More Than A Favor

Chapter 86

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As Ashton spoke, his grip on my hand tightened briefly. His eyes narrowed slightly, and something flickered in their depths–a fleeting emotion I couldn’t quite name.

But then, as quickly as it came, the pressure on my hand eased, and he let go.

I stepped back instinctively, rubbing the spot where his grip had been firm. “I’ve made all the changes you marked. Do you want to review them now?”

Ashton remained seated, lounging in the chair. He didn’t even open his eyes. “No need. You should go

rest.”

“Okay. Good night,” I replied, turning to leave.

But just as my hand reached for the door, I heard him call out softly, “Elaine.”

I froze in place, my heart skipping a beat.

Elaine.

It was my nickname. Only my parents had ever called me that when they were alive, and occasionally Nora, though she usually stuck to “Elaine.”

I turned back to face him, my brows furrowed in confusion. “What did you just call me?”

“Nothing,” Ashton said, his voice calm as he kept his eyes closed. “Just… don’t forget to close the door.”

Bewildered, I stared at him for a moment longer. Then, making sure the door was firmly shut, I left his

room.

Instead of heading straight back to my own room, I leaned against the wall in the hallway. My breath came in shallow bursts, and my heart raced uncontrollably.

No matter how much I tried to calm myself, the events of the evening replayed in my mind–Ashton’s intense gaze, the feel of his hands encircling mine, and the way he had called me Elaine.

I shook my head and forced myself to return to my room. After collapsing onto the bed, I grabbed phone, hoping the distraction would bring some clarity.

On WhatsApp, I noticed several unread messages.

my

One from Nora read: “The villains always live forever. He’s not dead or even seriously hurt, just lost at

lot of blood.”

and replied: “I’ll aim harder

didn’t respond. She was likely asleep or busy with another

opened my chat with Caleb. His messages were focused on

had this attitude earlier, maybe things wouldn’t have gone so far.” Caleb: “Logan’s the

last message made

claimed Logan owed her and had ruined her.

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< Chapter 86

typed a reply: “Caleb, does

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hesitation, I added: “Or does Logan owe

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waiting for a reply, but none came. Setting the phone down, I closed my eyes, hoping

for the

nowhere, she mumbled in her

laugh and turned

had Ashton pushed her during the day for her to curse him even in her dreams?

in my mind again–his sharp features, his steady voice, the way he had

thought about it, the less flustered I felt. Eventually, I drifted into a

a sunlit meadow.

turned to see Ashton, younger and full of energy, chasing

Ashton

of a boy who carried me on his back. He had a

he had

buzzed. It was Olivia, the landlord of the unit across from

issue, I

so early,

problem. What’s up?” I replied, taking

tenant about your request, but he refused–even

off.

t

of déjà vu, as if

record, no bad habits. He’s quite

finish, Ashton’s voice

can I have your fried egg?” he

I barely registered Olivia’s words as I hastily ended the call with,

that’s fine,” he said casually, already peeling a boiled egg.

mine!” Maya offered enthusiastically, lifting her egg from her plate.