Chapter 328

When Eleanor walked into the hospital, she found Norwood basking in the sunlight.

He looked better than he had in weeks, his face brighter and his energy stronger.

"Norwood," she said with a gentle smile, setting a thermos carefully on the table.

The older man's face lit up instantly. "Eleanor!"

Eleanor ladled a portion of her homemade soup and held it out to him. "I made some soup for you. Have a taste."

Norwood sipped carefuly, his eyes brightening."Delicious."

Watching Eleanor, her face tired but still quietly graceful, Norwood felt a swell of affection. "And how's Nolan been treating you lately?"

Eleanor's hand hesitated over the ladle for a brief moment."Same as usual. How's the soup? Want more?"

But Norwood, with all the wisdom of his years, saw through her sidestep immediately.

It was clear that Eleanor and Nolan weren't in a good place.

His grandson didn't seem to fully grasp how lucky he was to date someone like Eleanor.

If he let her slip away, it would be his own fault.

Norwood sighed softly, deciding not to press further."Set it down for now. I'll have more later.You look tired. Go rest. You don't need to stay here."

Eleanor nodded, giving a small farewell before turning to leave.

But as soon as she reached the hallway, a firm hand grabbed her wrist.

Nolan's familiar scent enveloped her instantly, and before she could react, he pulled her into a vacant hospital room.

In an instant, his tall frame loomed over her, and his lips crashed onto hers with a demanding intensity.

The kiss was fierce, urgent, and almost desperate,leaving Eleanor struggling to catch her breath.

She tried to pull away but couldn't, until finally Nolan released her, letting her breathe again. After a moment, the weight of his presence softened.

He leaned his forehead against hers, still panting."Eleanor, I've missed you so much," he murmured.

Eleanor,however, stayed unnervingly composed.

She didn't meet his eyes.Instead,she straightened her rumpled collar and spoke quietly. "Norwood's getting older. He likes having people around. You and Fannie should visit more. It would do him good."

She didn't mention Elora. She didn't even ask about his broken promises or the call he never answered.

Her demeanor was calm, as if none of this mattered.

Nolan felt a sudden surge of panic. He wrapped her in a tight hug. "Eleanor, let me explain,these past few days-"

She stopped him before he could finish. "It's fine.It doesn't matter anymore. It's getting late, so I should go," she said, slipping from his arms.

She walked away, leaving behind any hope she had once carried for them.

To her, it was over. None of it mattered anymore