Chapter 1563

Eleanor was truly in pain. A heavy, pulling ache settled deep in her pelvis. The recent stress had likely thrown her hormones out of balance, leaving her cycle in complete disarray.

A few minutes into the drive, lan's voice broke the silence. "Don't let what those reporters said get to you."

Eleanor didn't look back, only offering a soft, noncommittal hum.

lan's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He took a deep breath, deciding to confront the issue head-on. "If you have any questions about Vanessa Shannon, ask me. I promise I'll answer everything. No more secrets."

Eleanor remained silent. She clearly didn't want to talk about it.

"I'm sorry. Whatever my reasons were back then, my actions hurt you. I let you suffer through public scrutiny and pain. I have no right to ask for your forgiveness, but I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you." lan offered no excuses. He owned every single one of his past mistakes.

"Just don't bring her up anymore," Eleanor finally said, turning to face the window.

A flash of deep regret crossed lan's eyes. "Alright. I won't."

The car pulled into the upscale neighborhood and parked smoothly in front of her house.

lan stepped out, walked around to the passenger side, and opened her door, offering a steadying hand as she climbed out.

Eleanor slipped off his jacket and handed it back to him. "You should go home and rest. Don't worry about me."

As lan took the jacket, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, leaned down, and pressed a tender, lingering kiss to her hair.

"Okay," he whispered.

Once inside, all Eleanor wanted to do was take a hot shower and collapse into bed.

She retreated to the master bedroom and didn't come back down. Half an hour later, she heard noises coming from the first floor.

She frowned slightly. Had Joslyn come back?

Pausing at the landing, Eleanor looked toward the open kitchen. Bathed in the warm, golden light stood a fall, focused figure, tan was leaning slightly over the stove, a long spoon in hand, slowly stirring a small pot. The air was thick with the sweet, comforting aroma

Eleanor immediately recognized it-warm fruit tea.

Hearing her footsteps, the man turned around. He paused for a moment at the sight of her before a gentle smile touched his eyes. "Did I wake you?"

Eleanor shook her head and walked down the stairs. She was dressed in soft cotton pajamas, her long hair falling loosely over her shoulders, carrying the fresh scent of her body wash.

"Why didn't you go home to rest?" Eleanor walked up beside him, eyeing the steaming pot. "Where did you learn how to make this?"

lan continued to stir gracefully. He had clearly been at it for a while, letting the flavors rich and deepen.

"I asked Joslyn for advice. She walked me through the recipe," lan explained. He checked the color of

the tea, turned off the heat, and ladied a small amount into a bowl, taking a quick sip to test it.

"I think it's ready."

"Let me try," Eleanor offered.

Smiling, lan scooped up a spoonful, blew on it gently, and held it to her lips. Eleanor

took a sip. It tasted exactly like the comforting brew Joslyn always made.

"Mhm. It's perfect," Eleanor said.

lan took the bowl back, filled it halfway, and carefully placed a small spoon inside. "Careful, it's hot. Drink it slowly."

Looking down at the steaming bowl,

then up at the man whose eyes were lined with exhaustion yet still entirely. devoted to taking care of her Eleano felt a sudden lump in her throat. Her heart softened

immensely.