More Than A Favor

Chapter 147

It was the perfect place for a destination holiday, a sanctuary so serene that it made the rest of th world seem chaotic in comparison.

As I stood there, lost in my daydream, a soft voice broke my thoughts.

“Who are you looking for, Miss?”

I turned toward the voice and saw a girl in a white dress. Her braided hair rested against her chest her eyes sparkled like reflections of the river nearby.

“Are you Miss Drake?” I asked, trying to confirm her identity.

A look of surprise crossed her delicate face. “Yes. Are you here for my brother?”

Her words confirmed it–she was Ashton’s sister.

To be honest, they didn’t resemble each other much. Ashton’s charm was rugged and commanding like a warrior, whereas his sister had an ethereal, almost fairy–like beauty. Despite their differences, both of them were stunning in their own right.

“Yes, I’m his friend, Elaine.” I smiled, extending my hand toward her.

She hesitated for a moment before shaking it. “I’m Alice.”

Her voice was soft, and there was a certain timidity about her. I smiled warmly. “May I come in?” Alice seemed a little flustered but quickly stepped aside to let me in. “Oh, of course! Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone. I haven’t cleaned up or anything,” she mumbled nervously.

know I was coming. I came here behind his back,”

with a small smile. Her innocence was endearing, and I couldr help but feel at ease around her.

yard, I couldn’t stop myself from admiring everything around me. My affection for the

like, Elaine. I’ll make you a cup of tea,” Alice said warmly, gesturing toward the seating

“It’s

house, returning shortly with a teapot and a small tray of dried

I recognized from a recent collection. “Did

said with a proud smile. “He really cares about me. He always makes sure I have the best of

warmth that made my heart ache. It was clear how much Ashton loved

to prepare the tea, her gaze drifted toward the yard. “He built this

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a masterpiece, the result of meticulous care and considerable

in this tea is from the river. I collect it a nd freeze it. Tea tastes better when it’s made with river

jar–it was cold, a testament to the care she put into preserving

and enchanting, like something out of

it must have been difficult for her to fetch water from the river, yet she was using it to make tea for me. That simple gesture told me everything I needed to know–Alice liked

I liked her,

within moments whether you’ll get along

pretty,” Alice said suddenly, her voice filled with sincerity.