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.

hand. “Give it to

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between us grew

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and crossed the short distance between us. His tall frame towered over me as he exhaled softly, his frustration tempered

really just a joke?

men are,” he added, his tone almost

found mine. His grip was firm yet strangely comforting. Slowly, he pried the document from my grasp. “Don’t let something like this get

Then,

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

he could pass me, I spoke, my voice cutting through

He stopped.

my words trembling slightly but firm enough

turned slowly, his dark eyes studying me. For a moment, I thought he might actually answer. Then, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, softening his

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 like

me I didn’t even know

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< Chapter 2

that same smile still had the power to

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

I like you,” he said, his voice soft. “Why else would I go across the city to get you roasted pears when you’re sick? Or buy

to my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin. “And why else,” he added, “would I want

should’ve comforted me. They should’ve been

But they weren’t.

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