More Than A Favor

A Favor 181

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Chapter 181

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"Elaine, are you looking for Ethan for something?" Tessa's voice broke through my thoughts.

Snapping back to reality, I replied, "No. I thought we were having a family lunch today."

"What family lunch?" Tessa huffed. "Since you left, we haven't had a single one."

Her tone wasn't accusatory, but I knew the rift stemmed from my departure. Still, I wasn't going to apologize-I didn't believe I was at fault.

"Elaine, you really must come. I haven't seen you in ages, and there's so much I want to talk about," Tessa sighed.

Her words made it impossible to refuse. I knew she probably wanted to vent about Logan and Selene, but as Logan's ex, it didn't feel appropriate for me to get involved.

I didn't want to sit there and listen to complaints that might pull me into their

mess.

"Tessa, I might not be able to make it," I said, trying to decline politely.

"If you don't come, are you planning to cut ties with me altogether?" Tessa said, her voice heavy with emotion. "Elaine, ever since you left, I haven't slept well or eaten properly. Just for today, can you be my daughter and have lunch with me?"

Her plea tugged at my heartstrings, leaving me no room to refuse. With a sigh, I relented. "Tessa, I'll do my best to come."

"I'll be waiting for you," she said firmly, making it clear there would be no backing out.

I decided to go, thinking this might be an opportunity to learn more about the truth behind my parents' car accident.

After working at the office until 11 a.m., I left and headed to the restaurant Tessa had mentioned. When I arrived, the waiter recognized me and promptly led me to a private room.

"Please," the waiter said, holding the door open for me.

I stepped inside, only to find not just Tessa, but also Logan and Selene seated at the table.

I wouldn't have come. It wasn't fear that kept me away, but their presence left a

been waiting for you," Tessa greeted me warmly,

hug.

hard to remain upset with Tessa's kindness, so I forced a smile. "Tessa, I thought it would

two

be," Tessa pouted, gesturing toward Logan and Selene. "But

a coincidence. Still, leaving now

I said, my tone

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intruding." Selene said, her voice

intruders, they could have left instead of sitting

as she appeared. I now knew better. Her ability to pretend

bother hiding my disdain. "If I'd known you were coming,

darkened. He quickly signaled the waiter, "Let's serve the food,"

the room was

a little weight recently. Your hands look plump,"

guard. I had gained a couple of pounds recently, though not from heartbreak. It was all thanks to Ashton. Normally, a breakup would leave me

at peace.

"You're right. I've gained weight. Must be because I'm in a good mood-eating well and sleeping

his plate. Tessa glanced at him briefly before adding, "It must be because Ashton is taking such

weren't subtle, and for a moment, I wondered if Tessa could really be my biological mother. When it came to me

pressing my

"Is Ashton free? If he is, he should join us. The more, the

Logan snapped, his tone

"You love the grilled fish here.

ignoring Logan's irritation. "Elaine loves

they were all my favorites. Tessa served me every dish as though I couldn't manage on my own, completely ignoring Selene, who

in conversation, but Tessa dismissed her entirely. Selene's face turned pale as she

awkward. If I were

discomfort.

long as I could, I excused myself to the restroom. To my surprise, Logan followed