Chapter 7 I Abandoned Your Trust

Jonny's expression clouded over the moment Eleanor's words sank in.

"Eleanor, are you absolutely sure about this?" Sallie asked, her voice carrying a last trace of hope.

"I am," Eleanor answered with quiet conviction.

"In that case, I won't try to stop you," Sallie said softly.

She knew what a bad marriage meant to a woman. "If this is your choice, dear, then you have my full support."

"I appreciate that, Sallie."

"You don't have to force yourself to stay for dinner tonight. With Jonny and Lainey here, the meal will taste bitter. I'll invite you back another day, just the two of us."

Moved by Sallie's kindness, Eleanor nodded. "Alright, I'll come another time."

Rising to her feet, she turned her back on Jonny without hesitation and left the Todd family's estate with her head held high.

...

Determined to cut every last tie with Jonny, Eleanor made up her mind to settle matters completely.

Later that day, she called Lillian and asked her to connect with a real estate agent.

It didn't take long before Lillian showed up.

After inspecting the property, she asked with surprise, "This place is in such a prime spot. Are you sure you really want to let it go?"

"Keeping it feels like keeping bad luck. I'd rather sell it and move on," Eleanor responded.

"You're right about that. I'll handle everything, so you don't have to worry."

Eleanor placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. "I appreciate it, Lillian."

"Don't mention it. It's what we do for friends," Lillian said as she sank into the sofa. "By the way, Mr. Gill is hosting an antique exhibition in two weeks. Want to come?"

Eleanor hesitated, uncertain. "I'm not sure he'd even want to see me again."

"You're overthinking." Lillian looped her arm around Eleanor's shoulders. "You're his only apprentice. Of course he wants to see you."

David Gill wasn't only a respected name in the antique collection industry. He was also the chosen heir of Mystic Glen's medical skills.

Every successor of Mystic Glen took just one student in their lifetime. David had chosen Eleanor.

Eleanor never failed David's expectations, mastering the refined craft of special tool therapy with extraordinary precision.

To keep her identity hidden, she treated every patient behind a mask.

Whispers spread among the public, and with no real name to use, they began to call her the Soul Surgeon.

Her talent could have earned her recognition across the medical world, yet she chose to bury it and live as Jonny's dutiful wife for three long years.

The memory of David's defeated look before her marriage still haunted her, and guilt weighed heavily on her heart.

Lillian reached out to steady her. "Stop blaming yourself. I'll be by your side when the time comes."

"Okay."

Two weeks slipped away.

The highly anticipated antique exhibition opened with grandeur.

Crowds filled the venue, including the wealthy elite who cared little for antiques but wanted to bask in the spectacle.

Outside the lounge reserved for honored guests, Eleanor faltered briefly before lifting her hand to knock.

"Come in."

At the sound, the door creaked open.

Seated by the window in his wheelchair, David faced away. In three years, his hair had grown strikingly silver.

"It's far too noisy outside. I'll step out when the intermission starts." Believing it was an attendant, he spoke without looking back.

Drawing in a steadying breath, Eleanor whispered, "Mr. Gill."

The old man froze, then slowly turned. His eyes widened. "Eleanor?!"

"Yes, it's me." Eleanor crossed the room toward him. "I owe you an apology. After all your years of teaching, I abandoned your trust."

David gave a slow shake of his head. "No need to apologize. This is your life, and you deserve to make your own choices."

"I'm here now. This time, I'll carry forward the medical legacy you entrusted to me-as the Soul Surgeon."

"And will your husband stand behind such a decision?"