More Than A Favor

Chapter 36

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It was the first time I’d ever said something so bold. Ashton froze for a moment, then responded in a calm, detached tone, “You’re overthinking it.”

His reply left me feeling awkward and unsure of what to say next.

He turned away and began cutting the watermelon, his movements precise and methodical, He arranged the slices neatly on the plate, almost like soldiers standing in perfect formation. Watching. him work so meticulously, I suddenly felt an urge to explore his room again.

“Why aren’t you eating? Staring at it won’t fill you up,” Chloe teased, bringing me back to reality.

Chloe, I realized, was no ordinary woman. She could scold someone with her hands on her hips one. moment, then crack a joke the next, all while exuding warmth and care.

“I was waiting for you. You’ve worked so hard standing up for me,” I said playfully, handing her the largest slice of watermelon,

Without hesitation, she took a big bite. “It’s sweet,” she said, smacking her lips. “But I can’t eat too much–high blood sugar.”

I grabbed a piece for myself and began eating as well. The watermelon was juicy and refreshing, the perfect relief for a hot day. Ashton, however, had already disappeared back into his room. By the time dinner rolled around, he was gone entirely. I wanted to ask if he wasn’t coming to eat, but he walked so quickly that I didn’t get the chance.

Chloe sat beside me, shaking her head with a small laugh. “Ashton is naturally aloof. But the fact that he’s even paying attention to you says something.”

“Treats me how?” I wanted to ask, but I swallowed the question. Still, I couldn’t deny that his massage had worked wonders. By the time I woke up the next morning, my ankle felt almost completely healed

The next morning, the courtyard was unusually quiet, as though no one else was around.

I stepped outside in a slip dress, enjoying the early morning calm, only to lock eyes with two people sitting at the dining table. Ashton’s gaze caught mine for a brief moment before he quickly looked away. His ears turned red again, a sight that made my breath catch for reasons I didn’t want to admit.

wasn’t until I glanced down at what I was wearing that I realized why. My cheeks

going back inside? Come and

dressed, Ashton had already left. My eyes instinctively drifted toward his room. “Why doesn’t he eat with us?” I asked.

you,” Chloe teased, her tone light yet laced with implication. She leaned closer to me, her eyes glinting with mischief. “You’ve

meaning clear, but I hadn’t done anything

such thoughts at your age isn’t exactly good for your health,”

her eyes at me, feigning offense. “What did you just say? Have I been too nice to you, letting you insult me so openly these past

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hands in surrender. “No, no, I was complimenting you! At your age, you’re still sharp–eyed

is something

man who once massaged them crept into my mind. “Mrs. Sutton,” I said softly, “I’m really not

tongue. “The best way to heal

me, but it wasn’t

head. “Not now. I just

a chance slip by, you’ll regret

her bowl to the sink, leaving me alone

go for a ride on my bike. Ashton was nowhere to be

with the cheerful sound of Chloe humming a tune. She seemed unusually

hadn’t seen any of Chloe’s kids visit. I never asked about

evening, Nora called. “When

said honestly. I was genuinely happy here – happier than I’d been since losing my parents. Part of me wanted to just stay indefinitely, until I