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 question him or resist, so I let him take me wherever he

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

to

placed the thermometer in my hand and, as if anticipating that I might

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

thermometer under my arm.

he handed me a glass of water

Ocets

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

tongue.

to 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 without showing a

"Have some

he asked softly, "Do you

answer, continuing to sip the water he

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

I had to take bitter medicine. They didn't want me to have too much sugar, so the treats were rare, but

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

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

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

he asked softly, cupping my face to

only made

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

me alone. I buried my face in my hands, letting the