Chapter 51

FIFTY-ONE

Silence was filled between them.

"Ava—" Then, slowly, Asher leaned back in his chair.

"Don't, don't lie to me. Not about this." She cut in, walking closer.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before finally looking her eyes. His golden eyes were tired, weighed down by something heavier than exhaustion.

"I was not lying, I just did not want you to know." He said. 

"So it's true?" Ava's chest pressed together.

"Yeah." Asher breath out, then nodded.

"How long?" Ava swallowed hard.

"A few months. Maybe less." His fingers held together around the armrest of his chair. 

She felt the world turned beneath her. 

"Asher," she whispered, not able to breathe. 

"I am not afraid to die," he said softly. 

"Well, I am." Ava's nails dug into her palms.

Asher's expression filled with surprise, maybe regret but he did not speak.