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.

It wasn't fear that kept me

Tessa greeted me warmly, pulling

hug.

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

the two of

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

wasn't a child-I knew better than to believe it was a coincidence. Still, leaving now would only make Tessa uncomfortable and make me seem incapable of

a coincidence," I said, my

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said, her voice soft

could have left instead of

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

bother hiding my disdain. "If I'd

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

tension in the room was

recently. Your hands look

from heartbreak. It was all thanks to Ashton. Normally, a breakup would leave me devastated, but this time, I

at peace.

I've gained weight. Must be because

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

really be my biological mother. When it came to me and

pressing my lips

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

snapped,

reply, Logan changed the subject. "You love the grilled fish here.

Tessa said, ignoring Logan's irritation. "Elaine loves

dish as though I

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

was painfully awkward. If I were Selene, I would have been overwhelmed

discomfort.

excused myself to the