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?

hadn’t I

door open slightly and stepped inside.

of his name got stuck in my throat as I froze at the sight before me.

never expected to walk in on Ashton right after

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

stunned as I was. A faint blush

tan skin.

of us moved. We just stared at each

the spell and walked into his bedroom. Only then did I regain my senses, swallowing hard as I realized my cheeks were

rooted in place, as I heard the sound of his bedroom 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

as the words left my mouth, I regretted

I just

not to get dressed and to wait

words themselves were innocent, the context made them sound so wrong. Embarrassment flooded me, and

back. I hurried to my room to grab the clothes

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

it was better to avoid

1. it.

bag on the

stood there,

a crisp white shirt and black slacks, with the top two buttons of

never seen him in such attire before. Initially, I doubted this style would suit him, which was why I’d

But now…

like a picture–perfect CEO–minimalist, refined, and

until his hand brushed against mine as he reached for

want me to put these on?” he asked, glancing

“No, no. You

flicked back to the bag. “I’ll wear what you picked next

back into his bedroom to put them away. Meanwhile, I lingered in the doorway, my

room was small, as the building was old. The new bed he’d requested from the landlord took up nearly two–thirds of the space. The blanket on top was folded so neatly it

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< Chapter 106

layered cake.