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.

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

He laid me down on his couch and went straight to the kitchen. I could hear the sound

you know how to use this?"

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

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

the thermometer under my arm.

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

Ocets

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

tongue.

taste, I instinctively spat

#Vend

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

okay," he said gently. "Have some water, and you can

he asked

continuing to sip the water he

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

memories of my childhood flashing through my mind. My parents used to prepare candy for me whenever I had to take bitter medicine.

one ever gave me candy again-not with medicine, not at

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

candy inside. Almost immediately, tears welled up in my eyes and began streaming down my

he asked softly, cupping my face to wipe the

only made

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

moment, he left me alone. I buried my face