Chapter 246
Chapter 246:
As Kristine tried to rise, Asher reached out — his hands large and reassuring — and kept her from sitting up. His touch was gentle, a sharp contrast to Colton’s ever-cold hands. “Doctor’s orders. You need to take it easy p>
Concern filled Asher’s gaze as he watched her. She had recently endured a great deal, according to the doctor, and the sudden fainting spell had likely been caused by accumulated stress. During his absence from Gridron, Asher hadn’t been able to stop worrying about everything Kristine might have suffered.
Head bowed, Kristine agreed in a quiet voice. Still, Jemma’s words replayed over and over in her mind, leaving her deeply unsettled.
“It wasn’t your fault p>
𝘕оvе𝗅𝘀 𝗂ո 𝗍𝘳𝖾𝗇d 𝗼n
Hearing Asher say this so suddenly made Kristine jolt with surprise. When she looked up, her eyes shone with confusion and lingering pain.
“Your father’s passing was never because of you,” Asher assured her, sounding utterly convinced — as if he had witnessed everything himself.
Kristine’s shock was plain to see. “But… how could you possibly know what happened before I blacked out p>
“It was Danica. She filled me in p>
Memory stirred as Kristine vaguely recalled Danica calling her name just before she lost consciousness. “Where did she go?” A quick scan of the room told her Danica was nowhere to be found.
“She stayed by your side through the night but finally went home to get some sleep,” Asher replied.
That news made Kristine’s chest tighten with guilt. Eyes downcast, she spoke softly. “I’ve put you all through so much trouble p>
Reaching out, Asher gently ran his hand through her long, silky hair. “Don’t say things like that p>
Kristine went still, caught off guard.
Realizing he had crossed a line, Asher quickly withdrew his hand and cleared his throat. “I know what happened yesterday, Kristine. Please don’t let it trouble you. I am certain you had nothing to do with your father’s passing p>
Any trace of color faded from Kristine’s face at the mention of her father. She blinked several times, forcing back tears. “If I truly wasn’t involved, why does it feel impossible to remember anything from that time p>
“You were just a child, overwhelmed by the grief of losing your father. Forgetting is the mind’s way of protecting itself p>
Slowly, Kristine lifted her gaze and met Asher’s eyes. He offered her a steady, reassuring look — like a light shining through the dark.
“Your father loved you very much, Kristine. He left his most valued antiques in your care. If you were responsible for what happened, do you think he would have trusted you with his prized possessions p>
A little of the pain clouding Kristine’s expression began to ease. Asher’s words made sense. If she had truly been the cause of her father’s death, would he have entrusted those treasured pieces to her? Maybe Asher was right. Maybe the sorrow had simply been too much to bear, and that was why she had blocked out the past.
“I appreciate it,” Kristine said, relief softening her features. For the first time in a while, the burden on her heart felt a little lighter.
Turning his wheelchair, Asher asked, “Do you want me to get you a glass of water p>