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?”

Webb’s place when she couldn’t find me. Otherwise,

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banging on my hotel

sent her an emoji and a quick

the message than my phone rang. It was Nora calling. She was likely on the night shift again, which explained her

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stepped out onto the balcony to take the call. As I did, I spotted Ashton. jogging

her messages, she laughed. “Elaine, I think

rejected him last night. I’m not interested,”

you’ve been scarred by love and sworn off relationships,”

finished, my phone rang

a moment before answering.

for dinner. It was clearly just an excuse–she

now. The amusement park project is under a tight deadline, and I’m working day

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

ending. I’ll

deadline was set long ago,” I explained. Logan had always kept work and personal matters

work is important.” Tessa hung

I couldn’t just drop by the Mercers‘ estate like I used to. Perhaps with enough disappointment, she’d come

go from your

and now the Mercers.

Ashton was nowhere to be

the amusement park with

I didn’t respond.

Drake really cares about you. He even asked me to check on you

“No!”

did he know you were drinking?”

me,” I

Maya gave me a knowing look, as if trying to read

nothing going on between us,” I said flatly, cutting off her unspoken

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admire Mr. Drake’s looks, but it’s no different

was surprisingly levelheaded

admire him together, then,” I joked, ending the conversation. We quickly finished

Ashton was already

Why didn’t you come with us?”

more convenient this way,” Ashton replied, making Maya stick out

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

recognized it immediately–it was Tessa’s. She must have had something urgent to discuss,