From His Wife to His Uncle's Wife novel Chapter 32

Marianna recognized her daughter’s friend. She gave her a polite, distant smile, slipped her arm through Yolanda’s, and quietly led her away.

Eleanor took in the room with a quick glance, then drifted to the buffet to grab a glass of juice. She found an empty spot in the corner, sat down, and took a sip, letting the sweetness settle on her tongue.

The party buzzed around her, a blur of laughter, clinking glasses, and easy conversation. It all felt so effortless for everyone else. For her, it was like watching the world from behind glass. She didn’t belong here. She was just an accidental guest at someone else’s celebration.

She sipped her juice again and glanced up, her gaze landing on two figures walking side by side across the room.

Seriously? Just her luck. Peter and Jessie, right here.

They didn’t notice her. They were heading straight for an older man at the center of the crowd, everyone else parting to let them through. Clearly, he was someone important.

From the buffet table nearby, Eleanor caught snippets of a hushed conversation.

“Did you see? Jessie’s here too. Peter’s not even trying to hide her anymore.”

“Of course. He only pretended to care about his wife all these years because Grady caught on to his real feelings.”

“And now Grady’s gone. His wife doesn’t stand a chance.”

“But they have a kid. I heard she’s pregnant again.”

“So what? If Peter wants the kids, they’re his. If not, she’ll just have to get rid of the baby. Would she even dare say no?”

“Well, maybe we should congratulate Peter on finally getting what he wanted.”

Eleanor’s breath snagged in her chest.

Getting what he wanted.

So everyone knew. Everyone but her. Peter had always loved Jessie. All this time, she’d been the fool left in the dark.

Her mind flashed back to college, to Peter chasing her with all that charm and intensity. She still remembered asking him, so stupid and hopeful, what he liked about her.

He’d smiled and said, “I love everything about you.”

She hesitated, then managed, “Thanks for what you did the other day.”

She was about to turn away when voices drifted closer from the hallway.

“Come on, babe, no one’s out here. Let’s sneak onto the terrace for a little fun.”

“You’re awful.”

Eleanor’s eyes went wide. She moved to leave, but before she could, a strong arm wrapped around her, spinning her into the shadows at the far corner of the terrace.

Her back hit the cold wall, and suddenly she was trapped between the stone and someone’s warm chest.

“You…”

“Shh.” Max pressed a finger gently to her lips. “That’s my brother out there. I’d rather he not know I caught him fooling around.”

His voice was low and close. “Just for a second, Ms. Rolland. Can you play along?”