A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1263

The rain had been pouring all night, not easing up until early morning.

Bernard looked down at the woman in his arms, holding her for a while before slowly letting go.

He thought Eleanor was asleep, so he slipped out of bed, picked up his clothes and tiptoed out of the room.

Eleanor, still in bed, opened her eyes and watched his retreating figure.

She heard him telling Bryson to look after her, reminding Scott to protect her, warning Nina not to sneak snacks and admonishing her to listen to Eleanor while he was away.

He was saying his goodbyes. Eleanor knew this. Yet, compared to her crying and making a fuss ten days ago, she was much calmer now, seemingly accepting the fact that he was leaving.

She lay there for a while, then, swallowing her pain, got up and went to the bathroom. After cleaning up, she sat at the vanity and put on light makeup, then took out a suitcase and went to Bernard's dressing room.

When Bernard returned from a call with Cedric, he saw a silver suitcase on the floor of the dressing room, and Eleanor, her back to him, was packing neatly folded clothes into the suitcase.

Looking at her small, frail figure, Bernard's heart ached, but he was rooted to the spot.

After a while, Eleanor finished packing the shirts and was about to start on the pants when she saw the man behind her in the full-length mirror.

She paused, swallowed her sadness, turned around, and smiled at Bernard, "Honey, I'm packing for you. Is there anything special you want to take with you? Just tell me, and I'll do it."