More Than A Favor

A Favor 131 Chapter 131 *+5Bonus > = Menu Silence was the best strategy in moments like this, so I closed my eyes and ignored him.

Ashton continued rubbing my foot, the warm and ticklish sensation spreading through me. I couldn't tell if it was the fever or his care, but it tugged at something deep within my heart.

Today, Ashton had inadvertently maderelive the twhen my parents were still around. Those memories were warm yet tinged with sadness, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face again.

"Take a nap," Ashton said as he got up and adjusted the towel on my forehead. "I made spotato soup. Have swhen you wake up." "Ashton..." I called out softly, watching him from behind.

He stopped mid-step and turned slightly, waiting forto continue.

"Did you... know me?" My words hung in the air, vague and uncertain.

Ashton's presence today had brought back so many memories of my childhood. His care felt familiar, almost familial, as if my parents' shadows were somehow intertwined with him.

He paused for a moment, seeming to mutter something under his breath, but I couldn't make it out. Without saying anything further, he walked away.

I drifted into a deep sleep almost instantly.

In my dream, I saw my parents again. They held my hands, coaxingto take my medicine and feedingcandy. My dad rubbed my hands and feet, just like Ashton had done earlier.

"Dad... Mom..." I murmured, reaching out as if to hold them.

Their faces were warm and familiar, but just as I tried to call out to them again, I heard Ashton's voice instead. "Elaine, tfor dinner." His words broke through the dream.

I refused to wake up. All I wanted was to hold onto my parents' hands tighter. "Dad... Mom... don't go. Don't leave me." "I won't. I'll always be here with you," Ashton's voice echoed again, but this tit seemed closer. Annoyed, I snapped, "Ashton, go away," and jolted awake.

When I opened my eyes, I realized I was gripping Ashton's hand tightly. He was sitting beside me, his gaze steady but filled with something I couldn't quite place. Pain? Čoncern? The moment our eyes met, I felt a pang of guilt for snapping at him earlier.

I loosened my grip and sat up, remembering what I had wanted to ask him yesterday. "Did they bother you again?" As I spoke, I instinctively scanned his hands and face for any signs of injury. Fortunately, there weren't any. Ashton seemed to understand my concern. "No. Even if they did, they wouldn't be a match for me." Such confidence.

@ 15:57 32.2% < Chapter 131 +5Bonus > Menu I nodded and drank the last sip of the soup he had prepared. Then, I asked, "Have you found anything about your father's car accident? Who was behind it? They gave you such a deadly threat." Ashton's gaze darkened slightly. "They're afraid of what I might uncover about the death of my father's boss." His words were cryptic, leavingwith more questions than answers.

I pressed further. "Was your father's boss someone important? Does his death affect anyone's interests?" "He died over a decade ago. It's not about interests. They fear the resentment of his children." His words madetense inexplicably.

"Does he have children? Have you met them? Do they agree with your investigation?" I bombarded him with questions.

Ashton lowered his gaze, avoiding eye contact. "She doesn't know." I was at a loss for words. After a moment of silence, I asked, "Will you continue investigating?" "Of course," Ashton replied without hesitation.

1 frowned. "But... you might be in danger. The men from yesterday seemed very powerful." A fearless determination flashed in Ashton's eyes as he looked directly at me. "Are you worried about me?" Although his words carried a teasing undertone, I nodded earnestly. "Ashton, both your father and his boss are gone. Finding the truth won't bring them back. It's not worth putting yourself in danger." His gaze hardened, his intensity makingfalter. "Is that what you think?" I nodded again, trying to reason with him. "We should always move on and not dwell on the past. Those were my dad's words to my mom. I've always kept them in mind." "Got it," Ashton replied with a short hum, his tone unreadable as he continued eating.

The silence that followed felt heavy, I didn't know what else to say, but leaving right after eating seemed inappropriate.

As Ashton finished his food, I decided to lighten the mood. "Your cooking skills are excellent. Did you learn it in the military? Were you a cook?" I already knew the answer was no-he had mentioned before that he was part of the special forces.

"I learned to cook for my sister," Ashton replied. "She got sick easily when she was little and was a picky eater." His words caughtoff guard. "You have a sister?" "Yes. A biological sister," he clarified, as if to prevent any misunderstanding.

I clicked my tongue in surprise. "You never mentioned her before." Ashton paused, glancing atbriefly. "I haven't had the chance." "How old is she? Is she my age? Is she in school or working?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Ashton didn't answer immediately. His grip on his fork tightened slightly before he finally said, "She #) 15:57 32.29% < Chapter 131 isn't very healthy." +5Bonus > Menu

I froze. Realizing I had likely touched on a sensitive subject, I quickly m softened my tone wrong?" "What's "She has a congenital heart disease," Ashton explained. My heart ached at his words. "That can be treated with a heart transplant, right?" Ashton fell silent again. The weight of the conversation hung between us until I blurted out, "Ashton, are you out of money?"

A major surgery like a heart transplant required an exorbitant amount of money, not to mention the ongoing medical expenses. With his father gone and his mother's situation unclear, it wasn't hard to guess that Ashton might be struggling financially. His piercing gaze madefeel uneasy, so I quickly added, "If that's the case, I can lend you money. I have enough." "I'm afraid I might not be able to pay it back," Ashton replied quietly.

His response only confirmed my suspicions. Hoping to lighten then mood, tipked, "Well, if you can't pay it back, just be my man." The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them.

It was thoughtless, inappropriate, and completely out of line. I scrambled to take it back, but before I could, Ashton responded.

"Okay," he said, his tone calm and resolute.

I froze.

Had he just agreed? Wasn't he supposed to hesitate? Or reject the idea to save his pride as a man?