Love Me Now? Too Late!

Eleanor was not just her husband Nathaniel's assistant. She was also the assistant to his so-called true love, Isabella. When Isabella had back pain, Eleanor fetched her medicine. When Isabella wanted the ring that meant everything to Eleanor, Nathaniel handed it over without hesitation. That ring wasn't just any accessory — it was Eleanor's only link to her true family. But she was done being pushed around. It was time to divorce and reclaim her life. Becoming Nathaniel's "sister" while managing a company of her own? Now that was satisfying. What she didn't expect was Nathaniel suddenly wanting her back. "Dear brother," she teased with a smirk, "Wouldn't that be inappropriate given our relationship now?" ***** "Ah, Nate, my back still hurts. You really overdid it last night…" Isabella's sultry voice echoed through the sleek, speeding Maybach. Eleanor's grip on the steering wheel tightened instinctively. In the back seat, Nathaniel, clad in a tailored black suit, was focused on his laptop. His sharp features and cold demeanor made him look untouchable. Despite being her husband, Nathaniel's warmth was always reserved for another woman — Isabella. Eleanor knew this. Their marriage had been nothing more than an accident after a fateful night three years ago. If not for that, Nathaniel would never have married her. For the past three years, they'd barely seen each other. Since Isabella's return half a month ago, Nathaniel had practically moved into her house, leaving Eleanor to fend for herself. This morning, he'd called out of nowhere, instructing Eleanor to bring a change of clothes and pick him up from Isabella's place. Now Isabella's casual complaints hinted at a night spent together. Eleanor's knuckles whitened as she gripped the wheel, trying to focus on the road instead of the growing ache in her chest. She cast a fleeting glance at Nathaniel through the rearview mirror, hoping against hope that he wouldn't respond to Isabella. But the man didn't even spare Eleanor a glance. Closing his laptop, he gently addressed Isabella, "Let me take a look." Nathaniel's usually cold eyes softened as Isabella leaned against his lap. Eleanor's heart ached. Once, that same tenderness had been reserved for her. Back when she was adopted by the King Family, Nathaniel had promised to be the world's best elder brother. And he was. Patiently teaching her everything she didn't know, and standing up for her when she got into trouble. Despite knowing about his love for Isabella, Eleanor had fallen for him anyway. She'd intended to keep that love hidden forever. But their accidental marriage had changed everything. She thought her devotion could eventually warm his heart. She was wrong. The realization hit hard as Isabella's soft sounds of discomfort filled the car. Eleanor clenched the steering wheel tighter, her nails digging into her palm. Nathaniel lowered his gaze, noticing the slightly pained expression on Isabella's face. His brow furrowed in concern as he remembered how she had stayed up late with him to work overtime the night before. It seemed her back injury had worsened. "Stop by a pharmacy and get some medicine for Isabella's back." Eleanor's chest constricted. 'Was he seriously asking her to fetch medicine for that woman?' As if sensing her turmoil, Isabella adjusted her bag, letting a ring slip out and onto the seat. It glinted under the light — a snake-shaped ring intricately carved with stunning precision. The sapphire-set eyes gleamed coldly. Eleanor's breath caught. ‘That was her ring — the one she'd had since before her adoption, her only clue to her origins. How had Isabella gotten her hands on it?’ Her mind racing, Eleanor slammed the brakes. The car lurched forward, throwing Isabella against the seat with a startled yelp. Nathaniel's face darkened instantly. "Eleanor! Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?" But Eleanor paid no mind to his scolding, her gaze locked firmly on Isabella. "The ring in your bag," Eleanor demanded, voice sharp, "Where did you get it?" Isabella blinked, feigning surprise. "Oh, that?" She unzipped her bag and pulled out a completely different ring. "I saw this at an auction recently. The design reminded me of Nate, so I brought it along to gift him today." Eleanor's eyes narrowed. "Not that one. I saw a snake-shaped ring just now in your bag." Feigning confusion, Isabella smiled innocently. "You must have been mistaken. There's no such ring in my bag." Eleanor's jaw tightened. Mistaken? No way. That ring had been with her since childhood — her only connection to her family. Her father had lost her on a trip when she was a child. Without contact details, Eleanor had been adopted by the King Family. She had to get that ring back. Without another word, Eleanor reached for Isabella's bag. Nathaniel stepped between them, shielding Isabella. "What are you doing?" His frosty glare ignored Eleanor's distress entirely. "Get out of the car." Though not surprised by Nathaniel's protective instincts towards Isabella, Eleanor still felt a pang of cold disappointment. He knew how much that ring meant to her, yet he still chose Isabella without hesitation. Forcing her emotions down, Eleanor tried to reason with him. "If I'm wrong, I'll apologize. But if that ring is in her bag—" "Nonsense," Nathaniel snapped. "Isabella would never take your ring. Stop making a scene and get out." "Please," Eleanor insisted, eyes pleading. But Nathaniel was unmoved. "Assistant Blake," he said sharply, emphasizing her title, "Get out." It was a stark reminder of her current status — just his subordinate. Isabella chimed in with faux concern. "Don't upset Nate, Ms. Blake. You should go home and rest." Eleanor clenched her fists but forced herself to stay calm. "Fine." Pushing the door open, she stepped out without looking back as the car sped away. The chill in the air seeped through her bones. She stood there until the ache in her chest faded into numbness. It took her a long time to calm down. Just as she was about to hail a cab to the office, she received a message from Nathaniel telling her not to come into work. Eleanor let out a bitter laugh. ‘Keeping me away, so Isabella won't be bothered? How thoughtful.’ She hailed a cab back home and sank onto the couch, lost in thought. ‘That ring hadn't just disappeared on its own. Isabella must have switched it this morning. But how had she even gotten it? Eleanor had searched everywhere when it first went missing. How did it end up with her?’