A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 268

Eleanor was standing there like a deer caught in the headlights, struggling to believe what she just heard. She stammered, "He...he's still kickin'?"

Bernard Laurence clenched his fists, stifling the kind of agony that felt like his heart was being torn into pieces, and gave a slight nod. "Yep, still kickin'."

He noticed her eyes, which were as lifeless as a zombie's before, start to sparkle when she heard the news.

No surprise there–only Garett Falsey could make her panic. No matter what Bernard did, she wouldn't give him the time of day.

Bernard laughed it off with a touch of self-mockery...

Having received confirmation from Bernard, Eleanor's eyes began to well up with tears, "But I thought..."

The news reported he offed himself over a broken heart, and Hailey said he was six feet under, so how in the world...

Bernard casually replied, "I saved his bacon."

Eleanor's eyes, now misty, widened in shock – it was Bernard who saved Garett's skin.

She was taken aback, feeling a whirlwind of emotions inside, and simply muttered, "Thanks."

This simple 'thanks' felt like it pushed them miles apart, and Bernard felt like his ears were bleeding.

He scoffed, "What's your deal, thanking me for him? Are you thanking me as Ethan Ziegler's ball and chain or as Garett's?"

Hearing that, Eleanor's guilt didn't let up – if anything, it multiplied.

She cast her gaze downward and didn't reply. But her nails dug into her palms.

Bernard lifted her hand, prying her fingers open so she wouldn't hurt herself, and said, "I'll take you to him."

His big paw enveloped her tiny hand, fingers interlocking with hers.

Hand in hand, they headed for the door...