From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 151

Eleanor looked at him in complete confusion. “Mr. Clarkson, did you just… what did you just say?”

Max’s smile was gentle, the kind that lingered in his eyes. “You heard me right. I said, once the court makes its decision, we should go get a marriage license.”

He leaned back a little, almost casual. “You know I don’t have a girlfriend. I’ve always been single, but now I’m thirty-three. My family’s been on my case, especially my mom. She keeps saying if I can’t find a wife soon, I shouldn’t even bother coming home.”

He paused, a little sheepish but sincere. “I don’t want to marry some random stranger from a blind date. And… I really love your cooking. So, what do you think? Want to give us a try?”

Eleanor’s thoughts spun in circles. None of this made sense. How was not wanting a random marriage connected to her cooking? Was this really how people decided to get married? It all felt so unreal.

“Mr. Clarkson,” she said, standing up and putting some space between them. “I just don’t think we’re a good match.”

A moment ago, he’d been so close that she almost let herself get swept up in it. With a little distance, her head started to clear.

Max didn’t let it go that easily. He raised his eyebrows, looking at her with that steady confidence. “Why not? What makes us a bad match?”

“In every possible way,” she said quickly, avoiding his gaze. “I’ve been married before. I have kids—more than one. There’s no way we make sense together.”

She took a breath. “Mr. Clarkson, are you really saying you’d want to marry someone who’s been divorced?”

Max’s expression turned serious. “Eleanor, don’t put yourself down. Don’t let your past be the only thing you see.”

He sounded almost frustrated, and there was a tenderness in his voice. “I know exactly what I want. The real question is, do you know what you want?”

He softened a little, giving her space. “It’s okay. You don’t have to decide now. Go home and think it over. I’m not in a hurry.”

Marleigh rolled her eyes. “Unannounced? It’s only eight thirty. Since when is that late?” She knew how young people were these days, always staying out until after midnight, and Max was no exception with all his work dinners and parties.

Her gaze flicked around the room, landing on two wine glasses on the coffee table. Two? Then, as she stepped inside, she noticed a pair of pink slippers by the door.

Her heart jumped a little. Was it possible? Did Max actually have someone over?

Still, she wasn’t one to get flustered easily. After a quick cough, she said, “Looks like you’ve been drinking. I’m just going to take a look around.”

Max just grinned and waved her on. “Go ahead.”

He lifted his glass and took a sip, savoring the sweetness, letting the moment wash over him.