Chapter 298
Chapter 298:
After a beat, Asher arched an eyebrow, then calmly maneuvered his wheelchair out to the end of the hallway where Colton waited.
The corridor was silent at that hour — so still that even the wind outside could be heard rustling the bare branches beyond the window.
Colton fixed his gaze on the world outside, his tone frosty. “Asher, I have no interest in making you my enemy p>
A hint of a smile touched Asher’s lips. “That goes for me as well p>
“Then don’t come near Kristine.” Colton snapped his head around, hostility written plainly across his face.
Jо𝗶n 𝗈𝘶𝗋 𝗰𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘂𝘯і𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗇.со𝗺
Asher’s voice remained even. “You already know who should be stepping away from her p>
Colton’s features darkened.
The wheels of Asher’s chair squeaked against the floor, the sound sharp in the empty corridor. “You were eavesdropping just now, weren’t you?” Colton’s glare only grew more menacing, an unspoken warning in his eyes.
“Kristine made herself perfectly clear,” Asher continued. “If you keep pushing, you’re only proving you lack manners p>
Colton let out a humorless laugh. The cold sound rang down the hallway, echoing like something haunting the night.
“How well do you really know her, Asher? Do you think you understand her at all?” His words dripped with sarcasm. “Just because she turned me down once doesn’t mean she always will. When did you get so gullible?” The mockery faded from his face as he leaned in close, his eyes locking with Asher’s. Each word came slow, deliberate, meant to sting. “But I can’t fault you. You never got to witness it firsthand. You have no idea just how much Kristine was willing to give up for me p>
A flicker of emotion passed through Asher’s eyes as he held Colton’s gaze. The silence between them grew heavy, charged with unspoken threats.
A nurse’s sharp voice shattered the tension. “Gentlemen, it’s getting late. Please return to your rooms p>
Asher glanced at her, then steered his wheelchair back toward Kristine’s room. Colton moved to follow — but his phone vibrated. Elyse’s name flashed on the screen.
He picked up, and her frantic voice spilled out. “Colton, please — you have to help me. Someone is p>
“What’s happening?” he demanded, worry darkening his brow. But Elyse only gasped for breath, the rest lost in static.
For a split second, he glanced back toward the room. Then he spun on his heel and hurried away.
The following morning, sunlight crept across the room as Kristine woke to find Asher still beside her. What truly caught her off guard, though, was the rare sense of peace she felt. The night had brought no nightmares at all. For the first time in days, she was genuinely rested.
She looked at him, gratitude and awkwardness mingling in her voice. “Why didn’t you go back last night p>
Asher offered a gentle question in return. “Are you feeling better today p>