Ashley's Pov
I felt lost and alone, and I needed Christian to hold me together. I waited for what felt like an eternity, my body shaking with sobs, until Christian finally arrived.
He opened the car door and pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly as I continued to cry. He stroked my hair and whispered softly in my ear, "I'm here, Ashley. I've got you."
As I sobbed in Christian's arms, he asked me what was wrong, and I tried to explain the pain I felt. "It's Mark," I said, my voice shaking. "I'm so sorry, Christian. I've been so focused on all the drama that's been going on between us that I forgot about Mark's death. I forgot to mourn for him."
Christian held me tighter, his expression soft with understanding. "What are you talking about, Ashley? You're not making sense."
I took
