Chapter 248
Chapter 248:
Asher moved his wheelchair a little closer. “Because I wanted to help you p>
A jolt ran through Kristine at his confession. “But why p>
A wide grin slowly spread across his face. For a moment, the usual gentleness in his eyes was replaced by something warmer and more alive. “Because…” He let the answer linger, his deep, steady voice making Kristine’s heart race.
“Because… what exactly?” Kristine asked, her voice carrying a slight tremor.
U𝘱da𝘁𝘦𝗌 𝗲𝘃𝖾𝗿y 𝘸ee𝗄 𝗼𝗇 𝗀𝘢𝘭ոo𝘷еl𝗌.𝗰o𝗆
“We’re alike, you and I,” Asher replied.
The words caught Kristine off guard. “Alike p>
“That’s right.” Asher glanced up. “Just like you, I grew up feeling unwanted p>
He offered her a gentle, apologetic smile. “I hope you don’t mind me being so direct p>
“Not at all.” Kristine’s head moved in a slow nod. Asher had spoken the truth. She truly had always felt unwanted — though she couldn’t help thinking that at least his parents were still around.
Asher caught the uncertainty in her expression, his lips lifting softly. “They disappeared from my life when I turned fifteen p>
The news left Kristine momentarily speechless, her gaze drifting down toward Asher’s legs.
“Even after the accident, they never came back for me.” Though his voice remained even, Kristine couldn’t miss the bitterness hiding beneath his words.
Looking at him now, she felt something inside her shift — a sensation she couldn’t quite name.
“Helping you is a way of helping myself, too.” The heaviness in his tone suddenly lifted, replaced by something lighter.
Kristine’s worries faded as she gave a quiet nod, a sense of relief washing over her.
“Oh, Mr. Edwards, you’re still here?” came a bright voice from the doorway.
Both Kristine and Asher glanced up, but the entryway was empty. Moments later, Danica walked in holding a food container. “You must be starving after spending the whole night here. I brought you something to eat p>
At that, Kristine turned her eyes back to Asher. A moment ago, he had mentioned that Danica had spent the whole night there. Yet listening to Danica now, she realized it was actually Asher who hadn’t slept at all.
Although he noticed the confusion in Kristine’s eyes, Asher gave no sign of it. In a gentle tone, he addressed Danica. “Thank you, Miss Jackson.” His demeanor remained calm and kind, though Kristine picked up on a subtle formality in how he spoke to her. Still, his face held the same soft warmth as always. Maybe, Kristine thought, she was just imagining things.
Once Danica opened the container, the scent of freshly cooked food drifted through the air. Kristine’s stomach responded with a loud rumble. She chose to focus on the meal rather than dwell on Asher.
Danica had brought food prepared by her family’s cook. Each dish was simple, but everything looked and smelled wonderful. The sight of it made Kristine’s hunger even stronger.
Just as she was about to take a bite, Asher’s phone rang. Tripp was on the line, mentioning an urgent meeting.