Chapter 261
Chapter 261:
“You don’t have to put on a brave face with me. If you need to cry, just let it out. I promise I won’t tease you,” Asher said quietly, offering a tissue in an easy, unhurried gesture.
Kristine shook her head. It had been a long time since she had let herself care this much. After all these years with Colton, she knew exactly what he was. She could call it self-assured, or she could call it selfish. If he had been any different, their breakup would not have dragged on for so long.
Asher noticed the shadow in Kristine’s eyes, but kept things light. “Are you sure you don’t need anything? My shoulder’s free, you know. And trust me, millions would give anything for that chance p>
Kristine couldn’t help but laugh. “That has to be one of the worst jokes I’ve ever heard p>
Asher grinned. “Who said I was joking? I’m just being honest p>
She shot him a teasing look. “Oh, please. There’s no way millions of girls are crazy about you p>
He leaned back with a dramatic flair. “Millions isn’t even the half of it. From grandmothers to preschoolers, I’ve got fans of every age. You’re lucky I’m even offering — miss out now, and there’s no second chance p>
Kristine snickered, playfully dabbing her nose. “Well, thank you for the honor p>
𝘑𝗈і𝗻 𝘰𝗎𝗿 𝘤𝘰𝘮m𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗍𝘆 on.с𝘰m
The easy banter helped the tension melt away, leaving her noticeably lighter. A genuine smile spread across Asher’s face as he watched her finally let her guard down.
“Kristine p>
She looked up. “Hmm p>
“You’re amazing, you know. Someday, someone out there is going to love you the way you deserve p>
Meeting Asher’s earnest gaze, Kristine managed a grateful smile. Still, something inside her remained empty. Maybe she would find love again — but she doubted anyone would ever love her unconditionally.
Asher watched her smile with gentle eyes, though a hint of worry lingered in his gaze. Seeing her again after coming back, he had immediately noticed the change. She had grown distant, kept to herself, and buried herself in work to dull whatever she was feeling. He narrowed his eyes, certain something must have happened during his time away from Gridron.
After more than an hour on the road, the car finally pulled up outside Kristine’s apartment building.
Trying to lighten the mood, Asher offered, “Need a bodyguard to walk you up p>
Kristine shook her head, a small smile on her lips. “No need, but thank you for everything today p>
“You don’t have to be so polite with me. Oh, and before I forget — how much did the watch repair cost p>
Kristine waved it off. “You already spent a lot today with all those treats from BloomBake. I’m sure that wasn’t cheap. Let’s just call it even p>
Asher didn’t push the issue. He watched quietly as Kristine disappeared through the entrance, then told the driver to head out.
Worn out, Kristine slipped into her apartment and had barely set her bag down when her phone buzzed. A payment notification flashed across the screen showing a deposit of ten million. She stared at it in disbelief, checked it three times, and only then did the reality sink in.