More Than A Favor

Chapter 146

I left home that same night. Ashton wasn’t around–his windows were pitch black.

When Miles called me, I was already on the train.

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I had chosen to take the train instead of flying. While the ride would take two extra hours, I preferred the feeling of traveling on solid ground. There was something soothing about the rhythmic hum of the train and the scenery unfolding outside the window.

“Your car is ready, Elaine. Where are you? I’ll send it over to you,” Miles said, his voice calm and reassuring, as always.

I glanced around the train car. Most of the other passengers were glued to their phones, absorbed in their own little worlds. “Just leave it with the mechanic. I’ll pick it up myself.”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Miles spoke again. “I know where it is.”

The Mercers always sent their cars to the same mechanic, so I wasn’t surprised he knew. “Mr. Drake said your car had been tampered with,” Miles added, his words making me pause. Guilt prickled at me. After all, I was the one who had instructed the mechanics to sabotage it. “Really?” I asked, feigning surprise.

“Has someone else driven your car, Elaine?” he asked, his concern evident.

I bit my lip, trying to think of an answer. It wasn’t just a question–it was Miles’s way of looking out for

me.

Before I could respond, he continued, “Whoever did it didn’t mean to harm you. It seems like they just wanted to cause some trouble. Thank goodness the car stopped working only after you got home. It would’ve been a bigger problem if it broke down elsewhere.”

an easy out. “Got it,” I

tone softer this time. “Are

keeping my answer

he said gently before hanging

parts of life.” One of the things often mentioned was trimming down social relationships that felt burdensome.

finally understood what

The more people cared about me, the more overwhelming it felt to keep up. Even so, I sent Nora a quick message to let her know I had gone out of town.

Yet, for some reason, her unavailability suddenly made sense to

phone, let

# 17:15

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< Chapter 146

they did, they’d eventually grow tired

things were doomed from the start, maybe it was better not

about being a hermit, but now

last train to Amaty, my

decision to go was impulsive, but it felt like the most direct way

I was developing feelings for him, but I had been hurt before. I

without understanding who I was falling for. If love was going to happen, I wanted to be in control this time.

arrived in Amaty, it

to the Suttons‘ courtyard–I was worried Mrs. Sutton would insist I stay if she saw me. Instead, I booked a hotel nearby and stayed there for the