Chapter 116
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Ride
“Estelle!” Myra’s voice was tense, her words cutting through clenched teeth. “I’m still married to Sean!”
“Well, that’s just a matter of time,” Estelle shot back with determination. “The divorce is almost finalized, and besides, I know he’s been up to no good with Lyla. I’ve heard how they wronged you. Myra, stop giving him second chances. Honestly, you should’ve left him ages ago! All your kindness is just letting him take advantage of you. While we’re talking, he’s probably scheming something behind your back. Don’t let him fool you again.”
“No, I won’t let it happen again…” Myra’s voice softened, trailing off as the weight of her words settled in.
“Anyway, none of that matters right now! What I want is for you to promise me you’ll go after Tony and win his heart.” Estelle’s lips curled into a determined smile as she locked eyes with Myra. “Come on, let’s be honest. Don’t tell me you’re not the least bit attracted to him?”
Tony Hart was a legend in Bradfort City. Everyone knew who he was, and there was no need to look up any information about him—her encounters with him recently had proven that she, too, was drawn to him.
But Myra couldn’t bring herself to care. Her expression fell as she murmured, “Estelle… Do you know what the biggest lesson I’ve learned from being married to Sean is?”
“What do you mean?” Estelle asked, her brow furrowing with confusion.
Myra let out a deep breath and turned to face Estelle directly. “I’ve learned not to long for something that doesn’t belong to me.”
She had always believed that as long as she worked hard enough, she would get what she wanted in the end. But reality had shattered that belief. No matter how much effort she put in, if it wasn’t meant to be, it would never happen. And the end result was always painful disappointment.
Estelle frowned. “How can you compare Sean to Tony? Myra, I know you’re still shaken by your failed marriage, but—”
Myra interrupted, her tone firm. “That might be true, but it doesn’t matter. Right now, all I want is to get the divorce over with. As for Tony… he’s not part of my future plans.”
Just then, Jack arrived, looking apologetic as he addressed Estelle. “My dear, the director’s been after me for the past thirty minutes! He wants you on set as soon as possible. Can we continue this conversation later?”
Estelle was on the edge of frustration, almost ready to ask Jack for the rest of the day off. But before she could act, Myra suddenly stood, smiling at Jack. “She’s all yours now. I’ve got something else to do. I’ll head off.”
“Myra, wait!” Estelle stood up as well, a hint of annoyance in her voice. “I’ve never known you to be this cowardly. Tony’s different. I get your concerns, but how can you be sure of the outcome if you don’t give it a try? You might be perfect for each other!”
“I don’t want to try,” Myra replied firmly, a sense of finality in her words. She had learned that it was wiser to avoid the possibility of heartache altogether.
Her mind wandered back to that encounter with Tony at the golf course the other day. His gaze had been tender, full of affection. But with a heavy heart, she reminded herself that this wasn’t something she could pursue. “I’m sorry, Estelle. I’ve made up my mind,” Myra added, her exhaustion palpable.
As Estelle fell silent, Myra’s phone rang. It was Eve. Myra had known this call was coming, and she wasn’t surprised by the timing.
“Myra… I know Sean has hurt you in so many ways, and I’m so sorry this happened. I want to apologize to you on behalf of our family,” Eve’s voice came through, laced with regret. “But trust me, I’ve always seen you as my own daughter.”
Eve’s words were difficult for Myra to hear, especially considering the guilt that was eating away at Eve. Still, she knew this conversation had to happen.
As Eve continued to speak, Myra felt a wave of sadness. Tilly had shared with her how Eve reacted after Myra walked out of the company that day—how she stormed into the building and slapped Lyla across the face. Eve had done that to teach Lyla a lesson on Myra’s behalf, but Myra couldn’t bring herself to care anymore. That part of her life was ending.
Her grip on the phone tightened. “Mom… I mean, Mrs. Chase, thank you for everything. You’ve been like a mother to me, and I’m so grateful for the love and care you’ve given me.”
Her voice faltered with emotion. The warmth Eve had shown her since her mother and grandfather passed away had been a lifeline. But soon, she would no longer be part of the Chase family.
“I really hope there won’t be any bad blood between us, and between you and Sean. It’s such a shame your marriage didn’t work out, but I hope you’ll find someone who truly appreciates you,” Eve’s voice trembled. “Myra, can you come over later? Just for one last meal, like the old times? The three of us. It may be the last chance we have to see each other.”
Myra couldn’t bear to disappoint Eve. She also needed to gather her things from the Chase residence, so she agreed with a soft, “Sure.”
Since her car was still at the workshop after the accident, Myra decided to take a cab to Eve’s house. As she walked out of the building, she noticed a familiar gray-silver Bentley parked in front.
The car horn beeped, and the window rolled down to reveal Tony’s smiling face. “Hey, where are you headed? Let me give you a ride!”
Myra froze for a moment, caught off guard by his unexpected appearance. His cheerful face brought a flash of warmth, but she recalled Estelle’s words and felt uneasy. “It’s fine, I’ll take a cab. What are you doing here?”
“Would you believe me if I said I was just coincidentally in the area?” Tony raised an eyebrow, his tone playful.
Myra tried to come up with something to say, but her mind was too clouded. Tony noticed her hesitation and grinned, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Now that we’re no longer working together, does that mean the esteemed Miss Myra won’t even grace me with her presence anymore?”
“That’s not it!” Myra quickly protested.
Her thoughts drifted to Estelle’s mention of Tony canceling Lyla’s ambassadorship. Was this all some form of revenge? And the text he had sent her, reassuring her that Sean and Lyla couldn’t harm her—was this all connected? Was he doing this because of her?
Suddenly, the passenger door popped open. Tony, his expression a little resigned, said, “Come on, we’re still friends, right? Why do you keep rejecting me? You’re really hurting my feelings!”
His teasing tone didn’t mask the playfulness in his eyes. She knew she shouldn’t get in, but after a moment of hesitation, she slid into the car.
“I’m going to Chase Residence,” Myra said quietly, her expression distant.
Without another word, Tony started the car and drove off, his speed picking up as if he were afraid she might change her mind.
The ride was quiet, uneventful. Myra kept her gaze fixed on the passing scenery, avoiding his eyes. They exchanged only small, casual words, carefully steering clear of any awkwardness.
When they arrived, Tony didn’t drive up the driveway but parked a couple of houses down. Before she could reach for the door handle, Myra muttered a soft, “Thank you.”
But just as she was about to step out, she felt a firm grip on her arm.
“Myra, do you loathe me?” Tony’s voice was low, almost intimate.
Startled, she turned to face him. His gaze was intense, and the brooding look in his eyes made her heart skip a beat.