More Than A Favor

Chapter 2

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The soft rustle of paper caught Logan‘ attention. He looked up, his dark eyes locking onto mine. I didn’t need a mirror to know how grim my expression was.

“You look pale,” he said, frowning slightly. “Are you feeling unwell?”

Without answering, I walked over to his desk, my fingers tightening around the marriage license application in my hand. Swallowing the bitterness in my throat, I finally spoke. “If you don’t want to marry me, I can tell your mom myself.”

His frown deepened. He knew I’d overheard everything.

My voice cracked as I continued, “I never thought I’d end up being a burden

to you, Logan-”

“Elaine,” he cut in, his tone calm but firm. “To everyone else, we’re already like a married couple.”

I froze. Was that why? Because it looked right to everyone else?

I wanted him to marry me because he loved me, not because it was

convenient.

Logan capped the pen in his hand with a quiet click, his gaze dropping to the crumpled application form I was holding. “We’ll register next Wednesday,” he said, the words flat, emotionless.

It was what I thought I wanted to hear. But instead of relief, I felt a heavy ache deep in my chest.

I shook my head slightly, my voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to force yourself. I’m not some charity case.”

“Elaine Hart.” His voice turned sharp.

I flinched and looked up, meeting his impatient gaze.

out his hand. “Give it

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air between us grew tense,

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His tall frame towered over me as he exhaled softly, his frustration tempered with a strange gentleness. “I was joking with Caleb,” he said, his

it really just a

are,” he added, his

hand sliding down my arm until it found mine. His grip was firm yet strangely comforting. Slowly, he pried the document from my grasp. “Don’t let something like

application form into a desk drawer. Then, grabbing his coat, he

doing that a lot lately–leaving without explanation, staying out longer each time.

pass me, I spoke, my voice cutting through the silence.

He stopped.

my words trembling slightly

dark eyes studying me. For a moment, I thought he might actually answer. Then, a faint

smiled–too good. I still remembered the first time I saw that smile, ten years ago. I had just arrived at the Mercer estate, a scared girl of fourteen, and he had ruffled my hair and called me “kid.” That smile had felt

me I didn’t

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< Chapter 2

that same smile still had the power to undo me.

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his large hand resting lightly on my head, his fingers ruffling my hair in the

you roasted pears when you’re sick? Or

lightly

me. They

But they weren’t.

go this time. “Do you like me romantically?”