63:Ashton's Trauma[II]

"What?" Ashton stumbled back, startled by the accusation. "I… I don't know what you're talking about."

"You don't need to make excuses." My voice was firm yet composed, my gaze steady as I stepped closer to him. "Your face betrays you, Ashton. I can see everything you're feeling."

His eyes widened in panic. "Stop lying! You don't know anything about me!" His voice rose, cracking under the pressure.

I didn't flinch. I stood my ground, meeting his defiance with a cool, unyielding stare. "I know enough. I've seen it before. The guilt, the nightmares... they're etched into you."

Ashton's chest heaved as he tried to formulate a rebuttal, but the words wouldn't come.