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.

and yet this… this overwhelming display of

handle.

to respond, a

“Oh my goodness.”

pulled away from Ashton’s embrace, but it

wondering who was cuddling so early in the morning. Turns out it’s just

It was Amy.

assumed Ashton and I were a couple, but having her witness such a private moment still made me

and collected.

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< Chapter 177

you,” Amy replied with a knowing smile. I see you out running every morning Bur Elaine, it’s rare to see you up so early.”

speechless, feeling as though

to defuse the awkwardness. Then, he turned to me and added

escape. As I walked away, I heard Amy approach Ashton and say in an envious tone, “Elaine is really lucky to have a boyfriend who’s not only handsome and

but I kept walking, pretending not

response.

you’ve got it wrong. I’m the lucky one to have Elaine as my girlfriend,” Ashton said, his voice full

chuckled. “Ashton, I’m praising you. You’re

listen to what else they said, but I was certain

glanced in the rearview

for a fleeting moment, it felt like

questions about last night, she was called into the operating

go so early in the moming Going back home didn’t seem like an option–not after everything that had happened

next

was a call from Jeremy.

moment his name appeared on the screen, I recalled the message he had sent me last night. He was likely heading to his father now.

call, deliberately softening my voice. “Mr. Kramer, it’s

Jeremy’s tone was light, almost

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

chuckled softly. “I’m heading to see my dad, Ms. Hart. Since I promised you, I’ll make good on it. Are you still coming?”