Chapter 426. Are We Okay Now?

ASHER

I waved goodbye, watching as the car Uncle was driving gradually disappeared into the distance.

When it was finally out of sight, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I tilted my head back, staring up at the sky as though I were admiring the stars. They were stunning tonight, scattered across the vast darkness like tiny jewels. As I gazed upward, curiosity got the better of me, and I glanced at Tate from the corner of my eye.

He was standing beside me. I didn’t know if he caught me sneaking a look, but the moment I noticed him, I quickly turned my eyes back to the stars.

“Asher… can… can we talk?” he asked, his voice soft but deliberate as he shifted closer. I could feel his gaze on me, the intensity of it making the air around us feel heavier.

I turned to him, and our eyes met.

“About what?” I asked, forcing a smile—one that I knew wasn’t genuine. Judging by the way he sighed, biting the inside of his cheek and licking his lips nerv