More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

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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.

Tessa hadn't mentioned they would be here. If she had, I wouldn't have come. It wasn't fear that kept me away, but their presence left a bitter taste in my mouth, one that ruined my appetite.

"Elaine, you're here! We've been waiting for you," Tessa greeted me warmly, pulling me into a gentle

hug.

It was hard to remain upset with Tessa's kindness, so I forced a smile. "Tessa, I thought it would just

be the two of us."

"Well, it was supposed to be," Tessa pouted, gesturing toward Logan and Selene. "But I ran into them unexpectedly."

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 handling the situation.

"What a coincidence," I said, my tone edged with sarcasm.

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"Sorry for intruding." Selene said, her voice soft and polite.

If they really felt like intruders, they could have left instead of sitting there so comfortably,

When I first met Selene, I had thought she was as sweet as she appeared. I now knew better. Her ability to pretend was nothing short of masterful.

I didn't bother hiding my disdain. "If I'd known you were coming, I wouldn't have."

Selene's smile faltered slightly, and Logan's face darkened. He quickly signaled the waiter, "Let's serve the food," he said curtly.

The tension in the room was palpable,

"Elaine, you've put on a little weight recently. Your hands look plump," Tessa remarked, studying me closely.

Her words caught me off guard. I had gained a couple of pounds recently, though not from heartbreak. It was all thanks to Ashton. Normally, a breakup would leave me devastated, but this time, I felt oddly

at peace.

Smiling, I replied, "You're right. I've gained weight. Must be because I'm in a good mood-eating well and sleeping soundly."

Across the table, I heard the clatter of Logan's cutlery against his plate. Tessa glanced at him briefly before adding, "It must be because Ashton is taking such good care of you."

Her words weren't subtle, and for a moment, I wondered if Tessa could really be my biological mother. When it came to me and Logan, she was always firmly on my side.

I smiled faintly, pressing my lips together.

Tessa turned to me again. "Is Ashton free? If he is, he should join us. The more, the merrier."

"Mom!" Logan snapped, his tone sharp.

Before I could reply, Logan changed the subject. "You love the grilled fish here. Should we order it?"

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

As the dishes were brought out, I noticed they were all my favorites. Tessa served me every dish as though I couldn't manage on my own, completely ignoring Selene, who sat silently like an outsider.noveldrama

Selene tried to engage Tessa in conversation, but Tessa dismissed her entirely. Selene's face turned pale as she glanced at Logan, silently pleading for support.

The whole situation was painfully awkward. If I were Selene, I would have been overwhelmed with

discomfort.

After enduring Tessa's fussing for as long as I could, I excused myself to the restroom. To my surprise, Logan followed me out.

"Elaine, my mom is being unreasonable," he said, his tone low and exasperated.

I smiled faintly. "Then talk to her about it."

His expression darkened as he replied, “My mom is standing up for you. Can't you see that?"

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< Chapter 181

"I can," I said bluntly, refusing to engage further.

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Logan's frustration boiled over. "You've found someone else, but why are you encouraging my mom to target Selene? I've told you before-everything I do is my debt to Selene. My mom's treatment of her only adds to my guilt."

I stared at him coldly. "Logan, do you really think you're worth my time or effort to influence anyone?"

My words seemed to catch him off guard.

"The moment I gave up on you, you stopped being worth any of my energy," I continued, my voice sharp.

Logan's silence stretched between us.

"Elaine, I don't believe that," he finally said, his voice softer now.

"Then what do you believe?" I challenged. "That this is all an act? That I still have feelings for you?"

I took a step closer, my gaze unwavering. "Logan, where does your confidence come from? My love is reserved for those who deserve it. Do you really think you're worthy of it?"

Logan was left speechless.

I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there.

"Elaine," he called after me, but I didn't stop.

Still, I heard the words he murmured as I left.

"If I died one day, would you feel heartbroken?"

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