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.

than boiling water, Ashton returned, picked me up again, and carried me out the door. I was too tired to question him or resist, so I let him

his couch and went straight to the kitchen. I could hear the sound of water

know how to

in my hand and, as if anticipating that I might fumble

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

complied, pulling my collar aside and placing the thermometer under my

he handed me a glass of water and a pill. "Here. Take

Ocets

sip of water. Although I was usually good

tongue.

the unpleasant taste,

#Vend

the pill-and my saliva-from falling onto the floor. He caught it in

some water,

he asked

didn't answer, continuing to sip the water he

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

flashing through my mind. My parents used to prepare candy for me whenever I had to take bitter medicine. They didn't want

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

against my lips. His gesture was so gentle that I couldn't

inside. Almost immediately, tears welled up in my eyes

asked softly, cupping

made me cry

keep up with my tears. He took the cup from me and

he left me alone. I buried my face in my