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.

again, and carried me out the door. I was

on his couch and went straight to the kitchen.

to use this?" he

thermometer in my hand and, as if anticipating that I might fumble or drop it, wrapped his hand

yourself," he explained patiently. "Put it under your armpit." He waited for me to follow his instructions,

a moment, I finally complied, pulling my collar aside and placing the thermometer under my arm. Ashton looked away politely and

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

Ocets

my mouth and took a sip of water. Although I was usually good at swallowing pills, the

tongue.

to handle the unpleasant taste, I instinctively spat

#Vend

saved the pill-and my saliva-from falling onto the floor. He caught it

"Have some

he asked softly, "Do

sip the water he had

and returned a moment later with a piece of candy.

of my childhood 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

parents passed, no one ever gave

lightly against my lips. His gesture

inside. Almost immediately, tears welled up in my

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

tenderness only made me cry

tears. He took the cup from me and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "If the medicine is too bitter,

I buried my face in