No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 836

Eleanor finally texted back a simple reply: "Okay, on my way."

When she arrived at Xavier's apartment, she was greeted by the warm aroma of home-cooked food and the sound of children's laughter. The two little girls were lying on the living room floor, engrossed in a puzzle.

"Mommy, you're here!" Evelyn shouted, running over to give her a hug.

Xavier poked his head out of the kitchen, an apron tied around his waist. "You made it. Go wash up, dinner's almost ready."

Eleanor stood in stunned silence for a moment. Xavier was cooking? She walked over to the kitchen doorway. "Did your housekeeper take the day off?"

"No, I gave her the day off. I wanted to cook for you myself tonight," Xavier said with a charming smile. "I apologize in advance if it's not very good."

Eleanor inhaled the delicious smells wafting from the dining table and smiled. "It smells amazing. Thank you for doing this."

She felt a pang of guilt. He had watched the children and cooked dinner. It was too much.

Just then, her phone, which she had left in her purse on the sofa, began to ring. She went to check it and saw the name flashing on the screen: Ian.

With Xavier still busy in the kitchen, Eleanor stepped out onto the balcony to answer.

"Hello?" she said, her voice calm and even.

There was a brief silence on the other end, as if he was surprised she had answered so quickly. Then, Ian's deep, slightly weary voice came through. The background was quiet. "Have you had dinner yet?"

Before she could answer, Evelyn and Vivian came running out onto the balcony. "Mommy, who are you talking to?" Evelyn asked loudly.

Eleanor turned to the phone. "Evelyn's here. Do you want to speak with her?"

"Yes, let me hear her voice," Ian replied.

Eleanor handed the phone to her daughter. "It's your daddy."

Evelyn took the phone, her face lighting up. "Daddy, guess where Mommy and I are!"

"Evelyn, is that your dad?" Vivian asked, leaning in.

Evelyn nodded. "Yep, it's my daddy."

"Are you at Mr. Vaughn's house?" Ian's voice came through, a hint of amusement in it.

"You guessed it! Mommy and I are at Mr. Vaughn's for dinner, and he cooked for us himself!" Evelyn reported happily.

"Oh, did he?" Ian asked, his tone unreadable.

"How have you been?" Ian's voice suddenly held a note of concern.

"You don't need to worry about me," she answered coolly.

"Mommy, come eat!" Evelyn called from inside.

"I have to go," Eleanor said.

There was a pause, and then Ian's voice, now slightly hoarse, came through. "…Alright."

Eleanor hung up and went back inside. Xavier had already served the two girls and had set a bowl of rice for her.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by his kindness, she sat down. "Thank you."

"Go on, try it," Xavier said, his eyes fixed on her face, full of anticipation.

Under his watchful gaze, Eleanor took a bite. It was delicious. She looked up at him in surprise. "This is really good. I had no idea you were such a great cook."

Her praise was genuine, and Xavier's face broke into a wide smile, as if he had just received the highest honor. "If you like it, eat up. I taught myself when I was studying abroad."