More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

"Ethan..." I whispered in shock, my voice trembling as I stared at him.

"Elaine," Ethan greeted me with a forced smile.

"Your hair..." I reached out instinctively, wanting to touch it.

He frowned, puzzled, "What about my hair? Is it messy?"

Tears began to stream down my face.

Ethan's confusion deepened as he saw my reaction. "What's wrong? Why are you crying? Did Tessa say something to upset you? Don't believe her. She's always spouting nonsense."

He didn't realize it-his hair had turned almost entirely gray.

A few days ago, his hair had been jet black. Now, though not completely white, nearly 20 percent of it had grayed. The transformation was staggering. He looked like a completely different person-no longer the robust, middle-aged man I was used to seeing but someone who had aged decades overnight.

I couldn't find the words to explain, especially when he himself seemed oblivious.

Instead, I stepped forward and hugged him tightly, my tears flowing uncontrollably.

He gently patted my back, his voice calm and soothing. "Don't cry. I'm fine, really. There's nothing to cry about. I just wanted some time alone, but Tessa kept nagging me.... and now she's dragged younoveldrama

into it."

He thought I was crying because he had locked himself in the study for two days.

I shook my head and leaned against his shoulder, struggling to suppress the lump in my throat.

"Come sit down. I'll make you some coffee," Ethan said, trying to appear cheerful.

I could tell he was putting on a brave face, but the sight of his grayed hair told me everything I needed to know.

"Ethan," I began softly, my voice thick with emotion, "leave it. Logan will handle his own affairs. You don't need to worry or try to control anything."

There had been moments when I felt distant from Ethan, but right now, the sorrow I felt for him was overwhelming. It was as though he were my own father.

Ethan's expression dimmed, the light in his eyes flickering. "He's let us down. I've been reflecting on this, and I can't help but think it's my fault. We spoiled him too much when he was young."

"You shouldn't blame yourself," I said gently. "Logan is an adult. His decisions are his own. He's not a child anymore."

Ethan didn't respond. I could tell he wasn't listening.

He wasn't the kind of man to waver once his mind was made up. Despite his easygoing nature and his ability to tolerate Tessa's nagging, he held firm to his beliefs.

But I never imagined Logan's choice of wife would affect him so deeply that his hair would turn gray in a single night.

"Elaine, come sit. Let's have some coffee together," Ethan said, guiding me to the coffee table. He began preparing a cup of mocha.

Watching him from behind, I noticed his posture seemed slightly hunched. Combined with his gray hair, he looked frail-like a man who had grown old overnight.

"Elaine, I'll make you a cup of mocha," he said with a smile. "Eddie gave me some coffee beans, and I thought I'd-"

His words cut off abruptly as he opened the cupboard.

Ethan froze in place, unmoving.

Sensing something was wrong, I quickly got up and approached him. "Ethan..."

As I stepped closer, I realized why he had stopped. He caught sight of his reflection in the glass cupboard door-his gray hair staring back at him.

"Ethan," I called softly, grabbing his arm.

He snapped out of his daze, a bitter smile spreading across his face. "So that's why you were crying earlier.'

His smile felt like a knife twisting in my heart.

"Ethan, how... how did this happen?" I choked out, unable to say more.

"I'm in my fifties. It's normal for my hair to turn gray," he said, trying to sound nonchalant. "At least now, Tessa won't have to worry about some young woman falling for me. Who would like an old man like this?"

Despite his attempt at humor, I couldn't bring myself to laugh. Instead, I pressed my face against his shoulder and sobbed.

Ethan stroked my hair gently. "Alright, don't cry. Everyone gets old eventually..."