More Than A Favor

Chapter 150

“Elaine, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Alice’s voice pulled me back to the present.

I looked at her, trying to mask my unease. But as I gazed at her innocent face, I remembered that she had lost her father while still in her mother’s arms. She might not know certain things–things that could connect our families in ways I hadn’t imagined.

“Elaine, are you feeling unwell?” Alice asked, her concern evident in her tone.

I forced myself to stay calm. “Wait. Something doesn’t add up. How come you and Ashton’s last name is Drake, but your dad’s last name is Elordi?”

Alice smiled, as though it were a story she had told many times. “That’s because my dad married into my mom’s family, so we took my mom’s last name. My mom’s name is Ashley Drake.”

So that was why. If I hadn’t come here, I would never have known this. It would never have crossed my mind that the driver who once worked for my family–Mr. Elordi–was actually Ashton’s father.

But what about Ashton? Did he already know about the connection between our fathers? Was he looking out for me because of some obligation carried over from the previous generation? Some thoughts are better left unexamined, but they came to me unbidden, stirring unease.

“Elaine, Ash told me that our parents were deeply in love. After my dad’s accident, my mom missed him so much that she accidentally fell into the river while working…” Alice’s voice trailed off, her gaze drifting toward the serene river outside the window.

My heart clenched.

Who would have thought that such a beautiful river carried such a tragic story?

Ashton must have built this house here not just for Alice, but also to commemorate their mother. It was as if, in this peaceful place, she could always watch over them.

“I was raised by Ash,” Alice said suddenly, her words cutting through my thoughts.

Her statement made everything clear–why Ashton was so hesitant about her surgery, why he was so protective of her.

Alice wasn’t just his little sister. She was practically his daughter, someone he had raised since she was a child. Their bond was deeper than I had realized, forged through years of love and responsibility.

Alice continued sharing stories about her and Ashton, painting a picture of their life together. She told me how Ashton built the little courtyard brick by brick, how he learned to catch fish and grill them for her, and how his cooking skills had been perfected through his attempts to make her happy. Every story tugged at my heartstrings, giving me a deeper understanding of the man Ashton had become. His independence, his strength, his quiet resilience–all of it had been shaped by years of sacrifice and loneliness.

and eventually, she drifted off to

her, watching her peaceful expression.

him that he didn’t have to carry everything on his shoulders anymore. I wanted to say that from now on, I would

17:15

< Chapter 150

as quickly as it came.

things are better shown through actions than

Ashton, I dialed Nora’s

are you?” Nora’s voice sounded

Get 5

= Menu

Did you just get off surgery? You

sick,” Nora admitted, her words catching

herself, it wasn’t entirely shocking. Even doctors weren’t immune

your medicine?” I asked, concern coloring my tone.

myself too hard,” Nora replied before shifting the focus back to me. “But you haven’t told me where you

ease the mood. “Do I seem like the kind of

certainty. She knew me

need

didn’t respond immediately, and the

don’t know anyone who can help, do

with hesitation. “And based on what you’ve told me,

Relief washed over me. I hadn’t noticed anything strange

I don’t want to talk to this person,” she said

a grudge

hint of sadness in her voice. “I don’t

confirmed my suspicions–it was personal.