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

handle.

a voice behind us broke the

“Oh my goodness.”

pulled away from Ashton’s embrace, but it was

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

his tone calm and collected. He seemed completely at ease, unlike me,

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< Chapter 177

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

speechless, feeling as though she had indirectly called me lazy

gets up early every day too,” Ashton said smoothly, clearly trying to defuse the awkwardness. Then, he turned

to 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

but I kept walking, pretending not to

response.

I’m the lucky one to have Elaine as my girlfriend,” Ashton said, his voice full of sincerity.

I’m praising you. You’re really too good to be

listen to what else they said, but I was certain it was full of praise

turned out of the neighborhood, I glanced in the rearview mirror. Ashton was

lingered, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like he was afraid

last night, she was called into the operating room for an emergency. A pregnant woman

Nora occupied, I 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 like an option–not

next move, my

was a call from

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

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

I wake you?” Jeremy’s tone was light,

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

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