A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1403

Seeing Bernard in such a state, Aidyn and Scott exchanged a knowing glance. They simultaneously pushed their car doors open and rushed toward him.

"Mr. Laurence!"

"Sir!"

The sight of two burly men, their eyes brimming with tears, lunging toward him, touched Bernard's heart. Yet instinctively, his legs took a step back.

As Aidyn and Scott noticed Bernard retreating, a moment of understanding passed between them—'Back off, man.'

Respecting his space, they stopped in their tracks, still looking at Bernard with eyes full of unshed tears. The man stood before them, bathed in the light, looking so radiant it almost seemed he shone.

"Mr. Laurence, you're finally back, thank God! We were worried sick!"

After a few seconds of intense gaze, Bernard lifted his slender fingers and patted Aidyn and Scott on their shoulders.

"Sorry for worrying you guys."

His voice was as calm as ever, and the touch on their shoulders inexplicably brought a sense of security to Aidyn and Scott. It felt as if with Mr. Laurence's return, any problem could be resolved.

The public area was too crowded for conversation, so Aidyn and Scott led Bernard to a sleek black car, held the door open for him, and once he was inside, they got into the vehicle and drove off.

In the car, Aidyn and Scott each shared their distress about not finding Bernard for the past six months. The conversation quickly turned competitive, as they argued over who was more worried.

"It was definitely me who was more freaked out about Mr. Laurence!"

"Bullshit, I was the one who was most concerned!"

Watching them bicker endlessly, Bernard, seated in the back, allowed a slight smile to curve his lips. It seemed at that moment he really felt alive.

But his smile faded as quickly as it appeared, darkening at the memory of Eleanor's words, "After this breakup, I won't look back." It was like a specter dragging him into an abyss.

What was life without her worth? The thought made Bernard's heart clench, and his fingers tightened into a fist on his thigh.

Catching the subtle change in Bernard's expression through the rearview mirror, Aidyn ceased the bickering and, after much hesitation, broached the topic he shouldn't have.