More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

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During my visit to Ashton's house, I already had a feeling Alice had told him everything.

"If you like it there, maybe in the future..." Ashton started, then trailed off, leaving the sentence unf inished.

I smiled, curious. "What about the future?"

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly before he responded, "You could retire there one day."

"Just me?" The words slipped out before I had a chance to stop them.

"I could join you, if you'd like," Ashton said without hesitation.

For a moment, I froze. The idea of the future felt so distant, so uncertain. Growing old together wasn't something I could easily imagine.

"I've found a specialist for Alice. Can you give me her medical records?" I said, steering the conversation in a new direction.

I wanted to keep Ashton guessing. Nora had once told me that Logan took me for granted because I'd come too easily to him. People often undervalue what they don't have to work for-it's human nature. It's like a piece of fruit: if someone gives it to you, you might toss it aside without much thought, but if you buy it yourself, you'll eat it-even if it's not the best.

Ashton stayed silent, and I could tell he was lost in thought. I remembered what Alice had told me and realized he was probably worried.

"I'll have the specialist review her records first to assess the surgical risks," I added. "The cide if you want to move forward."

blood type. And..." He paused, as if trying to gather his thoughts. "She has

can de

His expression remained serious. "I've already consulted someone. Alice's surgical risk is extremely high. Her situation is far more complicated than a typical heart surgery, partly because of her rarenoveldrama

other health issues as well."

His words caught me off guard. Alice had only mentioned her blood type; she hadn't said anything about other conditions.

"What other issues?" I asked, my voice soft but firm. I needed to know everything to ensure the doctors could evaluate her case properly.

Ashton took a few steps to the side and gripped the railing tightly. I followed him, and the heavy expression on his face made my chest tighten. "Ashton..."

"She has a brainstem glioma," he said quietly. "It's inoperable."

The term was unfamiliar to me, but I knew enough to understand that anything involving the brain wasn't good.

I stared at him, struggling to process what he had just said. "When did you find out?"

"She was born with it," he answered.

Alice had been born with both a heart condition and a brainstem glioma. It was as if her fate had been sealed the moment she entered this world.

"The doctors don't think she'll live past 20," Ashton added, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. 15:13

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The weight of his words made it hard to breathe.

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I suddenly realized I hadn't asked Alice her age during the time I spent with her. Looking at Ashton's profile, I worked up the courage to ask, "How old is she now?"

"19," Ashton replied, his voice steady but full of pain.

Nineteen. That meant Alice only had one year left. The realization hit me like a tidal wave. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that someone so full of life could have so little time left.

"That can't be true," I said, shaking my head. "Alice looks healthier than any of us."

Ashton's expression darkened. "No one wants her to live a long life more than I do. If I could, I'd give her my own life to extend hers."

His words pierced through me, and my chest tightened with emotion. I stepped closer to him and gently reached for his wrist. I wanted to say something comforting, but no words came.

Instead, I tugged at his arm softly. When he turned to face me, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly.