More Than A Favor

Chapter 50
I froze. Before I could respond, Miles had already pulled me into his arms.
His warm breath gently brushed against my hair, and his embrace radiated a heat that seeped through my skin, reaching my
heart. I shivered slightly, overwhelmed by the warmth and comfort he offered.
“You still have me, kid,” Miles murmured softly, his deep voice resonating in my ears as he patted the back of my head with his
large hand.
Then, just as gently as he had embraced me, he let go.
Even though I had never been much of a crier, I suddenly felt tears welling up in my eyes. They spilled over before I could even
think to stop them, sliding silently down my face.
I didn’t want to cry, I didn’t want to show any weakness in front of him.
I tried desperately to hold the tears back, but the harder I tried, the more they fell. Feeling ashamed of myself, I turned away from
him, refusing to let him see the pathetic state I was in.

Miles must have noticed anyway. He reached out and softly caressed my hair with his hand, his touch tender and reassuring. “It’s
not embarrassing to cry in front of me, remember?”
It was something he had once told me before.
And now, he was reminding me of it again.
But this time, the situation was preying on the last shred of dignity I had left. I quickly turned my back to him, wiping away my
tears as fast as I could.
Miles, perhaps sensing my struggle, didn’t push further. Instead, he picked up my suitcase. “I’ll put this in the car for you,” he said
simply before walking out of the room.
Even though he was gone, I stayed where I was, covering my face with my hands. Finally, I let the tears? pour freely down my
face.

When I went downstairs, Tessa and Ethan were still busy in the kitchen. Their joy over their son’s return had clearly
overshadowed the sadness of losing their daughter–in–law.
I didn’t say goodbye to them. I didn’t want them to see my red, swollen eyes, nor did I want them to try to convince me to stay.
When I stepped outside, Miles was waiting for me in front of the car. He was staring off into the distance, lost in thought.

As soon as he noticed me, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Do you want me to fetch you?” he asked.
I shook my head, forcing a smile even though my chest still ached. “You haven’t been here in four years. The town has changed
a lot. You might get lost.”
His smile widened slightly, a trace of amusement in his expression. “Is that so?”
I avoided his gaze, staring down at my shoes instead. I didn’t want him to notice my reddened eyes. “I’m leaving now. I’ll buy you
dinner another time,” I said light
Miles didn’t say anything as I opened the car door and slid into the driver’s seat.
Just as I started the engine, he suddenly placed his hand on the edge of the window. “Where are your
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staying now? Can you tell me?
1 tightened my grip on the steering wheel, unable to answer
He smiled bitterly and pulled his hand away. “Drive carefully,” he said softly.
I drove off, and as the car passed the estate’s threshold, I couldn’t help but glance into the rearview mirror. The house grew
smaller and smaller in the distance, and my tears began to fall once again, pouring down like rain.
“Goodbye, my home of ten years.
Goodbye, my love

Goodbye, the me from the past.”
More Than