A Second Chance at Forever

Chapter 1431
“Alright then.” Cedric slapped his thigh and rose from the armchair with a huff. “Here I am, neglecting my own darling wife to look
after you, and you’re shooing me away when I just got here. Some thanks I get.”
Cedric trudged along, grumbling under his breath, but his complaints didn’t earn him a plea to stay. Instead, he got- “Close the
door on your way out.”
With a scowl, Cedric shut the door behind him.
Then, grinding his teeth, he whipped out his phone and video-called Hailey to rant about Bernard’s heartless behavior!
In the hospital room, Eleanor watched Cedric’s retreating figure with a suppressed smile.
“Aren’t you being a tad harsh with Cedric?” she teased.
“He should learn to read the room.” Bernard dismissed it casually, just as Dr. Reyes, who Aidyn had called in, entered. Bernard’s
expression turned icy once more.
Fortunately, the doctor was quick on his feet. After swiftly treating the bleeding wound, he and the nurse skedaddled out of there.
Once the door clicked shut, Bernard released Eleanor’s hand and patted the empty space beside him, “Come here.”
His voice was a calm contrast to the cold front he’d put up for the doctor. There was a hint of indulgence this time. With a slight
smile, Eleanor slipped off her shoes and, with Bernard’s gentle guidance, lay down beside him. Using his uninjured shoulder,
Bernard swept Eleanor’s long hair from her neck and drew her petite frame close. He angled his injured shoulder away and
gazed down at the woman in his arms, his eyes softening.
“That divorce paper was under duress. I never wanted to part from you.”
“I know.”
“And about taking sides, that wasn’t genuine either. No matter what, you’re my only choice.”
No matter the weight of the Laurence family legacy or the shadows of the Siren Organization, none of it mattered in Eleanor’s
presence.
He loved her more than anything-more than his own life. Nothing and no one could ever take her place.

“I understand.” Eleanor lifted her hand to touch Bernard’s chiseled face, her fingertips brushing with tenderness, “When I said I’d
never look back, that was in the heat of the moment.”
No matter how many times she felt abandoned, her love for him remained unshakable, a truth from the heart.
Hearing her say that her resolve to never look back was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, the weight on Bernard’s chest
lightened, “From now on, nothing will hold me back.”
After speaking, Bernard raised his hand to Eleanor’s visibly pregnant belly.
“I can finally rest easy, spend the rest of my days with you and our child.” He promised.
Though uncertain about the ticking time bomb in his brain, he was determined to fight for every extra moment he could get.
Looking up at him, Eleanor saw the resolve and deep love in his eyes.
“I-and the child-will never leave you.”
Their promises to each other dispelled any remaining distance, leaving only love between them.
Bernard pulled Eleanor closer, his eyes, full of stars, admiring every feature of her face.
As they drew closer, their yearning intensified, and a growing desire darkened his gaze.
Bernard’s gaze lingered on Eleanor’s lips/his Adam’s apple moving subtly, a moment of restraint making his desire all the more
apparent.
It had been more than six months since he’d held her, kissed her, touched her. Bernard couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Eleanor.”
“Hmm?”
Bernard drew so close that his nose brushed her cheek, the closeness comforting.
Instinctively, she tilted her chin up, leaning into his beautiful face, and listened attentively.
1/2

09:12
“What is it?”
His voice, soft and compelling, made Bernard’s heart flutter. He meant to say how much he missed her, but instead, what came
out was, “I want to kiss you.”
Or rather, he wanted more, but considering Eleanor’s pregnancy, that would have to wait.
Bernard was always bold and direct with his affection, sincere yet embarrassingly frank.
Eleanor’s cheeks flushed, but between husband and wife, such intimacy was familiar, not awkward, “You’re still injured.”
“The injury’s on my shoulder, not my lips.”
Eleanor bit her lip, smiling faintly. Before she could say more, Bernard leaned in, pressing his lips warmly to hers.
Bernard was a masterful kisser, gently coaxing her lips apart, the tenderness quickly turning fierce.
Pinned to the hospital bed, Eleanor expected a brief kiss, considering his injury. Yet Bernard kissed her as if possessed, not
releasing her, stealing all her breath away.
Noticing her struggle for air, he paused briefly, only to grow bolder, resuming his passionate assault.
His long fingers gripped her waist tightly, pulling her even closer to him.
Their bodies pressed together tightly, like glue, they were inseparable.
Their breaths mingled, the world reduced to just the two of them, uninhibited in their longing.