More Than A Favor

Chapter 109 Ashton turned to me, his grip on my hand tightening noticeably.

Get 5> Menu It felt like he was holding my heart captive. They say the fingers are connected to the heart, and in that moment, I couldn't deny it.

"I will give Elaine everything I have, love her with every fiber of my being, and protect her fiercely," he said, his voice steady and heartfelt. His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes deep and shimmering like the ocean.

In that instant, I finally understood the phrase “love as deep as the sea." Though this was all an act, I couldn't help but feel that his words carried a ring of truth.

This man was clever-too clever. He was playing his role, but his emotions felt so real.

I couldn't let myself get swept up in his performance. I had asked him to act, not blur the lines between fiction and reality.

Initially, I thought about raising my hand to hold his, to go along with the act. Instead, frustration bubbled up inside me. So I did the next best thing-I reached up and pinched his cheek. That ought to embarrass someone as straightforward as him.

It was my way of silently telling him that he had brought this on himself.

But to my surprise, not only did he remain unembarrassed, but he even leaned into my hand, nuzzling against it like a content puppy. He remindedof Tessa's dog, Teddy, whenever it wanted affection.

A shameless person really was invincible. Never in my wildest dreams had I expected him to react this way.

After nuzzling my hand, Ashton turned his attention back to Ethan and Tessa. "And I'll love her for a lifetime, just like how you love Mrs. Mercer, sir." The first part of his statement sounded like a heartfelt confession, but the second part? That was a subtle jab aimed directly at Tessa.

I watched as Tessa's face hardened, her usual composure cracking for just a moment. She was rendered speechless.

Ethan, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Elaine, why don't you let Ashton stay and chat with Tessa for a while? You can cwithto the study." He nodded at Ashton before heading up the stairs.

I could guess what he wanted to talk about. Taking a deep breath, I followed him upstairs.

When we entered the study, I expected Ethan to question me. Instead, he surprisedby placing a reassuring hand on my back.

"I'm sorry. You've been mistreated. It's my fault for not keeping a closer eye on my son," he said softly.

Earlier, Ethan hadn't apologized when Tessa had been complaining. Yet here he was, apologizing to me. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them.

Sensing my shift in mood, he patted my head gently before stepping back.

Looking at my reddened eyes, he said, "I'm aware of Logan's foolish actions, and I've already dealt with 16:04 26.91% Get 5> them. If he dares to mistreat you again, I'll chase him out of the house. He should know better." = Menu I had planned to chere today to complain about Logan and ask Ethan to intervene. Yet before I could even bring it up, Ethan had already taken care of it.

He knewtoo well. The ten years we had spent together-despite not being related by blood-had forged a bond as strong as any family tie.

"Thank you, Ethan," I said, bowing slightly.

I wasn't just thanking him for protectingthis time, but also for the love and care he had givenover the past decade.

Ethan reached for my hand, stopping me. “Don't do that. It makesfeel like you're planning to sever ties with us." I shook my head firmly. "You and Tessa will always be family." Ethan smiled warmly. "Good. When I go back downstairs, I'll make sure to tell that Ashton to treat you well. If he doesn't, I'll make his life a living hell." This was the first tI'd ever heard the gentle and refined Ethan issue such a threat.

I couldn't help but smile. "I'll definitely remind him." Ethan patted my head again, the way a father would with his child. "Elaine, no matter what decisions you make, I only have one wish-for you to be happy." He really was the father figure I'd never had. Tears welled up in my eyes again, and I nodded solemnly.

"Alright, let's head back down.

Tessa's probably giving Ashton a hard time. She still sees you as her daughter-in-law and won't accept anyone else," Ethan said with a chuckle. His words perfectly illustrated the saying, “A husband knows his wife best."

I looped my arm through his. "It's okay. Let her test him. If he can't handle it then he's not the one for me." Ethan chuckled and smiled atdotingly. Just as he was about to leaddownstairs, I tugged at his arm to stop him.

"Ethan, there's something I want to ask you," I said hesitantly.

"Of course," he replied, his tone patient.

I pursed my lips, my heart racing as I asked, "Was the car accident my parents were in really an accident?" Ethan froze mid-step, his body swaying slightly.

I reached out to steady him. "Ethan..." He turned to me, his expression unreadable. "Elaine, what made you ask this question?"

I thought about Ashton's suspicions but couldn't bring myself to tell m Ethan. Instead, made up an excuse. "I was just curious, that's all." The warmth in Ethan's face vanished completely, replaced by an expression so serious it sent shivers down my spine.