More Than A Favor

Chapter 106

I called Ashton. He didn’t pick up–he was probably busy–so I left him a message on WhatsApp.

“Can you come to the Mercer estate with me tonight?”

Meng

Since he hadn’t answered the phone, I didn’t expect a quick reply to my message either. After sending it, I got back to work and focused on finishing my tasks.

It was nearing the end of my shift when Ashton finally called back.

“I was busy earlier and just saw your message,” he explained.

“I understand. Are you free tonight?” I asked.

“What time?” Ashton replied.

I thought for a moment. If we went at six, it would be dinner time, and Ethan and Tessa would likely invite us to stay for dinner. I didn’t mind, but Ashton might feel awkward.

“Seven–thirty,” I decided. By then, the Mercer family would have finished dinner.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at seven. Is that alright?” Ashton asked.

I laughed. “How are you planning to pick me up? On a shared bike?”

I didn’t mean anything by it; it was just a harmless joke. But when Ashton didn’t respond, I realized my words might have been misunderstood.

“No, no, I didn’t mean anything by that,” I quickly explained. Then I added, “I’ll come pick you up.”

“I’ll be home half an hour earlier. When the time comes, we can go together,” Ashton said, then paused. “Do I need to prepare any gifts?”

“No need. I’ve got it covered,” I replied and hung up.

Instead of heading home, I stopped by a men’s clothing store. Since I was taking Ashton to the Mercer estate, I couldn’t let him wear his usual casual clothes. Although I didn’t know if he had anything appropriate, it felt necessary to buy him something suitable, considering I was asking him to play a role for me.

At six in the evening, I had a light meal and waited for Ashton to come home.

But as the clock ticked closer to seven and I still hadn’t heard any noise from next door, I started to get

anxious. I called Ashton, but he didn’t answer.

I wasn’t sure if he was busy or had changed his mind about going with me. Feeling unsure, I grabbed my things and prepared to head to the Mercer estate on my own.

Just as I opened my door, I noticed Ashton’s door was slightly ajar.

Was he back?

I heard

his door open slightly and stepped inside.

rest of his name got stuck in my throat as I froze at

in on Ashton right after he’d

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most of his physique exposed. His tanned skin glistened slightly with water, and the

was. A faint blush

tan skin.

moved. We just stared at each other, as if time itself had frozen.

Only then did I regain my senses, swallowing hard as I realized my

door closing. He was getting dressed. That’s when I remembered the clothes I’d bought for him earlier and blurted out, “Ashton, don’t get dressed yet. Give me a

left

had I just

to get dressed and to wait for me…

the context made them sound so wrong. Embarrassment flooded me,

too late to take them back. I hurried to my room to grab the clothes I’d bought for him, then

I bought some clothes for you. I’m leaving them by the door. These should fit you

didn’t bother explaining what I’d said earlier–I figured it was better to avoid

1. it.

bag on the floor,

stood there, fully dressed.

slacks, with the top two buttons

style would suit him, which was why I’d bought more casual clothes.

But now…

CEO–minimalist, refined,

brushed against mine as he

put these on?” he asked, glancing at the clothes inside.

no. You look great like

to the bag. “I’ll wear what you picked next time.”

to put them away. Meanwhile, I lingered in the doorway, my eyes wandering

the landlord took up nearly two–thirds of the space. The blanket on top was folded so neatly it looked like a

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layered cake.