Chapter 126 Shitty Father.

Chapter 126 Shitty Father.
Asher’s POV

I slowly turned to the door, and my eyes narrowed when I saw my dad standing at the door, his arms crossed over his chest.

What the hell was he doing here?

“Jordan. It isn’t so pleasant to see you.” Vera muttered with a smile and I desperately wanted to say that as well. Because that was the truth.

Why did he have to show up here right now?

“I know it isn’t. But I can’t run from this for so long now, can I?" he muttered with a nervous chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck gently. 

Then he stepped in, closing the door behind him and Vera finally stood up, turning to him.

“I have a lot to talk about. But I have to start from somewhere.” Dad said as he leaned against the door and I couldn't help but roll my eyes in annoyance. “Vera, I know I was stupid—”

“I don’t need your apology, Jordan. I have put the past behind me.” Vera spoke very calmly as she raised her head to look at him, a smile on her lips.

“It doesn’t make it any better… I was stupidly blind. I have no one to blame but myself. And I desperately need to apologize. You cared for my own child more than I could have done,” he said softly, and a scoff left my lips before I knew it. But then he continued.

“I am really sorry, Vera.” he added, making her laugh softly. “I mean it. There are no excuses to give. I gave up the family I should have protected because I was blind.”

“None of this matters anymore, Mr Kingsley. Apologies mean nothing when deeds were done without remorse.” Vera replied calmly and I couldn't help but feel quite proud of her words at this moment. “May I know why you showed up here? I’m sure we already discussed everything on the phone?”

“There are some things that can’t be discussed on the phone. Besides, I needed to see Asher.” He said and I froze in my seat.

Why did he need to see me? I didn't need his help, not anymore…

“Do you hate me, Asher?” he suddenly asked and my eyes widened. “I know I wasn't the best father— no, I was the worst father, actually. I was irresponsible, didn't take you into consideration and I only thought about my position.”

“This isn’t necessary.” I hissed through gritted teeth as I got up but he didn't stop, even with a solemn look on his face.

“Your mother would be so ashamed of me–”

“Do not talk about her.” I snapped and he went silent. “Knowing what you are doesn't change anything and I genuinely do not blame you. So stop. Please.” 

I turned to walk away from him but his next words had me freezing in my tracks.

“I resigned as a coach. I have no position to protect anymore.” he muttered as my eyes widened in disbelief. “I also made sure Kieran was removed from the team. I know you’ve heard that Keith has been suspended. You will have no obstacles anymore.” he added, and I scoffed, turning to look at him.

“Isn't that too late, father?” I asked with a sneer, expecting him to get angry. Instead, he smiled at me, his hands in his pockets.

“I am a shitty father… but my dream is to see you go beyond the sky. Which is why I chose the only option there was. You will be playing internationally—”

“Still trying to decide my life for me?” I interrupted him and he froze. “What if I don't want to?”

“I have no right to force you if you do not want to. But I know you do want to play internationally. Don’t you?” he asked and my lips thinned because he caught me instantly.

“Am I really going to go to Russia to play with them? It can’t be that easy now, can it?” I muttered with my arms crossed over my chest and he nodded with a smug smile on his face.

“It actually was that easy. With Vera’s help, it was the last thing I did before finally resigning. In two months, just like Roman, you would be in Russia— with whatever team you choose by the way— while your boyfriend will be at Seattle Kraken.” he replied and for a whole minute, I stared at him in sheer shock.

Did he really just call Roman my boyfriend?

I didn’t know what to feel right now… anger and gratitude swirled in my chest as I stared at him.

“Why are you suddenly doing this?” I questioned, my heart pounding harshly in my chest. “Am I supposed to overlook everything that happened and just… forgive you?”

“I’m not asking you to forgive me unless you think I deserve it.” he said with a soft sigh as my hands clenched into fists. “But I need you to know that I care about you—”

“Liar.” I cut him off as I made my way towards the door, trembling with anger. “You’re simply dying of guilt and you need a way to ease yourself, no?”

I huffed in disappointment as I walked to the door and the moment I pulled it open, I turned to him.

“And no, you don’t deserve my forgiveness.”

At least, not now. 

But I wasn't going to tell him that.

I walked out of the house and slammed the door shut, walking over to the highway. Even right now, there was only one place I desperately wanted to go to.

Somewhere I've been dying to go for a long time now.

A cab stopped in front of me and I got in, telling the driver the address to a place I haven't been to in years.

My mother’s grave.

“Did you miss me, Mom? Or have you forgotten me too?”

It had been a while since I did this… run to the cemetery whenever anything went wrong because I was such a mommy’s boy. Or so everyone called me back then.

If only they knew what I went through when she died…