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.

me out the door. I was too tired to question him or resist, so I

the

know how to use this?" he

and, as if anticipating that I might

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

and placing the thermometer under my arm. Ashton looked away

returned, he handed me a glass of

Ocets

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

tongue.

to handle the unpleasant taste, I instinctively spat it

#Vend

the pill-and my saliva-from falling onto the floor. He caught it in his hand without

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

my dazed expression, he asked softly,

didn't answer, continuing to sip the water he had

Ashton walked away and returned a moment later with a piece of candy. "Here," he said, holding it

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 were rare, but they never failed

no one ever gave me candy

lightly against my lips. His gesture was so gentle that I

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

asked softly, cupping my face to wipe the tears

tenderness only made

keep up with my tears. He took the cup from me and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "If the medicine is too bitter, you don't have

me alone. I buried my face