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.

wearing that I realized why. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I hurried back into my

inside? Come and have some oatmeal,” Chloe called

My eyes instinctively drifted toward his room.

got scared off by you,” Chloe teased, her tone light yet laced with implication. She leaned closer

made her meaning clear, but I hadn’t done anything intentionally.

at your age isn’t exactly good

you just say? Have I been too nice to you, letting you insult me so openly these past few days?”

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“No, no, I was complimenting you! At your age, you’re still sharp–eyed and quick–witted.

is something going on between you

massaged them crept into my mind. “Mrs. Sutton,” I said softly, “I’m really not in the mood for romance right now.

her tongue. “The best way to heal those wounds is to find someone new

startled me, but it

head. “Not now. I just need some time

you let a chance slip by, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. But it’s your

she stood and carried her bowl to the sink, leaving me alone to finish

was nowhere to be seen–whether he had already left or was still in his room, I

the courtyard was filled with the cheerful sound of Chloe humming a tune. She seemed unusually happy.

visit. I never asked about it, but it seemed like she’d kind of adopted Ashton

Nora called. “When

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