I Chose Me Over My Marriage novel Chapter 177

Miles nodded. His hands, resting behind his back, slowly curled into tight fists. His nails dug into his palms, yet he felt no physical sensation.

This decision was far from easy for him.

But he had no alternative.

He was completely out of options.

Perhaps Harrison assumed he was leaving purely because of his feelings for Lyra.

But there were certain truths Harrison didn't need to know, and Miles had no intention of revealing them.

"I couldn't bring myself to tell Mom, so I have to ask you to do it for me."

He still lacked the courage to face her heartbreak, but regardless, he had to take this next step.

"It's getting late. I'll be going now."

Miles turned on his heel. Watching his retreating back, Harrison let out a soft sigh, his chest heavy with overwhelming helplessness.

Leaving the study, Miles returned to his bedroom.

This was the place he had lived in for over twenty years. Starting tonight, it would no longer be his home.

His phone buzzed loudly in the quiet room.

Pulling it out, he furrowed his brow the moment he saw the caller ID.

He didn't answer right away. He waited until the call was just about to go to voicemail before finally accepting it.

Miles didn't say a word. The line remained dead silent.

After a brief standoff, a raspy, aged voice broke the tension.

"When do you plan on returning?"

A cold, cynical smirk tugged at Miles' lips.

"My choices are not up for discussion."

"But don't forget whose blood runs through your veins."

The older man's tone carried a sharp edge of rising anger.

In stark contrast, Miles remained completely unfazed, his eyes dark and devoid of any emotion.

Miles offered a gentle smile. "Don't wake them."

The butler opened his mouth, desperately wanting to say something, but realizing he had no right to stop him.

"It's late. Get some rest."

With that, Miles turned toward the grand mahogany doors.

Just then, Eleanor's voice echoed from behind him.

"Miles."

Her soft call seemed to bridge the massive distance between them.

Miles froze in his tracks and slowly turned toward the staircase.

Eleanor stood there, holding a thick winter scarf. Meeting his gaze, she began walking toward him, step by heavy step.

The butler tactfully retreated, leaving the mother and son alone.

Miles set his suitcase down. The stoic mask he had worn with Harrison completely shattered, replaced by a devastating mix of guilt and helplessness.