More Than A Favor

< More Than A Favor

Chapter 177

“Ashton!”

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We spoke at the same time, his voice laced with curiosity while mine was filled with urgency.

“You said you were leaving today, didn’t you? Where are you going?” I asked, my breath heavy from running back to him.

Ashton’s brow furrowed slightly, concern flashing in his eyes as he took in my disheveled state. But when he understood my question, he relaxed, and a teasing smile spread across his face.

“Are you afraid I’m going to run away?”

His teasing tone made my cheeks flush, and I feigned annoyance to cover up my embarrassment. “Just answer the question! Where are you going?”

Ashton’s smile lingered as he replied, “I’m not leaving for now.”

I frowned in confusion. “Hmm?”

“I was originally going to leave because my work here was done, and there wasn’t anything keeping me. But things are different now,” Ashton explained. Then, he took a step closer, bending slightly so we were at eye level. “Because now I have a girlfriend.”

The way he said it, so matter–of–factly yet full of emotion, sent a jolt through my entire body.

I took a step back, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. But before I could put any distance between us, Ashton reached for my wrist. His grip was firm yet gentle as he pulled me into his

embrace.

His chin rested lightly on the top of my head, and his voice turned husky as he said, “I wouldn’t just disappear. If I were to leave, I’d tell you first. You’d have to agree before I could go.”

My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could feel it. My whole body felt hot, and for the first time, I was rendered completely speechless.

the morning, and yet this… this overwhelming display of affection was

handle.

a voice behind us broke the

“Oh my goodness.”

away from Ashton’s embrace,

so

It was Amy.

and I were a couple, but having her witness such a private moment

you’re early,” Ashton greeted her warmly, his tone calm and collected. He seemed completely at ease, unlike

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< Chapter 177

you,” Amy replied with a knowing smile. I see you out running every morning

left speechless, feeling as though she had indirectly

early every day too,” Ashton said smoothly, clearly trying to defuse the awkwardness. Then, he turned to me and added gently,

in an envious tone, “Elaine is really lucky

pause for a moment, but I kept walking, pretending not

response.

I’m the lucky one to have Elaine as my girlfriend,” Ashton

I’m praising you. You’re really too

they said, but I was certain it was full of praise for Ashton.

in the rearview mirror.

it felt like he was

brought scrambled eggs and toast for Nora, but before she could take a bite or bombard me with questions about last night, she

no reason to stay. But I also didn’t know where to go so early in the moming Going back home didn’t seem like an

I debated my next

a call

I recalled the message he had

briefly before answering the call, deliberately softening my

Jeremy’s tone was

Kramer?” I asked, purposely avoiding any mention of his message from the night before.

my dad, Ms. Hart. Since I