Chapter 5
Eleanor was the first parent to arrive at the classroom to pick up her daughter. She had dressed with extra care today, and Evelyn walked out beaming, proud to show her off. Hoisting her backpack, Evelyn turned to her classmates and announced with delight, “This is my mom!”
Eleanor swept her daughter into a warm hug. “You did such a wonderful job today, Evelyn.”
Back at home, Evelyn hurried to check if Joslyn had set out the ingredients for cake and cookies like she’d asked.
Practically bouncing with excitement, Evelyn trailed behind Eleanor, eager to watch every step as she started baking. Eleanor slid a tray of pre–made almond cookies into the oven; soon, their sweet, nutty aroma drifted through the living room, making mouths water. Clapping her hands in anticipation, Evelyn squealed, “I want a cookie!”
“They’ll be ready soon,” Eleanor promised, and with a mischievous smile, dabbed a streak of flour across her own cheek.
Evelyn spotted it right away. Instead of saying anything, she scurried off to fetch a napkin. When she returned, she tugged at her mother’s sleeve. “Mom, you have flour on your face. Let me wipe it off for you.”
Eleanor widened her eyes in mock surprise. “Oh! Really?”
She bent down, letting Evelyn carefully clean her face. Watching her daughter’s serious expression, Eleanor felt a sudden sting of tears. She knew her daughter had a truly kind heart.
Once Evelyn was satisfied with her work, she looked up, beaming with pride. “Mom, did I do a good job?”
“You were amazing,” Eleanor said, hugging her tight.
Eleanor used only the finest ingredients for the cake, and kept the sugar to a minimum–much healthier than anything store–bought.
Before long, a dainty little cake was finished, just as the clock struck half past six. Glancing out the window at the darkening sky, Evelyn pouted. “Why isn’t Dad home yet?”
Eleanor had a suspicion lan wouldn’t be back tonight. She had confronted Vanessa at school today, and she was fairly certain lan was with her now.
At that moment, the phone rang. Joslyn picked up. “Hello?… Yes, of course. I’ll let Mrs. Sutton know.” She hung up and turned to Eleanor. “Ma’am, Mr. Sutton says he won’t be home for dinner. He has a business dinner tonight.”
Eleanor just nodded. “Then let’s just make dinner for the three of us,” she said with a gentle smile.
From now on, she decided, no one would be allowed to spoil her and her daughter’s happiness.
After dinner, Eleanor and Evelyn went outside to kick a soccer ball around on the lawn. At one
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Chapter 5
point, Eleanor deliberately pretended to trip and fall, and Evelyn rushed to her side, her little
face full of worry. Eleanor exaggerated a limp, and in her daughter’s wide eyes she saw nothing but concern and love.
Eleanor’s heart melted.
Later that night, after a warm bath, an exhausted Evelyn tucked herself into bed and fell asleep on her own before nine–thirty. Eleanor gently closed the door and let out a quiet sigh.
With a little time to herself, she slipped into the study next door to draft a plan for her latest research project. She was grateful she’d never given up on her work, even if, for years, she’d hidden it from lan out of fear he might disapprove. She’d kept so much from him, always trying to be the perfect wife.
Bathed in the soft glow of the desk lamp, Eleanor’s expression grew calm and resolute, a quiet confidence shining in her eyes. From this moment on, she wouldn’t hide who she was anymore. She was ready to reclaim herself.
Her father, Elliot Sutton, had once been one of the country’s most renowned medical doctors. Before his death, he’d mentored a generation of brilliant minds. He’d always dreamed of founding a laboratory to finish the groundbreaking medical research he’d left behind.
Closing her laptop, Eleanor rubbed her temples, ready to head back to her daughter’s room for the night.
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