Chapter 247

Eleanor emerged from the bathroom with freshly washed hair,droplets still clinging to the damp strands.

Suddenly, her phone screen illuminated with an incoming message.

The text came from Fannie, reading, "Tomorrow is Nolan's birthday!"

Eleanor froze mid-motion while toweling her hair.

Nolan's birthday? She had had absolutely no idea.

Her pulse quickened, stirred by an unexpected flutter of emotion.

Eleanor rapidly typed her response, "Really? Why hasn't he ever mentioned it?"

Fannie's reply appeared almost immediately,accompanied by a cheerful emoji. "You know Nolan -he's impossibly reserved and distant! He never acknowledges his birthday. What if we planned something special to surprise him?"

Considering the day's earlier events, Eleanor readily agreed, responding, "Sure."

The two continued exchanging messages at lightning speed,solidifying their arrangements within minutes

The following morning in the dining room, Eleanor finished her final spoonful of oatmeal and placed her utensils aside.

Casting a glance at the man dining with refined precision across from her,she mentioned casually, "I'm heading to Hope House today. Fannie and I arranged to volunteer together."

With that, she rose swiftly and departed.

Nolan's grip on his silverware tightened imperceptibly.

Today marked his birthday, and he had quietly hoped she might spend the entire day by his side.

Despite his disappointment, he chose not to interfere,understanding her unwavering dedication to her charitable commitments.

As evening shadows lengthened, Eleanor remained absent.

Nolan's brow furrowed as he prepared to call her,when Fannie's urgent call interrupted first.

"Nolan! Something awful has happened! Eleanor collapsed!" Fannie's voice carried pure panic.

At those words, Nolan's world went completely silent,as though time itself had frozen and ice had replaced the blood in his veins.

Without even properly checking the address Fannie transmitted, he seized his car keys and bolted from the house.

What normally required thirty minutes of driving was accomplished in ten.

At the Lumina Hotel, Nolan located the room number Fannie had provided. The door stood slightly open,revealing only impenetrable darkness beyond.

He rushed forward, pushing the door wide.

At that precise moment, gentle light bloomned within the shadows, accompanied by a clear, melodic voice singing, "Happy birthday to you..."

Eleanor and Fannie emerged from the darkness,bearing a cake adorned with flickering candles.

Then, the room's lights blazed to life suddenly,revealing colorful balloons and flowing ribbons decorating every corner, transforming the space into something wonderfully festive and inviting.

Nolan's frayed nerves finally began to settle as he absorbed the scene surrounding him.

The crushing wave of terror dissolved into gentle warmth spreading through his entire body.

Eleanor set the cake carefully on the coffee table and offered him a mischievous wink. "Happy birthday. Let me grab some plates so we can enjoy this together."

With that, she disappeared toward the storage area.

Nolan's attention shifted to Fannie.

Fannie's heart lurched at the expression he directed her way.

On no!

She recognized that particular look far too well.

Nolan appeared poised to return her favor with a swift dismissal!

Erick, who had arrived moments earlier,immediately understood the dynamics at play.

He stepped forward smoothly, offering Fannie a courteous smile as he suggested, "Miss Stewart,the evening grows late.Would you allow me to escort you home?"

Before she could voice any objections, he efficiently guided the protesting and resistant Fannie toward the door.

Eleanor returned carrying a box of cake plates, only to discover Nolan standing alone in the room.

"Where did Fannie go?" she asked with obvious confusion.

Nolan had already moved closer to Eleanor, smoothly accepting the plates from her grasp.

"She mentioned feeling sleepy, so l arranged for Erick to see her home safely," he explained.

Eleanor's puzzlement deepened. "Sleepy? The sun hasn't even set yet."

Nolan captured her hand, guiding her toward the waiting cake while his voice dropped to intimate,gentle tones. "Don't worry about her. Let's focus on the candles."

Though still perplexed, Eleanor chose not to pursue the matter further, assuming Fannie had departed due to some unexpected obligation.

Nolan clasped her hand firmly, closing his eyes beneath the gentle candlelight, and whispered a heartfelt wish-that every year, every day ahead,she would remain beside him always. Eleanor studied his profile, made tender by the flickering glow, and quietly ventured, "Our relationship doesn't appear to have others' approval. Do you ever have second thoughts?"

This question had been weighing on her mind for days.

Nolan's eyes opened, his gaze penetrating and steady as it found hers. "I do regret it."

Eleanor felt her heart sink slightly at his admission.

Yet in the next breath, Nolan continued with earnest deliberation, "I regret not finding you sooner."

Eleanor felt completely breathless, delicious warmth blooming in the deepest corners of her heart.

Rising onto her toes, she pressed a tender kiss to his lips.

Nolan's eyes grew darker as he closed them,responding to her kiss with fervent passion.

Was Eleanor finally embracing him without reservation?

Recognizing this shift, Nolan slowly intensified their connection.

They parted only when breathing became necessary.

Foreheads touching, they shared the same air between Findi...them.

Beyond the windows, sunset painted the sky in molten gold, merging flawlessly with the evening clouds.

They remained wrapped in each other's arms, silently watching the sun disappear beneath the horizon amid the twilight's embrace, for what felt like an eternity.