A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 378

His voice had a certain charm to it, almost like he was purposely trying to seduce her.

But Eleanor didn't even bat an eyelid, shaking her head gently at him.

"This has nothing to do with her."

She had made it clear in the hospital that she was rejecting him because loving him was just too exhausting.

Over the years, there was never any real give-and-take between them, just a constant game of doubts and suspicions.

Even though all of these were due to misunderstandings, the pain and despair she experienced were real.

That painful past made her afraid of love and scared to love again.

Bernard tried to find a hint of jealousy in her eyes, but there was none. It didn't seem like it was because of Teresa.

He pulled away slightly, his eyes full of disappointment. "Seems like you couldn't care less who I'm with."

Eleanor glanced at him, gathering her courage to confess, "I used to care."

The word "used to" made Bernard realize that the gap between them was due to the passage of time.

But time can't be rewound, no matter how much he regretted it, he couldn't go back.

The disappointment in Bernard's eyes slowly turned into sadness, his handsome face turning pale.

He withdrew his hand, and turned around, staring at the descending numbers in the elevator with icy eyes.

Watching his cold and solitary figure, Eleanor clutched her hand, explaining, "I thought you were with Teresa while I was living in your villa, it didn't feel right. That's why I asked. I hope you don't misunderstand."

Bernard didn't turn around or say anything as if he didn't hear her.

Not until the elevator doors opened did he turn around, grab her wrist, and pull her out.

His expression was indifferent, devoid of any emotion.

Bernard stared ahead, silent for a few seconds before pulling out a pack of cigarettes from the car.

He took one out, rolled it between his fingers for a few seconds, and finally lit it.

He rolled down the window, rested his elbow on it, and quietly smoked.

From Eleanor's perspective, all she could see was his clear profile and the cigarette in his hand through the wafting smoke.

She took a glance and looked away, thinking that Bernard had stopped by the roadside to satisfy his nicotine cravings.

The silence in the car was suffocating. Eleanor felt restless. She wanted to get out of the car for some fresh air and couldn't help but press the door button.

Hearing the slight noise, the man looked up at the rearview mirror, just in time to see her trying to open the car door.