From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 200

When Juliana left, it was like something inside her had broken. She seemed older, worn down by everything that had happened. Eleanor didn’t even look at her. She’d made up her mind—there would be no more contact with Juliana. And if Jared wanted to reach out, the only thing she’d trust was a phone call. Texts weren’t enough anymore.

Jared borrowed a backup phone from a classmate and got a new number. Right after school, as soon as he got his phone back, he saw a message from Eleanor.

[I’m not pressing charges against your mom for now, but that doesn’t mean I won’t later. Focus on your studies. Don’t worry about what’s going on between us. I promised I’d support you through college and I’ll keep that promise. But I’m not seeing her again. I don’t want you to mention her, either.]

[If you need anything, call me.]

Jared’s chest tightened. He knew Eleanor was doing all this for him. His roommate glanced over, seeing Jared hunched over his desk, shoulders shaking.

“Hey, Jared, you okay?”

Jared wiped his eyes, trying to pull himself together. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… I miss my sister, that’s all.”

No one understood better than Jared how much Eleanor had struggled over the years. He made a silent promise to himself—he’d remember every sacrifice she made for him. Once he got into college, once he could make his own money, he’d do everything he could to make it up to her.

***

Max was getting the marriage certificate. He tore through his closet, looking for the perfect outfit, and finally picked a crisp white shirt. He snapped a photo and sent it to Linden.

[Max: Do I look good in this?]

[Linden: ?]

It was just a regular shirt. How “good” could he really look? Linden didn’t get it, but replied anyway.

[It’s fine.]

[Max: Just fine? Don’t be jealous. I promise, you’re only going to get more jealous from now on.]

At the registry office, they filled out the forms and headed to the photo studio for their official picture. The photographer’s eyes lit up when he saw them. Couples this good-looking didn’t come by every day.

“Don’t be nervous, bride. You blinked in the last shot. That’s it, lean your head closer to the groom.”

“Perfect. Congratulations. Now, smile!”

Eleanor gave a gentle smile as the camera clicked.

“Come take a look. Is this one okay?”

Max leaned in next to her, lips curving with satisfaction. “Yeah, it’s great.”

The photo had captured them just right—his confidence and her beauty, side by side.