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.”

but the second part? That was a subtle

composure cracking for just a moment. She

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

at Ashton before heading up the

what he wanted to talk about. Taking a

entered the study, I expected Ethan to question me. Instead, he surprised me by placing a reassuring hand on my back.

sorry. You’ve been mistreated. It’s my fault for not keeping a closer eye on my

had been complaining. Yet here he was, apologizing to me. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could

in mood, he patted my

of Logan’s foolish actions,

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

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planned to come here today to complain about Logan and ask Ethan to intervene. Yet before I could even

together–despite not being related by blood–had forged a bond as strong as any family

I said, bowing

but also for the love and care he had

my hand, stopping me. “Don’t do that. It makes me feel like you’re planning to sever ties with us.”

“You and

tell that Ashton to treat you well. If he

was the first time I’d ever heard the gentle

smile. “I’ll definitely remind him.”

my head again, the way a father would with his child. “Elaine, no matter