In Love, Never Say Never

I did not know how to love, or even how to receive love, but I did know that it meant to treat them well.

Love is the reason why I was considerate on his behalf. I felt this way for this child. All I could do, I would do for her, and do it well.

Ashton looked at me thoughtfully. “And what about me? Am I even somebody important in your life? All Marcus left for you are regrets. What about me? Does it make a difference to you that we are married?”

I knew perfectly well what Ashton wanted. He wanted me to need him and hold him in my heart.

The light in the bedroom was dim, but his eyes appeared strangely bright. We stared at each other; I was at a loss for words.

After a long while, Ashton let go of me and stepped back a few paces dejectedly. He smiled sarcastically to himself.

“Good for you, Scarlett.” He turned to leave, but I reached out and grabbed his arm.

I had things I wanted to say to him from my heart, and almost instinctively, I blurted, “I want more than anybody else to place you first, but I’m afraid that if one day I find myself unable to leave you, you’ll be the one to leave.”

He turned back and looked at me with a penetrative gaze. “Was that why you neglected my feelings? Out of all the people in your heart, you chose to hurt only me?”

I shook my head and felt terrible about the pain in his eyes. “No, I’ve never meant to hurt you. I just don’t feel secure. I’m afraid that you would leave me and not want me anymore.”

Ashton was startled. His slim frame stiffened as he pulled me in for a tight hug. “Don’t be silly,” he whispered huskily in my ear.

“No matter how badly we fight, we should never threaten to leave each other, alright? Scarlett, I will never let

stupid for not knowing how to

of the staff in the

us,

over to Glenwood. Nick was still hard at work as his company did not allow leaves, and Jackson

and Ashton, he froze in surprise. Swiftly, he rearranged his features into an expression of serene indifference and reported, “Summer just

entered. “Was she alright

as his gaze fell on Ashton

to make introductions. “This is Jackson, my friend from college. You should be acquainted

glared at me. Turning to Ashton, he smiled apologetically and said, “Mr. Fuller,

you too,” Ashton

and unfriendly presence; I found him unapproachable. After introductions with Jackson, he left to visit

on Ashton’s arm and followed Jackson to Summer’s bedroom. She had

when he saw Summer and raised his hand as if to caress her, but pulled

men are like that. They don’t know how

the laundry room. “Do you plan on taking the

awkward moment. I looked away at Summer’s underfed frame and nodded.

too. Jackson raised