More Than A Favor

Chapter 86

Get 10

Menu

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.”

softly at her message and replied:

was likely asleep or busy with another surgery.

I opened my chat with Caleb.

That’s impressive.” Caleb: “Keep this between us, but good job.” Caleb: “If you’d had this attitude earlier, maybe things wouldn’t have gone

made me pause.

Selene’s words–how she claimed

1414

26 291.

< Chapter 86

“Caleb, does Logan… owe

© Get 107

added: “Or does Logan owe something to Selene’s

Menu

none came.

save for the

nowhere, she mumbled in her sleep,

a laugh and turned to look at

during the day for her to curse him even

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

less flustered I

barefoot through a sunlit meadow. Behind me, a boy’s voice called

turned to see Ashton, younger and full

my thoughts as I woke. It was the second time Ashton had appeared in my dreams, making me question if we had

who carried me on his back. He had a mole near his shoulder blade,

he had called

buzzed. It was Olivia, the landlord of

resolved the issue, I answered, “Hello, Mrs. Nash.”

bother you so early, Elaine,”

taking a sip of my milk.

the tenant about your request, but he refused–even with compensation. So…”

off.

t

a sense of déjà vu, as if I had heard them before.

criminal record, no bad habits. He’s quite decent–looking, too. And

she could finish, Ashton’s voice

your fried egg?” he

off guard, I barely registered Olivia’s words as I hastily ended the call with, “Okay, thanks,” and turned

fine,” he said casually, already peeling a

have mine!” Maya offered enthusiastically, lifting her egg from