Chapter 176:
Liam persisted with his questioning. “Was it your child?”
“No,” Kristian replied immediately, without a moment’s hesitation. He had never engaged in intimate relations with Ashley, making it impossible for the child to be his.
Ashley realized her strategy had veered off course. Panic surged within her as she frantically searched for a way to salvage the situation.
“Why didn’t you inform me about your pregnancy?” Kristian inquired.
“I was terrified…” Ashley’s eyes grew red.
She hugged her knees, curling into herself on the bed. “I feared you would reject me, abandon me…”
She buried her face against her knees, dissolving into sobs.
The scene would evoke sympathy from anyone unaware of the underlying circumstances, suggesting she had been deeply wronged. “I’m truly sorry, Kristian,” she repeated brokenly.
“Was it that incident at the hotel?”
“Yes…”
Kristian’s expression remained unchanged. He simply asked, “Why did you defame Freya, damaging her reputation so severely?”
“I was afraid you would leave me for her, believing she was more virtuous than me after discovering my pregnancy,” Ashley wept, her voice filled with apparent desperation. “Everything was my fault. I’m so sorry… Please forgive me…”
Her performance projected utter desolation, as if she were drowning in emotions beyond her control.
Kristian reflected on her traumatic experiences, recognizing that even though he had ensured her abusers were imprisoned, emotional scars required time to heal.
ɯoɔ.slǝʌou˥ɐƃ uo sǝɐsǝɹ lɐıɔıɟɟo
“I’m not abandoning you.” Kristian attempted to view the situation from her perspective. “However, your actions were wrong. You must apologize to Freya and Liam.”
“I’m deeply sorry, Freya. I’m truly sorry, Liam,” Ashley apologized promptly with convincing sincerity. “My behavior was inexcusable. I deeply regret my actions.”
Freya remained speechless. She mentally awarded Ashley perfect marks for such a masterful performance.
Ashley had clearly perfected the art of securing male affection, far surpassing Freya’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge fault even when wrongfully accused. Ashley’s swift confession and seemingly heartfelt apology proved remarkably effective, especially given Kristian’s persistent tendency to view her through an idealized lens.
Freya’s words sliced through the tension, sharp and resolute. “I don’t accept it,” she declared, her voice laced with finality that brooked no argument.
Beside her, Liam stood firm, his voice echoing her determination. “Nor do I,” he stated, his tone just as unwavering.
Across the room, Ashley’s eyes brimmed with tears, her gaze locked on Kristian, pleading silently for his support. Yet, Kristian’s expression remained impassive, a sharp contrast to the indulgence he had previously shown her.
Had Trent been at Freya’s side today, perhaps Kristian might have harbored some doubt, some willingness to entertain Ashley’s lies. Trent’s presence always got under his skin. But today, without Trent, the truth seemed clearer.
Desperate, Ashley’s voice trembled as she addressed the room, seeking any foothold in the slipping sands of Kristian’s favor. “What will it take for you to accept?” she implored, her eyes scanning their faces for a sign of relenting. “Tell me, and I’ll do it.”
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