Chapter 5

Tears welled up in Ashley's eyes. Her voice shook as she asked, "D-Did I interrupt something?" In a flash, Dominic shoved Eleanor aside. "Ashley, it's not what you think!" He moved too suddenly. Caught off guard, Eleanor toppled backward off the hospital bed. A dull thud echoed as the back of her head slammed into the sharp corner of the nightstand. Blood gushed instantly. "I won't get in your way anymore," Ashley choked out, then turned and ran. "Ashley!" Dominic shouted. He didn't even spare Eleanor a glance and ran after Ashley without hesitation. Eleanor lay where she fell, her vision hazy as warmth seeped from the back of her skull. Then, without warning, she laughed until tears streaked her cheeks. By the time the nurse found her, she had already passed out from blood loss. As everything faded, she caught the nurse's panicked voice. "Head trauma! Get a doctor, now!" But even then, Dominic never returned. … Eleanor ended up staying in the hospital for several more days due to the injury. Dominic never came, not even once. She figured he was busy comforting Ashley. So, she didn't call or text him. On the day Eleanor was discharged, the butler called. Alfred Jenkins reached out to ask about the plans for Dominic's upcoming birthday party. Eleanor held the phone to her ear, silent for a long moment. For years, she had been the one to plan every detail of his birthday. Despite all their wealth, the Bennett family had never been affectionate. Dominic's parents didn't even know he was allergic to peanuts. Every year, they'd order cakes topped with peanut butter frosting. Eleanor remembered the first party she had attended. At the time, Dominic had quietly slipped away to take his allergy meds. "Why don't you just tell them?" she'd asked, concern written all over her face. Dominic's expression had remained impassive as he replied, "No point. They care about the company's yearly earnings more than they do about me." From that moment on, Eleanor had taken over everything herself. She tailored everything to his liking, from the menu to the flowers. He never had to deal with decorations he didn't like anymore. Better yet, he no longer had to worry about accidentally eating something that could trigger his allergy. "Mrs. Bennett?" Alfred prompted gently on the other end of the line. Eleanor drew in a deep breath before saying, "I'll take care of it." This would be the last time. After the divorce, someone else would handle it. Just like previous years, she planned it meticulously. But this time, she had Alfred shadow her from start to finish, walking him through every last detail. "The cake has to be Black Forest—absolutely no peanuts. Use white roses because he hates red ones. Also, no tequila on the drink list. It gives him headaches. "Write all of this down. The next time you're in charge, make sure there are no mistakes." "Won't you be organizing it next time?" Alfred asked, confused. At that, Eleanor lowered her gaze and said nothing. Next time, she wouldn't even be Mrs. Bennett anymore. How could it still be her job? … On the night of the party, the place sparkled with light and elegance. Eleanor stood at the entrance in a pale blue gown, greeting guests as they arrived. Then, she saw him. Dominic strolled in with Ashley on his arm. She wore a pink tulle dress and walked beside him like the perfect trophy wife. Just like that, Eleanor understood something. He had won her back. Throughout the evening, Dominic's eyes never strayed from Ashley. When her glass ran empty, he had someone bring her juice. When the wind stirred her dress, someone stepped in to straighten it. Every time she tasted something she liked, her face lit up with delight. And each time, a gentle smile would tug at Dominic's lips. But not once did he look at Eleanor. Still, she stood quietly in the corner, playing hostess like it was just another party. … Finally, it was time to open the presents. The guests had all brought lavish, extravagant gifts for Dominic. Meanwhile, the limited-edition watch Eleanor had chosen was presented on a silver tray by Alfred. "Wow! Mrs. Bennett has such impeccable taste. There are only ten of these in the world!" one guest exclaimed. Someone added, "It suits Mr. Bennett perfectly!" "Married couples always know each other best!" Dominic glanced at Eleanor. He was clearly satisfied with the present, but all he said was a cool, "Thank you." However, a hush fell over the room the moment he unwrapped Ashley's gift. Inside was a beige, hand-knitted scarf. The stitches were uneven, and the tension was inconsistent. It was evident that someone unskilled had made it.