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.

the door. I was too tired to

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

you know how to use this?"

not answering. He placed the thermometer in my hand and, as if anticipating that I

have to do it yourself," he explained patiently. "Put it under your armpit."

pulling my collar aside and placing the thermometer under my arm. Ashton looked away politely and headed back to

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

Ocets

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

tongue.

to handle the unpleasant taste,

#Vend

floor. He caught it in his

"Have some water, and you can try again

dazed expression, he asked softly, "Do you

answer, continuing to sip the water

moment later with a piece of candy. "Here," he said, holding it near my lips. "It'll help with the

memories 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 sugar, so the treats

gave me candy again-not

Ashton said, brushing the candy lightly against my lips.

placed the candy inside. Almost immediately, tears welled up in

crying?" he asked softly, cupping my face to

only made

from me and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "If the medicine is too bitter, you don't have to

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