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.

door. I was too tired

straight to the kitchen. I could hear the sound of water boiling as he returned with a thermometer

how to use this?"

froze briefly, not answering. He placed the thermometer in my hand and, as if anticipating that I might fumble or

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

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

handed me a glass

Ocets

in my mouth and took a sip of water. Although I was usually

tongue.

handle the unpleasant taste, I instinctively

#Vend

quick reflexes saved the pill-and my saliva-from falling onto the floor. He caught it in his hand

some water, and you can

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

sip

piece of candy. "Here," he said, holding

through my mind. My parents used to prepare candy for me whenever I had to take bitter

no one ever gave me candy again-not with

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

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

cupping my

made

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

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