From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 203

He pressed a sleek black credit card into Eleanor’s hand. “Here. Use my card, there’s no PIN. And you don’t need to get me a wedding gift. That’s for men who need money. I don’t.”

Eleanor just stared at him, lost for words.

Max reached out, brushing his fingers through her hair with a gentle smile. “Be good. I’m heading out.”

“I’ll go home and handle things first. Once everything’s settled, I’ll introduce you to my family.”

Eleanor froze, caught off guard by how casually he showed his affection. Her ears turned red, and she stood there, watching his tall, broad figure until he finally disappeared from view. It took her a long moment to calm down.

The way he said he was going home to “handle things” made her laugh to herself. Maybe Max could be reckless too.

She spent the next hour shopping, picking out all sorts of things. New bedding, cups, dishes, a couple of soft rugs, fresh sofa cushions. There was way too much for her to carry, so she arranged to have everything delivered.

Just as she was about to check out the curtains, she ran right into Paola, who had just come out of a restaurant.

Paola hesitated, then said, “Eleanor.”

Eleanor gave her a tiny nod, not interested in making small talk. After what happened at Jared’s school, she’d seen Paola’s true colors. There was no reason to get close. And that time she’d helped Paola—it was just a simple favor, nothing worth bringing up again. Sometimes, favors just end up turning into grudges anyway.

Paola looked at her, seeing the uncanny resemblance to her own daughter, and remembering how Eleanor had once saved her. It made her heart twist, especially considering all the trouble Jessie had caused.

Eleanor added, her voice steady, “And for your information, I’m already married.”

Paola’s jaw dropped. “You… you’re already married?”

The marriage certificate was still in her bag, brand new. Eleanor pulled it out and held it up. “I have no reason to lie to you about this. And I’m not doing it out of spite. So please, save your matchmaking for someone else.”

Eleanor walked away without looking back, leaving Paola standing there, regret written all over her face. Paola could only let out a bitter laugh, realizing she had messed things up again.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder. Jessie had told her that Eleanor and Peter Clarkson had only just divorced. How could Eleanor have gotten married again so soon?