A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1388

His eyes sparkled like distant stars, shrouded by a nebulous veil that obscured the profound depths within.

She couldn't quite discern what Bernard was thinking, but his words were suffocating. Eleanor couldn't bear to hear them. At the sound, a sourness tingled at the tip of her nose, and her eyes reddened, unable to hold back the tears.

"Why? Is it because of Sophie threatening you again?"

Just like the last time, using her life to threaten Bernard, leaving him no choice but to push her away. But this time was different.

"I will deal with Sophie as the leader of the Area Opaca, so you don’t have to worry about that."

Her voice, resolute in its protection of him, was a warm embrace to Bernard's ears, yet it also filled him with a deep sense of unworthiness.

"Eleanor, this time, Sophie hasn't threatened me. It's me... I want a divorce."

Eleanor stood frozen, heart heavy and nose sour, both sensations pricking at her eyes until the tears fell like pearls slipping off a broken string, "Why?"

His heart hadn't changed, his freedom wasn't constrained, and there were no threats against him. Why, then, did Bernard still want to divorce her?

Seeing her cry, Bernard panicked. His long fingers lifted instinctively, trembling as they wiped her tears, "Eleanor, it's hard being with me, isn't it?"

He wiped her tears gently, called her name softly, and even looked at her tenderly. But his next words were anything but gentle, "Caleb died here because of me. Many members of the Siren Organization have died here too. I carry too much, and it will only get harder for you... so..."

He paused, voice shaking as if something was slicing through his throat, inch by painful inch.

"Let's separate, okay?"

Through the haze of tears, Eleanor looked at the man before her, barely able to believe that the word "separate" had come from his lips.

The first time he told her to sign the divorcing papers, Eleanor didn't cling to him. She left with dignity, thinking she could let go and forget him, but Bernard kept returning.

"I'm sorry I made such a hasty decision. I should have thought it through."

The regret swirling in her eyes was a cruel reflection in Bernard's gaze. Knowing it wasn't her fault, yet still searching for excuses to push her away, was a testament to his own weakness.

He wished he was dead, for hurting her, for not able to protect her.

But could he die? No, he couldn't. He had to protect his child, to avenge Caleb. He had to live!

The ferocity that flickered in Bernard's eyes was like a star plummeting from the night sky—desperate and indignant.

He composed himself, all traces of grief set aside, and reached out with his other hand, tenderly stroking her hair, "Even if you're not against me, you're still his granddaughter and his successor. Both identities put us at odds."

Bernard's casual words drew a galaxy between them, and in an instant, they were adversaries with irreconcilable differences.