More Than A Favor

Chapter 109

Ashton turned to me, his grip on my hand tightening noticeably.

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It felt like he was holding my heart captive. They say the fingers are connected to the heart, and in that moment, I couldn’t deny it.

“I will give Elaine everything I have, love her with every fiber of my being, and protect her fiercely,” he said, his voice steady and heartfelt. His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes deep and shimmering like the

ocean.

In that instant, I finally understood the phrase “love as deep as the sea.” Though this was all an act, I couldn’t help but feel that his words carried a ring of truth.

This man was clever–too clever. He was playing his role, but his emotions felt so real.

I couldn’t let myself get swept up in his performance. I had asked him to act, not blur the lines between fiction and reality.

Initially, I thought about raising my hand to hold his, to go along with the act. Instead, frustration bubbled up inside me. So I did the next best thing–I reached up and pinched his cheek. That ought to embarrass someone as straightforward as him.

It was my way of silently telling him that he had brought this on himself.

But to my surprise, not only did he remain unembarrassed, but he even leaned into my hand, nuzzling against it like a content puppy. He reminded me of Tessa’s dog, Teddy, whenever it wanted affection.

A shameless person really was invincible. Never in my wildest dreams had I expected him to react this

way.

After nuzzling my hand, Ashton turned his attention back to Ethan and Tessa. “And I’ll love her for a lifetime, just like how you love Mrs. Mercer, sir.”

statement sounded like a heartfelt confession, but the second part? That was a

cracking for just a moment. She was

had remained silent until now, finally spoke. “Elaine, why don’t you let Ashton stay and chat

Ashton before heading

wanted to talk about. Taking

entered the study, I expected Ethan to question me. Instead, he surprised me by

for not keeping a

Yet here he was, apologizing to me. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them.

he patted

eyes, he said, “I’m aware of

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to mistreat you again, I’ll chase him out of the house. He should know

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here today to complain about Logan and ask Ethan to intervene. Yet before

we had spent together–despite not being

Ethan,” I said,

for protecting me this time, but also for the love and care he had given me over the past

that. It makes me feel like you’re planning to sever ties

firmly. “You and

back downstairs, I’ll make sure to tell that Ashton to treat you well. If

heard the

but smile. “I’ll definitely

head again, the way a father would with his child. “Elaine, no matter what decisions you make, I only have