Katrina slammed the door behind her.
The door vibrated again when she took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside her. The cool late afternoon air whipped his face. She adjusted her coat, ready to walk away, to walk until the anger dissolved.
She turned around.
Asher was there.
Standing a few meters away, motionless, hands in his pockets, serious gaze.
Katrina's jaw immediately tightened.
—What are you doing here? she shouted, her voice hard.
—I wanted to talk to you.
A short, dry laugh escaped him.
— Talk to me? After what you did?
She approached with an aggressive step.
"You have no right to come near me.
—Katrina—
— You are a bad influence on Miria.
His voice was trembling now, filled with poorly contained anger.
— Since you have been here, she has challenged me, she speaks to me as if I were nothing. You're turning her away from me.
Asher gritted his teeth.
"I never asked him to disrespect you.
- You're going to make her suffer.
She fixed her gaze on his.
—And if you really love him… then get out of his life.
The silence stretched on.
Asher slowly shook his head.
— I would never hurt Miria.
He paused.
— But I won't do what would make you happy either.
Katrina's eyes flared.
- Pardon ?
—I promised Miria not to make decisions about our relationship under your influence.
His voice was calm, too calm.
—And I will keep my word.
These words were like a slap in the face.
— So you think I'm manipulating my own daughter?!
— Above all, I think that you and Miria are very different.
It was one sentence too many.
— Different?!
Anger exploded.
— Do you think you know me?!
She came closer again, eyeing him.
—You are just passing through. A mistake she will regret.
"No, Katrina.
He held her gaze without flinching.
—What you feel…it's not protection. This is—
She shoved him violently as she passed.
— Don't say that word.
She strode away, furious, her fists clenched.
Asher followed her with his gaze… then frowned.
Someone else was moving in the same direction as her.
Then two.
Then more.
Asher took out his phone.
- It's me.
His voice was low, tense.
— She is not alone.
He hung up.
His eyes didn't leave Katrina.