Chapter 144
“I didn’t,” he said quickly, his tone casual.
*5bonus >
Meng
I raised an eyebrow. “Then why would you come knocking if you didn’t know I was here?”
He moved the chopped vegetables onto a plate, pausing briefly before answering. “The old lady downstairs told me. She said my girlfriend was home.”
I was speechless for a moment. The playful way he said “girlfriend” left me flustered,
I sipped my tea, choosing not to respond. Instead, I continued watching him work, admiring his skill.
Ashton turned to look at me, his gaze curious. “Why are you so suspicious?”
I smiled faintly. “I think… you’ve been following me.”
“What?” His brows furrowed in confusion.
“I’m joking,” I said quickly, waving off his concern. “I know you don’t have that much free time.”
Leaving the kitchen, I returned to the living room with my tea.
As I scrolled through my phone, I felt my eyelids grow heavy. Before long, I drifted into a restless sleep.
In my dream, I was captured by the bald man. He loomed over me, his face twisted with malice as he repeatedly thrust a knife into me. I shook my head violently, trying to escape the nightmare.
“Elaine!”
“Elaine, wake up!”
I jolted awake to find Ashton’s hands on my shoulders, steadying me. His face was filled with concern.
“Did you have a nightmare?” he asked softly.
My breaths were shallow, and my heart raced as the dream lingered in my mind. Gripping Ashton’s hands tightly, I blurted out, “The bald man who attacked you–he works for Alfred. I saw him.”
Ashton’s brows furrowed. “How do you know that?”
“I… I just do,” I said, my grip on his hands loosening.
His expression darkened. “Elaine, this is my personal matter. Don’t get involved.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but Ashton’s stern tone stopped me.
“Alfred is dangerous,” he continued. “Promise me you won’t do anything reckless.”
His seriousness left me no choice but to nod. The words I wanted to say remained stuck in my throat.
He reached out, his calloused fingers brushing against my forehead to wipe away the sweat. “Go drink some water. Lunch is ready.”
He got up to leave, but I grabbed his hand. “Be careful, Ashton.”
“Always,” he said softly, his gaze tender.
After adjusting my position on the couch, Ashton patted my head gently, his touch soothing the lingering fear from my nightmare.
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Chapter 144
+5Bonus >
He returned to the kitchen and brought out two plates of food. I stood up, but a wave of dizziness
washed over me.
“Ashton…” I started, but he was already at my side, steadying me.
“You’re dizzy?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Before I could respond, he led me to the washroom. “I’ll be right here. Call me if you need help.”
Menu
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale, and my hair was a mess. I looked nothing like. my usual self.
Ashton had seen me like this. Would he think less of me?
Shaking off the thought, I quickly tidied my hair and massaged my face, trying to make myself look presentable.
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