In Love, Never Say Never

John drove us to the city’s finest hotel. We proceeded straight into the presidential suite.

We had barely sat down when John began video calling the rest of our relatives in M Country. He fixed his phone on the table, angling it such that both Audrey and I also appeared within the frame.

Our call was picked up almost instantly.

The moment Zachary and Cameron flickered into view, their eyes almost immediately glimmered with tears. They seemed so overcome with emotion that they were unable to speak for a while.

Louis had since retired and was in high spirits. He thus spoke first, nodding contentedly, “We are happy to see that you’re doing well.”

I felt rather embarrassed in the face of these supposedly dear family members that I had absolutely no recollection of. They had evidently missed me, however, and I was moved by their affection. After approximately half an hour of conversation that flowed naturally after a while, we ended the call as Audrey was complaining of sleepiness.

John left his phone lying on the table and immediately picked Audrey up, carrying her into the room. As John delicately held Audrey in one arm, he patted her gently on the back with the other. It was the model image of fatherliness.

John ensured that Audrey was tucked into bed and turned off the lights before heading back into the living room.

a seat beside me. He’d picked his phone up and was jabbing

me everywhere. Afterward, Ashton too had arranged for a chauffeur for me. I’d

the car are already waiting for you at the entrance of the hotel. I’ll

I wanted to leave?” I gaped

to look back and regret anything. Leave

but find John’s stoicism endearing. I was clearly very important to him that he was willing to put aside his immense hatred for Ashton to please me. At that moment,

A gray Mercedes-Benz was the only car parked out in front. I approached it cautiously. As

to see that the

what happened, Mr. Stovall kept me in his service to await your return.

explanation and heartiness comforted me. I immediately took

your capable hands then,” I replied

revved the engines, and the car

the Fullers’ villa in less than twenty

matter-of-factly as she turned off the