A Second Chance at Forever

Chapter 1442
Bernard didn’t argue further, simply gesturing for her to continue. Eleanor then said, “I promised before that once Garett got back
on his feet, I’d give him a grand gift...”
Worried that Bernard might misunderstand, Eleanor quickly added, “And Robin, for saving my life, deserves something too. Then
there’s Pearce and George, who’ve been helping take care of Nina... so...”
Before she could finish explaining, Bernard interrupted her with a warm voice, “Honey, if you want to give them gifts, go ahead.
You don’t need my permission.”
At his words, Eleanor cupped his flawlessly handsome face and planted a firm kiss, “Honey, you’re the best.” After the
compliment, Eleanor said, “I’ll go pick out a few grand gifts now, then have Bryson deliver them.” Before she could get up,
Bernard said, “Tell me what you want to give, and I’ll arrange it.”
He didn’t want her to go through any trouble-a sentiment that made Eleanor feel incredibly sweet inside. Smiling, she told
Bernard what she wanted to gift, and he went to make arrangements.
Once everything was set, Bernard helped Eleanor back to their room.
He didn’t want her to shower alone, so he washed her himself.
Afterwards, he wrapped her in a bathrobe and carried her to bed.
Only after he had taken care of her did Bernard head to the bathroom to douse his own desires with cold water.
The longing was strong; to abstain for so long and only watch without touching was truly torturous. He tilted his chin up, letting
the icy water cascade over his face, his expression and slightly parted lips betraying his yearning.
With that yearning still upon him, he lay down beside Eleanor.
With her warmth beside him, Bernard rolled his throat several times but ultimately controlled himself and closed his eyes to
sleep.
The next morning, Nina headed off to school, Bryson went to deliver the gifts, and Bernard and Eleanor boarded their private jet
once again.

When they arrived in Chiang Rai around noon, the sky was a brilliant blue, the sun shining bright, and the temperature was just
right. Bernard brought Robin’s gift with him, and when they met, Eleanor held it out with both hands..
“Even though you refuse, I owe you thanks for saving a life, and I must express my gratitude.”
Robin glanced at Eleanor, then at the gift box, his expression less than pleased.
It seemed as though accepting it would draw a line between them, but it was a kind gesture, and it would be rude to refuse. With
reluctance, Robin accepted the gift, and because it was from Eleanor, he treasured it a bit more.
“I didn’t expect you two would actually come all this way to see Zephyr.”
Robin put the gift in the passenger seat and gestured for them to get in the car.
He had been staying close to Katharine and was familiar with the roads of Chiang Rai.
Hearing that they would visit, he didn’t bring a driver and drove to the airport himself.
4
Scott had arranged for a car, but seeing that Robin had come to pick them up, Bernard, along with Eleanor, got into his car.
Expecting the atmosphere in the car to be awkward, they were surprised to run into an old acquaintance, Elbert, as they got in.
Emerging from the airport, he spotted them and waved his large arms excitedly.
“Bernard, Eleanor, what brings you here?!”
Seeing Elbert’s bright smile and pearly white teeth shining in the sunlight, Bernard found it slightly blinding, and with a cool
glance, he turned to Robin, “Aren’t we leaving yet?”
Robin wrestled with the car ignition, his brow creased in frustration. “These foreign cars,” he grumbled, “I can’t quite figure them
out.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Elbert opened the passenger door and plopped down, squashing the gift box beneath him.
Robin’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of the flattened box, and then it was rage, “Get up, now!”
Elbert, who was in the process of retrieving the box, jumped at the roar, stuttering, “I-I didn’t mean to.”

Robin took the gift box from Elbert’s hands with a cold face and carefully unwrapped it.
When he saw the metallic sheen of the red apple inside, he involuntarily turned to look at Eleanor.
Eleanor nodded, her smile seeming to say, “Let this gift serve as a token of my gratitude for that life-saving moment.”
Robin said nothing, just glanced at her and nonchalantly handed the apple to Elbert.
“I thought it would be something valuable, but it’s just a toy.”
His actions and words were a cover for his earlier panic.
Everyone in the car, except for Bernard, really thought he was being dismissive.
Especially Elbert, who examined the red apple, saw nothing extraordinary, and tossed it aside....
Luckily, it only landed inside the car; otherwise, Robin might have kicked Elbert out right then and there.
Elbert, refusing to leave the car, turned to Bernard, “I heard from my dad that you’re the son of my Aunt Tammie Pine, is that
true?”
Bernard, regretting getting into this car, rolled his eyes upward in silence, his demeanor clearly showing his impatience.
But Elbert didn’t catch on and continued enthusiastically, “So it’s true, my dad wasn’t lying. But man, you’re my cousin, I can
hardly believe it!”
No wonder Bernard’s slap had felt oddly familiar to him, as though it was delivered by a family member. As it turned out, it
actually was!