More Than A Favor

Chapter 73

“Yes.”

C Gets

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I was about to respond when Ashton leaned in and whispered, “I can’t help it. I can’t stop myself from wanting to be close to you, to care for you, and… to tease you.”

It made sense. If love were something we could control, no one in this world would ever fall victim to it.

I didn’t know what to say, but before I could reply, Ashton released me. “Drink plenty of water when you get inside. If you need anything, just call me.”

Pointing at my bag, he added, “Your room key. Let me open the door for you.”

“It’s okay,” I said, snapping back to reality as I stepped away from him. “I can open it myself.”

I hurriedly fumbled for my room key, swiped it, and slipped inside. Leaning against the door, I stayed there for a while, trying to clear my thoughts.

By the time Maya returned, I was already lying in bed. She moved carefully, probably trying not to disturb me.

I kept my eyes shut, unwilling to talk, but I heard her mutter softly, “She’s sleeping so soundly. Looks like I’m not needed here.”

Hearing this, I clenched my fingers lightly. It seemed Ashton had asked Maya to check on me.

Ashton… How did I end up getting involved with this man?

I didn’t know. Gradually, I drifted into sleep, only to find myself dreaming again. The dream was chaotic–a jumble of images of my parents and the scene of their car accident.

Even though I hadn’t witnessed the accident firsthand, I had once secretly looked through the police case files and seen the photographs.

Those images were burned into my memory, haunting me for years.

When I first moved in with the Mercers, I had frequent nightmares about it, but over time, they had faded. Yet that night, the dream returned.

When I woke up, it was still dark outside. I checked my phone–it was five in the morning.

Lately, I’d been waking up at this hour no matter how late I went to bed. Despite drinking the night before, my head felt clear.

I noticed a few missed calls and messages on my phone, which I hadn’t heard because it was on

silent.

Nora had called twice, and so had Tessa. I didn’t know why Tessa was calling, but I had an uneasy feeling. It was likely related to Logan–or maybe even Miles.

After thinking it over, I decided to reply to Nora first. Since it was too early to call, I opened WhatsApp and saw several messages from her:

“Why aren’t you answering your calls? Are you okay?” – “Did Mr. Drake kidnap you?” – “Answer your phone or reply to my messages. Otherwise, I’m calling the police.” – “You went to Mr. Webb’s bar to drink. Did something happen there?”

have tracked down Mr. Webb’s place when she couldn’t find me.

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banging on my hotel door.

quick reply: “I’m fine. Just needed a drink.”

rang. It was Nora calling. She was

Menu

I did, I spotted

Ashton seeing her messages, she laughed. “Elaine, I think you should give Ashton a chance. Why not just give

last night. I’m not interested,”

like you’ve been scarred by love and sworn

shower. When I finished, my phone rang again–this time, it was

moment before answering. “Hello…”

Tessa invited me home for dinner. It was clearly just an excuse–she must have had

I’ve loved your tacos, but I really can’t make it back right now. The amusement park project is under

politely but promised, “I’ll visit once I get a break.”

world’s ending. I’ll have a word with him

set long ago,” I explained. Logan had always

is important.” Tessa hung up, though she sounded disappointed.

even if I weren’t, I couldn’t just drop by the Mercers‘ estate like I used to. Perhaps

from your life. First my

now

breakfast with Maya, Ashton was nowhere

come to the amusement park with us? Why’d he leave

I didn’t respond.

cares about you. He even asked me to check on you last night because you’d been drinking. Were you drinking with

“No!”

were drinking?” she

me,” I replied

Maya gave me a knowing look, as if trying to

between us,” I said flatly, cutting off her unspoken

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be fine. I admire Mr. Drake’s looks, but it’s

was surprisingly levelheaded about

ending the conversation. We quickly finished breakfast and headed to

arrived, Ashton was already

Drake. Why didn’t you come with us?” Maya asked playfully.

replied, making Maya stick out her tongue.

morning passed quickly. Around noon, as Maya was about to order takeout, a luxury car

recognized it immediately–it was Tessa’s. She must have had something