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.

morning, and yet this… this overwhelming display of

handle.

respond, a voice behind

“Oh my goodness.”

away from Ashton’s embrace,

“I was wondering who was cuddling so early in the morning. Turns out

It was Amy.

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

and collected. He

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< Chapter 177

replied with a knowing smile. I see you out running every

speechless, feeling as though she had indirectly

gets up early every day too,” Ashton said smoothly, clearly trying to defuse the

quickly, eager to escape. As I walked away, I heard Amy approach Ashton and say in an envious tone, “Elaine is really lucky to have

a moment, but I kept

response.

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

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

didn’t stay to listen to what else they said, but I was certain it was full of

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

moment, it felt like he was afraid I might

for Nora, but before she could take a bite or bombard me with questions about last night, she was called into the operating room for an emergency. A pregnant woman needed immediate attention, and Nora’s duty as a doctor took

stay. But I also didn’t know where to go so early in the moming Going back home didn’t seem like an option–not after

debated my next move, my phone

call from Jeremy.

message he had sent me last night. He was likely heading to

call, deliberately

I wake you?” Jeremy’s tone was light, almost teasing.

I asked, purposely avoiding any mention of his message from the night

Ms. Hart. Since I promised you, I’ll make