A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1362

Thinking of her final video message, where she declared that she'd forget him, forever banish him from her memory, Yates felt the moisture welling up in his eyes, threatening to spill over.

"Your grandmother, she was always so impatient. If she had only waited for me, your mother would have had a happier life...”

Pauline had always favored her daughter, so she sent her away. Was it only to protect her, or was it also to spite him?

After some thought, Yates could only conclude that this must have been the reason for her to tell him in her video that she only had two children.

After all, their entire relationship was based on competition. From their very first encounter, she was always pushing against him.

"Do you think Pauline would get so angry over you marrying another woman that she'd give away her own child? Was there something else?"

"Yes."

Eleanor thought he would deny it, but to her surprise, he nodded.

"I stepped between her and her first love. She's held a grudge ever since."

He did not disclose much, but Eleanor was able to grasp the crucial information.

"Who was her first love?"

Yates sharp eyes clouded over, "An annoying man."

Before Eleanor could probe further, Yates cut her off, steering the conversation in a different direction.

She studied his troubled expression for a moment before continuing, "So, Pauline hated you more than she loved you, didn't she?"

Yates didn’t take offense at her pointed question and simply chuckled, nodding in agreement.

"You could say that."

"Then why did she have children with you?"

Yates straightened, locking eyes with Eleanor's inquisitive gaze, "That's a more complicated question. You should be able to relate."

Eleanor knew what he was implying that she had also loved two men. Her face darkened, but Yates continued, "In life, we tend to love a few people. The question is, who do we love the most?"

With that, he gave Eleanor a meaningful look.

"You loved Bernard most, so you were willing to have his child. It was the same with Pauline."