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.

returned, picked me up again, and carried me out the door. I was

on his couch and went straight to the

you know how to

and, as if anticipating that I might fumble or drop it, wrapped his hand around

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

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

he returned, he handed me a glass

Ocets

water. Although I was usually good

tongue.

the unpleasant taste, I instinctively spat it

#Vend

quick reflexes saved the pill-and my saliva-from falling onto the floor. He caught it in his hand without showing a hint of

"Have some

my dazed expression, he asked softly, "Do you want

continuing to sip the water

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

whenever I had to take bitter medicine. They didn't want me to have too

my parents passed, no one ever gave me candy again-not with medicine, not

my lips. His gesture

and he placed the candy inside. Almost immediately, tears welled up in my eyes and began streaming

you crying?" he asked softly, cupping my

made me

moved gently, trying to keep up with my tears. He took the cup from me and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "If

buried my face