When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Jackson sighed as he drove.

Back at Glenwood, I followed the doctor’s instructions with the herbal remedy. Summer began crying again. Jackson said that she’ll cry whenever she’s feeling hungry. But she didn’t seem to enjoy the milk formula very much.

Nick stayed back at the office that night. That presented a dilemma, as he was the handiest with Summer. Without him, Jackson and I were at a loss in regards to her constant crying.

The only thing we could do was to hold her and paced around the room. It wasn’t easy, but we managed to get her down for a nap.

The remedy was ready. I helped myself to a large bowl of it. Jackson stared at me glumly. “The smell alone is bitter enough to make me gag. Are you sure you want to do this?”

I nodded, took a deep breath, pinched my nose, and gulped it all down. It was bitter as hell, and the honey lozenge that Jackson handed me afterward couldn’t have been more welcome.

My stomach wasn’t agreeable, either. It rumbled on and on like a grouchy old dog. I went back into the bedroom and lay down for a bit. Not long after, Nick came home and took Summer and Jackson out for a walk.

I was almost asleep when the phone rang; It was Ashton. I picked up groggily. “What is it?” I mumbled, irritated.

“Come down, we need to talk!” He said in a low voice.

“Can we do this another day? I’m not up for moving much today.” I didn’t feel like having another quarrel again, and I felt that my irritation might just spark one. Besides, another day might give us both time to calm down and talk things through better.

“I’m coming up!”

I…

yelled in a panic. I got up, got dressed, and met

was unexpected that he knew I was living here. The winter in J City wasn’t that harsh. Clad in a wooly sweater and a dark overcoat, Ashton leaned against his car, looking as aloof as ever. He

prickly today, for some reason. It might be due to

he put out his cigarette and flung it into a bin nearby. He straightened up, took off his

pouted in annoyance. “Say whatever it is you’re here for!” My patience wore thin and I was not in the mood

but I couldn’t read his expression. “Come

have things going on!” I shrugged off his coat and handed it back to him. “Besides, I

sensed

bite of impatience in his voice. “Don’t you know that? Do

it isn’t.” I looked up at him. “Ashton, I’ve told you this before. If you’re not happy with this arrangement, I’m happy to sign the divorce papers for you,” I said with no regard

“Is our marriage a joke to you? Have you become so comfortable

a joke! So, Ashton,

eyes, his eyes dark and dangerous. After a long while, he tightened his grip around my arm and flung me into the

enough to retaliate. Before I could sit upright, he drove

dangerous ride; he sped past countless red lights. At breakneck speed, we arrived at his

in a daze when Ashton yanked me out of

nothing and hoisted me up on his shoulders. I grew dizzy and lost my bearings. With every step

He climbed on top of me and took off

as I bit into his shoulder and held

know what to do with

eyes. I couldn’t divorce him, nor could I get rid of him. All hope