Ashley POV

My vision became blurry, and I almost burst into tears. I tried to say something, to admit that I was grateful to him and Mom, that I wished I could have helped him, that he should have told me earlier, that I was sorry, but he silenced me with a gentle squeeze of my hand.

“Don't cry,” he said softly. “It will only make my conscience even worse.”

“What?” I tried, my voice breaking even on a single word.

“The fact that you were dragged into something against your will, it's all because of me...” He gave a sigh and looked down at my hands. “I'm sorry. I...