Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 151

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Please Come Back, My Love

Chapter 151

“Are you sure?” he asked, his eyes searching mine. ‘I wouldn’t be in the way, I premise. I just-I want to help.

‘I’m sure, I said firmly. “But thank you. Really.”

Mom reached over and patted Ethan’s hand. “You’re a good man, Ethan. Elena’s lucky to have you.”

I wanted to say. This is all fake, remember?

But Mom was smiling now, her face relaxed in a way I hadn’t seen in days, so I kept my mouth shut.

The walk back to the house was quiet. Ethan had insisted on driving us, and Mom had accepted before I could protest. Now she was dozing in the passenger

seat, her head resting against the window, while I sat in the back, my arms wrapped around myself.

“When do you leave? Ethan asked, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror.

“Saturday.”

Three days away.

“And you’re planning the whole route yourself?”

“We’ll figure it out as we go.”

He was quiet for a moment. “Have you told anyone else? About the trip?”

Who would I tell?

Sophia was back in New York, probably still tangled up with Lucas. My former coworkers at Sterling Group didn’t give a shit where I was. And Julian-

I deleted his number.

“No,” I said simply. “There’s no one to tell.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. I could see him struggling with something, the words forming and reforming behind his teeth.

Finally, he said, “If you need anything while you’re gone–”

“We won’t.”

“Elena. His voice was patient, like he was talking to a skittish animal. “I know you want to do this alone. I get it. But if something happens, if your mom gets sick or you run into trouble-”

“Then I’ll handle it.”

“How?” The question came out sharper than he probably intended. “You’re still recovering yourself. Those scars on your wrists are barely healed, and

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Chapter 151

Top Che word cracked through the car like a whip. “Just stop, Ethan

Mom stirred in the front seat, and I lowered my voice.

‘I appreciate your concern, I continued, forcing myself to sound calmer. “But I can take care of my mother. I don’t need—”

I don’t need another man trying to save me.

The thought finished itself in the silence.

We pulled up in front of the house. The porch light was on, casting long shadows across the overgrown lawn. Ethan put the car in park but didn’t turn off the engine.

‘I’ll help your mom inside,” he said quietly.

“I’ve got it.”

J

But Mom was already struggling with the door handle, and Ethan was out of the car before I could stop him. By the time i climbed out, he had his arm around her waist, supporting her up the porch steps.

I followed behind, my hands clenched into fists in my pockets.

At the door, Mom turned to Ethan with a tired smile. “Thank you for tonight. It was lovely.”

“The pleasure was mine, Mrs. Vance.” He glanced at me. “Take care of yourself, okay? Both of you.”

‘We will,” Mom promised.

There was a pause. An expectation of something-a kiss goodnight, maybe, or some other performative gesture of affection.

But I just stood there, my hand on the doorknob, waiting.

Finally, Ethan stepped back. “I guess I’ll see you when you get back, then.”

“Sure,” I said. “When we get back.”

‘I’ll be waiting.”

The words sounded like a promise. Or maybe a threat.

I met his eyes steadily. “You said you were here for work, right? Business trip?”

“Yeah, but-

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