Chapter 339
Chapter 339:
“It’s nothing,” she answered.
“In that case — how about a drink at the bar p>
She almost said she was fine, but after a moment’s thought, she decided to join him.
At the bar, Kristine chose a sweet wine while Asher ordered a cocktail. She sat quietly, sipping her drink, before glancing up to meet his gaze. “Thank you,” she said.
One of Asher’s eyebrows lifted with interest. “What’s the reason for your gratitude this time p>
“For bringing me here p>
“Is the bar really that magical? One taste of alcohol and you’re suddenly in high spirits p>
𝖬𝘰𝘴t r𝖾𝘢𝗱 𝗍𝗁i𝗌 𝗐𝗲е𝘬 оո
Kristine laughed and shook her head. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it p>
It wasn’t the drinks that had made the difference. Asher hadn’t brought her here simply to drown her sadness — he had given her somewhere to vent her anger, letting her take out her frustrations on the instigator while quietly absorbing the attention of an entire room just for her sake.
All at once, she remembered asking Asher once about persuading Nathan to take her case. He had never answered her directly. Now, finally, she understood why.
Her heart felt full. She lifted her glass, smiling warmly at him. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You truly are remarkable. If our paths had crossed sooner, I think I could have fallen for you p>
Asher inclined his head a fraction. A quiet warmth spread through his chest as his heartbeat quickened.
“So — you still haven’t come to love me?” he asked.
Kristine gave a hollow laugh, sorrow pooling in her once-lively eyes. “Didn’t you say people don’t repeat the same mistake? I already have. Twice, in fact. That’s why I decided affection has no place in my life anymore p>
Asher’s fingers curled firmly around the edge of his chair. “Is there someone else in your heart now — someone who isn’t Colton p>
Kristine lifted her glass and took a slow sip. The sweetness slid across her tongue, leaving behind a brief, deceptive comfort.
“I wish I had fallen for him,” she murmured. “It might help erase what the last relationship left behind p>
Only then did Asher finally breathe easier.
He studied her. A faint haze colored her expression. His lips parted — then he held back. The moment wasn’t right. And he still had no idea how to bring up the matter of the marriage registration.
“Asher.” Kristine suddenly looked at him over the rim of her glass, her gaze locking onto his.
His heart missed a beat, though his expression remained steady.
She set the glass down and leaned closer. Her eyes lacked focus, and a soft scent drifted from her skin. Asher stiffened, his gaze fixed on her without blinking.
She knitted her brows and let out a quiet, troubled sound. “Can I ask you something p>
His pulse surged. “What is it p>