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.

yet this… this overwhelming display of affection was almost too much

handle.

a voice behind

“Oh my goodness.”

quickly pulled away from Ashton’s embrace, but

continued, teasing, “I was wondering who was cuddling so early in the morning. Turns out it’s just you two.”

It was Amy.

assumed Ashton and I were a couple, but

warmly, his tone calm and collected. He seemed completely

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< Chapter 177

see you out running every morning Bur Elaine, it’s rare to see you up

though she

Ashton said smoothly, clearly trying to defuse

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 caring but also knows how

moment, but I kept walking, pretending not

response.

I’m the lucky one to have

“Ashton, I’m praising you. You’re really too good to

but I was

and turned out of the neighborhood, I glanced in the rearview mirror. Ashton was still standing there,

for a fleeting moment, it felt like he was afraid I might not

she could take a bite or bombard me with questions about last night, she was called into the operating room

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

debated my next move, my

a call from

recalled the message he had sent me last night. He was

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

tone was light,

something you need, Mr. Kramer?” I asked, purposely avoiding any mention

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