one. At least seven aggressive viruses were raging through Evelyn's body. Her chest scan showed both lungs clouded over."I'm afraid this is life-threatening." the doctor said gravely. "We have to flush her lungs right away."Joslyn's hands began to tremble. "At her age...are you sure this is safe?"Eleanor took the scan from the doctor's hand, studying it. The doctor looked at her, surprised. "You can read this?"Eleanor nodded, decision made. "Please schedule the procedure as soon as her fever drops."Joslyn leaned in, whispering, "Perhaps...perhaps we should mention this to Mr. Goodwin?"Eleanor stroked her daughter's burning forehead and shook her head, voice steady. "That won't be necessary."In that moment, she seemed to have finally made a choice she'd been avoiding.Three days later.Eleanor sat at Evelyn's bedside after the procedure, watching her daughter sleep—her face pale, lips colorless. Eleanor's phone buzzed with a message: "Something you need?"Just two curt words, laced with cold arrogance.She set the phone down, not bothering to reply.In the kitchen, Joslyn's phone rang. She picked up quickly. "Hello, Mr. Goodwin.""Is something going on at home?" Ian asked.Joslyn hesitated. "No… nothing serious, sir. Are you still in the country?""I am.""Alright, everything's fine here. No need to worry."After the call ended, Joslyn muttered to herself, puzzled. Why wouldn't Mrs. Sutton let her tell Mr. Goodwin what had happened? He was here in the country, after all!Eleanor held Evelyn's tiny hand, her own eyes red and raw from exhaustion, but she couldn't sleep. Evelyn whimpered in her dreams, little hands reaching out. "Daddy… Miss Vanessa, I'm scared, I'm scared…"Eleanor squeezed her hand gently. "Mommy's here."Evelyn startled awake, and upon seeing Eleanor, turned away in frustration. "I don't want Mommy. I want Miss Vanessa."Eleanor blinked back tears, swallowing the lump in her throat as she gently stroked her daughter's back until the child's breathing eased into sleep once more.On the seventh day, Eleanor finally brought her daughter home from the hospital.Her body gave out. She asked Joslyn to watch Evelyn for a while so she could rest upstairs.When she woke an hour later and came downstairs, Joslyn looked uneasy. "Mrs. Sutton, you're awake. Mr. Goodwin stopped by just now. He took Evelyn out for dinner."Eleanor's throat tightened. She turned away, silent, and went back to her room.Downstairs, Joslyn sighed. With a husband like that, why did Mrs. Sutton have to bear everything alone?Eleanor picked up her phone and called Ian.This time, someone answered.A woman's cheerful voice came through. "Ian's just taken Evelyn to the restroom. Can I help you with something?"Eleanor's breath caught. She bit her lip and hung up.She closed her eyes. Years ago, despite her father's objections, she'd given up her studies and married the man she loved. In the end, it had left her utterly defeated.She remembered her father pulling her aside on her wedding day to ask if she'd ever regret her decision.She'd smiled brightly and promised, "Don't worry, Dad! I'll never regret this."So she'd thrown herself into marriage, leaving her ambitions behind.Two years ago, Eleanor found her daughter hiding out in Ian's room, secretly calling Vanessa Shannon—her husband's old flame. The two spoke to each other like mother and daughter.It was during that drive to the hospital that Eleanor finally understood.She regretted this marriage.It was time to let go. No amount of effort could sustain a union founded on unrequited love - such bonds were destined to unravel from their very inception.The rest of her life, she would spend learning to love herself.A new message chimed on her phone—a notification for a new email.Eleanor climbed to the third-floor study, opened her laptop, and checked her inbox.The sender was the Department of Experimental Medicine at Ashford Medical University.Eleanor closed her eyes and whispered, "Dad, you were right. Thank you for giving me a way out."In her mind, she heard her father's words from before he passed: "My daughter will never be a failure. Make me proud. Even if you're married, never stop learning."Six years. Eleanor had persevered, keeping her promise, studying in secret while no one else knew.At exactly eight, the door revealed Ian guiding their giggling daughter inside. Eleanor watched as their little girl, her hair in two playful pigtails, bounced into the foyer with a pink stuffed bunny clutched in her arms.Eleanor moved closer, wanting nothing more than to gather her up in a hug.But Evelyn's small hands pushed her away. She pouted, glaring up at her mother. "Hmph, I don't want a hug from you, Mommy."Eleanor's arms froze in midair, awkward and empty. At that moment, Ian knelt down beside their daughter, his tall frame folding gracefully as he spoke to her in a gentle, soothing voice. "Evelyn."Evelyn's lips trembled, and she buried her face into her father's embrace, her eyes growing red and watery.A sharp ache twisted in Eleanor's chest. Her five-year-old had spent three years under Vanessa's quiet influence—it was Eleanor's own fault, not Evelyn's.Swallowing hard, Eleanor managed to speak. "Joslyn, could you give Evelyn her bath in a bit?""Yes, ma'am," Joslyn replied with a nod.As soon as Eleanor stepped away, the living room filled with the sound of her daughter's delighted laughter and Ian's deep, affectionate voice.The media had called Ian a doting father on more than one occasion, and Eleanor couldn't have agreed more.Of all souls walking this earth, none held dominion over Ian's affections like his daughter - this was the first and last law of his heart.Leaning against the doorframe, Eleanor drifted into memory.Eight years earlier, Ian had been in a terrible car accident, left comatose for a year in his father's hospital. Eleanor, hopelessly in love with him, had taken a year off from college without a second thought and devoted herself to his care.When Ian finally woke, he accepted her confession. Despite his mother's fierce objections, he married Eleanor anyway. Their daughter was born a year later; it should have made their marriage perfect.But when Evelyn turned two, Ian's relentless business trips began, and Evelyn started to shy away from her mother for reasons Eleanor couldn't fathom.It took two years for her to realize that another woman had slipped into the role of mother in her daughter's life.Vanessa—a celebrated concert pianist, the darling of the art world, and Ian's long-cherished dream.Now, she was Mrs. Shannon in Evelyn's eyes, the subject of all her adoration.Ian never said he regretted marrying Eleanor, but his actions over the past two years spoke volumes.Eleanor wandered downstairs to get a glass of water. Just as she rounded the corner, she overheard Ian on the phone."Yeah, I know. I'll remind her to brush her teeth.""And don't forget to put ointment on your finger. Follow the doctor's orders and don't be stubborn."A bitter smile tugged at Eleanor's lips. He was talking to Vanessa.Vanessa always remembered to remind Evelyn about brushing her teeth. It wasn't hard to guess what that meant: Evelyn had probably had dinner with her tonight and indulged in plenty of sweets—Vanessa's favorite way to win her over.Ian, meanwhile, never objected. He just let it happen."Don't stay up late. Get some sleep. Goodnight." Ian finished the call and headed for the stairs.He turned, spotting Eleanor, and for a moment his handsome features stiffened. "You'll put Evelyn to bed tonight. I have a conference call and might be late."He glanced at the calendar, frowning slightly. "Today's the eighth.""I'll come to your room when I'm done." With that, Ian disappeared down the hall.The eighth—the scheduled night.She remembered the night she'd broken down in tears, demanding that they at least be together four times a month. Ian had agreed, marking it on the calendar: the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 26th. If he was home, he had to honor the arrangement."I'm exhausted. Let's just skip tonight," Eleanor called after his retreating figure.Later, Joslyn carried a freshly bathed Evelyn into the bedroom. Eleanor sat on the bed, waiting with her daughter's favorite picture book."Evelyn, come here. Mommy will read you a story," she said with a hopeful smile.Evelyn turned to Joslyn instead. "Auntie, I want my little dinosaur.""I'll go get it for you," Joslyn replied, stepping out.Eleanor waited patiently. Soon, Evelyn clambered onto the bed, hugging a plush dinosaur to her chest—a gift from Vanessa for her fourth birthday overseas. These days, Evelyn couldn't sleep without it.Under the warm light, Evelyn smelled sweet and clean from her bath, her hair soft and damp. Eleanor couldn't help but press a kiss to her daughter's head.But Evelyn immediately pushed her away. "Don't kiss me, Mommy."Eleanor's heart clenched."Evelyn…""You're never here for me. You don't buy me treats. You don't even like me. So I don't want to like you either." Evelyn crossed her arms and pouted defiantly.The pain in Eleanor's chest was almost physical. She reached out, wanting to comfort her, but Evelyn only grew more upset, her face crumpling as she let out a wailing cry. "Daddy, I want Daddy! I want Daddy to tuck me in!"It didn't take long for Ian's tall figure to appear in the doorway. Evelyn scrambled off the bed and ran straight into his arms. He scooped her up, his voice gentle. "What's wrong, sweetheart?""I want to sleep with you, Daddy. I don't want Mommy," Evelyn whimpered, snuggling close.Ian ruffled her hair, a soft chuckle in his voice. "Alright, Daddy will sleep with both of you tonight."Evelyn nodded eagerly.Eleanor shifted over, making space for them. Only then did Evelyn finally settle under the covers. Ian lay down on the other side, stretching out his arm so Evelyn could curl up against him.His arm was long, and as he settled in, his fingers brushed Eleanor's shoulder. She tensed, inching closer to the edge of the bed.Evelyn made a few contented, cat-like noises and burrowed into her father's warmth, quickly drifting off.Eleanor closed her eyes, quietly waiting for Ian to leave.About twenty minutes later, with Evelyn sound asleep, Ian gently withdrew his arm, tucked the blanket around his daughter, and bent to kiss her head.Eleanor knew he usually kissed her too, but she rolled over, turning her back to him.Once she heard his footsteps fade down the hall, Eleanor finally turned, reaching out to pull her daughter close.Evelyn's tiny hand found her mother's face, searching for comfort, that familiar, soft cheek pressing into Eleanor's embrace—just as she had as a baby.Eleanor rested her forehead against her daughter's, the little girl she'd carried for nine long months, the one she'd risked everything to bring into this world.If she could only take one thing from this marriage, it would be her daughter.Vanessa could have the title of Mrs. Goodwin if she wanted, but if she thought she could take Eleanor's little girl—she was sorely mistaken.Early the next morning, Eleanor put on her makeup and waited by Evelyn's bedside, cradling her daughter's favorite little dress.When Evelyn finally opened her eyes and saw her mother's gentle smile, she blinked sleepily, turned over, and curled up on her side like a kitten, her small face half-buried in the pillow."Evelyn, do you want to wear your pretty dress today?" Eleanor asked, her voice soft and warm.Evelyn rolled onto her back, her gaze falling on the pink princess dress. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"Eleanor dressed her daughter with loving care, then carried her downstairs. Ian was already waiting in the living room, sitting on the sofa. Taking Evelyn to school before heading to the office had become his daily routine."Daddy, do I look pretty?" Evelyn twirled in front of him, her eyes sparkling with delight.Ian's gaze softened with affection. Without hesitation, he praised her, "You look beautiful."He gathered Evelyn into his arms while Eleanor took the backpack from Joslyn, the housekeeper, and followed them out the door.The school was just outside their gated community—a prestigious, outrageously expensive private kindergarten in the heart of Ashford City.When they arrived, Evelyn hopped out of the car. Eleanor walked her to the entrance, adjusted her backpack, and knelt down to say, "I'll come pick you up early this afternoon. How about we bake a cake together when you get home?"Evelyn nodded enthusiastically, then waved goodbye and greeted the principal and her teachers before heading inside.Eleanor watched her daughter disappear through the doors, her heart brimming with tenderness. She turned to glance at the man waiting in the car. Sunlight and shadows danced across his face; he was as calm and enigmatic as ever. Yet, as always, Ian's eyes held a chill, the distant coldness of a winter's night, cool and impenetrable."I'll walk home," Eleanor said as she approached the driver's window. "You go on to work."At her words, Ian pressed his lips together, his long, elegant fingers turning the steering wheel with practiced ease. The black Rolls-Royce glided smoothly away, merging into the morning traffic.Eleanor watched his car disappear. Even after all these years of marriage, Ian remained a stranger to her.In the quiet chambers of her heart, she understood - what he mistook for affection was merely gratitude, a debt of kindness mistaken for love. Yet still she waited. Like a sailor's wife staring at empty horizons, she clung to foolish hope. Six years of tides had risen and fallen, six years of waiting for a love that never came ashore.Now, Eleanor no longer blamed anyone but herself—for choosing the wrong person, for living with the consequences.She walked home in silence. Joslyn met her at the door. "Ma'am, what would you like for breakfast?""Just boil me a couple of eggs and half an ear of corn," Eleanor replied quietly.Joslyn hesitated, surprised, then hurried to the kitchen. There was something different about Eleanor's expression today—colder, somehow, more distant than usual. And last night, there hadn't been any of the usual arguments between her and Mr. Ashford, either.Normally, when Ian stayed away for weeks at a time, Eleanor would be upset—especially now, after Evelyn's hospitalization. But this time, she hadn't said a word.Upstairs in her third-floor study, Eleanor sat lost in thought. Just a month ago, she'd stood onstage at the Montclair Medical Forum as the top graduate of her class, delivering a keynote speech that caught the attention of a hundred leading pharmaceutical companies. With a single nod, she could have joined any research lab, secured billions in funding, launched a brilliant career.But she had never spoken about that success—not at home, not to anyone. In the eyes of her family and the world, she was just a gilded bird trapped in a golden cage—a housewife with nothing to offer.And then there was Ian. At eighteen, he'd already become a star consultant on Wall Street. By twenty-three, he'd taken over the family firm, earning a ruthless reputation in the world of investment banking. In just four years, he'd climbed to the top of the national wealth rankings.