Rebirth of the Wife in Despair
Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Avoid Him

Eileen swiftly lifted the hem of her dress and hurried back. After all, it might raise suspicions if Ericcouldn’t locate her upon his return. Upon reaching the banquet hall, she observed Eric scanning thecrowd for her. Straightening her dress and fixing her hair, she approached him with a meek smile. Ericfrowned upon spotting her. “Where have you been?” Eileen tilted her head and replied innocently, “Iwent to the restroom.” There was a certain innocence in her eyes that made it difficult for anyone to getangry with her, but Eric’s brows furrowed even more when he noticed the rosy tinge on her cheeks.“Have you been drinking?” “Just a little.” Eileen was honest about it. She even gestured with her fingersto indicate the small amount she had drunk, wearing an alluring smile. He quickly looked away beforesaying, “Let’s go. I’ll send you back.” With that, Eric strode out of the banquet hall, and Eileen followedimmediately. Once in the car, she couldn’t help but think about that woman. Although Eileen had noidea about Eric’s intentions in staying with the Swan family, she was certain that his goal involvedseeking revenge. She had neither the intention nor the ability to intervene in his plan, for Eric was aformidable person, and anyone who crossed him would inevitably meet a dreadful end. In her previouslife, she was naïve enough to believe she could persuade Eric to let go of their grudges and livepeacefully with their father. Having been given a second chance at life, Eileen’s primary focus was ongraduating from university. Once accomplished, she could leave the Swan family and Hulbury, pursuinga life of her own. The car lapsed into silence. Eventually, Eileen decided to break the tension. “Eric,there’s something I need to tell you.” Eric’s eyes flickered at her words, as he thought she might finallybe reaching a breaking point. “It was my fault. I was being too stubborn in the past. Moving forward, I’llkeep in mind our sibling relationship.” Eileen maintained a calm demeanor as she spoke. Her wordsand demeanor caught Eric off guard. He scrutinized her through the rearview mirror but failed to detectanything unusual. After a prolonged silence, he raised an eyebrow and sneered sarcastically. I waswondering why she hadn’t been pestering me throughout the day. Turns out, she’s just playing hard toget. With his hands firmly on the steering wheel, Eric spoke in a gentle tone. “It’s good that you’vereflected on things. Let’s put the past behind us.” Seated in the back, Eileen responded with a bright

smile. Subsequently, silence enveloped the car again. Eileen looked out of the window, feeling relieved.As long as I keep my distance from Eric, I can avoid trouble. Once I leave Hulbury, I don’t have to careabout the conflicts between Eric and Dad. They can sort out their grudges on their own. The car soonarrived at Undella Mansion. As Eileen was stepping out of the vehicle, she suddenly recalledsomething and called out to Eric, “Eric, is Vera coming back soon?” Vera Blake held a special place inEric’s heart as his childhood sweetheart. Having faced hardships together in the orphanage, their bondwas forged through shared struggles, including sleeping on the streets and enduring hunger. When Ericwas adopted into the Swan family, he later brought Vera into the fold during the second year. Will hadno objections, given the family’s means to support an additional member. However, despite being closein age, Eileen and Vera couldn’t replace common ground. Eileen’s envy grew as Vera maintained a closerelationship with Eric. This jealousy led Eileen to frequently replace fault with Vera. Eventually, Eric sentVera abroad for her studies. In the present, Eric paused, turning to look at Eileen with a guardedexpression. Just look at him. So worried about Vera. Eileen regarded him with a hint of disdain beforeadding, “I must admit, I do miss her after all this time. I’ve already instructed Sharon to clean her room.It will be ready for her when she returns.” There was a room in Undella Mansion specifically designatedfor Vera, left vacant since her departure for studies abroad. Eric’s expression darkened briefly, afleeting glint crossing his eyes. “No need. I plan to have Vera stay with me.” “Really?” A hint ofembarrassment flitted across Eileen’s visage. “That’s a great idea… It will be more convenient for youto take care of Vera.” She knew that Eric had his own house, and he seldom returned to UndellaMansion to avoid her. “When she returns, I’ll bring her here to collect her belongings.” Eileen gazed atEric’s stern expression, offering a silent nod without further words. Bringing up Vera was her way ofconveying that she had moved on from her feelings and her past misbehaviors. However, it seemedher current efforts didn’t leave a strong impression on him, given his composed reaction. Eric observedher quietly—head bowed and silent, a stark contrast to the once-arrogant Eileen. It must be difficult forher to put on an act for so long. Checking the time on his wrist, he remarked, “It’s getting late. Headback and get some rest.” Eileen smiled, waving. “Sure, Eric. Goodbye.” With the engine of the blackBentley starting, the car swiftly disappeared into the night.