More Than A Favor

Chapter 130

Ashton was unlocking his door, carrying a bag of groceries.

Perhaps I had opened my door too abruptly because he turned to look at me, his brows furrowing slightly. I stood there, staring at him blankly as though I had lost my ability to speak.

Finally, he broke the silence. "What's up?"

His words snapped me out of my daze, and I quickly shook my head, as if to dismiss his question.

"Are you sick?" he asked, putting his grocery bag down and walking toward me.

I was still too muddled to process his words properly. Instead of answering, I just shook my head again. Without waiting for an answer, Ashton reached out and placed his hand on my forehead. His touch was cool, and I could hear a faint note of sternness in his voice. "You're running a fever."

I blinked at him, still too dazed to respond.

Ashton didn't ask for more confirmation. He stepped past me into my apartment and scooped me up into his arms with such ease that I instinctively grabbed onto him for balance.

He carried me to the couch and gently laid me down. Looking around, he asked, "Where are your slippers?"

It was only then I realized I was barefoot. My mind was still wandering, and I blinked at him, unable to respond.

Ashton's eyes softened with a hint of helplessness. Without another word, he disappeared into my bedroom and returned with my slippers. He crouched down and placed them at my feet.

"Do you have a thermometer?" he asked, his voice calm.

Instead of answering his question, I mumbled, "I want some water."

He hesitated briefly before standing to fetch me some, but when he reached the kitchen, he found the kettle empty.

boiling water, Ashton returned, picked me up again, and carried me out the door. I

on his couch and went straight to the kitchen. I could hear the sound of water boiling as

how to use

briefly, not answering. He placed the thermometer in my hand and, as if anticipating that I might fumble or drop it, wrapped his hand

it for you, so you'll have to do it yourself," he explained patiently. "Put it under your armpit." He

complied, pulling my collar aside and placing the thermometer under my arm. Ashton

me a glass of water and a pill. "Here.

Ocets

of water. Although I was usually good at swallowing pills, the water seeped into this one too quickly, and

tongue.

to handle the unpleasant taste, I instinctively spat it

#Vend

falling onto the floor. He caught

gently. "Have some water, and you can try

asked softly, "Do you

continuing to sip the water

feet, Ashton walked away and returned a moment later with a piece of

flashing through my mind. My parents used to prepare candy for me whenever I had to take bitter medicine. They didn't want me to have too much sugar,

gave me candy again-not with medicine, not at

Ashton said, brushing the candy lightly against my lips. His gesture was

immediately, tears welled up in my eyes and

are you crying?" he asked softly, cupping my face to

made me cry

cup from me and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "If the medicine is

moment, he left me alone. I buried my face in my hands, letting the tears