Chapter 206

That evening, I left home. Hayden's windows were dark; he wasn't around. By the time Wayne called, I was at the train station, waiting. I opted for the high-speed rail instead of flying. It added a couple of hours, but I preferred the feeling of staying grounded; it felt safer.

"Rea, your car's fixed. Where are you? I can drop it off," Wayne said, his voice warm.

I glanced around the station—people were engrossed in their phones or lost in thought. "Just leave it at the shop. I'll pick it up later."

There was a pause. His concern was palpable before he spoke. "The mechanic said your car was tampered with."

My stomach plummeted, though I knew—I'd orchestrated it myself.

"Seriously?" I feigned surprise.

"Has anyone else driven it recently?" Wayne asked, his worry evident.

I bit my lip, thinking quickly, but Wayne interjected, "Whoever did it wasn't trying to hurt you. They just wanted to mess with you. Lucky it broke down at home. Could have been worse on the road."

That relieved me. "Got it."

Another pause followed before he asked, "Are you out somewhere? It sounds noisy."

"Yeah," I said vaguely.

He understood. "Take care, Rea."

He hung up. I exhaled slowly. Lately, I'd been watching videos about simplifying life, and one concept resonated: cutting unnecessary social obligations. I finally understood. Sometimes, people caring for you can feel like a heavy burden. The more they care, the harder it is to breathe.

Still, I texted Lena, letting her know I was leaving town. Unsurprisingly, the busy doctor didn't reply. For the first time, I understood why Lena avoided dating. I remembered her saying no one would date someone who barely had time to text. Even if something started, it wouldn't last. You can't build a relationship on scraps of attention. Love needs time to grow.

I'd teased her for being like an ostrich, hiding from life. Now, I understood her perspective. Why start something destined to end?

Chapter 206

I took the last train to Chiverton. My actual destination was Pencetown, a small town outside Chiverton where Hayden's sister lived. It wasn't planned—more of an impulse. I wanted to learn more about Hayden, to understand him better.

Yes, I had feelings for him. But past experiences had taught me caution. I wouldn't dive in headfirst without knowing what I was getting into. This time, I wanted control.

By the time I reached Chiverton, it was very late. Instead of staying with Macy—where she'd undoubtedly insist on hosting me—I checked into a hotel and slept.

Around ten the next morning, I went to Pencetown. Finding Hayden's house wasn't difficult.

Seeing it, I regretted not coming sooner. I regretted not knowing this place existed.

The courtyard was idyllic—trees, flowers, a grapevine, and even a swing. The house was a cozy gray-brick cottage with blue-tiled roofs and a veranda adorned with string lights swaying gently.

It felt like another world. Across the courtyard flowed a wide river spanned by an old stone bridge.

I wouldn't have believed such a place existed if I hadn't seen it. It was like a fairytale. Too perfect to be real.