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…

I yelled in a panic. 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 lit a cigarette that

felt extra prickly today, for some reason. It might be due to the herbal medicine I

out his cigarette and flung it into a bin nearby. He straightened up, took off his coat, and pulled it around my shoulders.

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

couldn’t read his expression. “Come back to

things going on!” I shrugged off his coat and handed

as I sensed another argument

woman now.” There was a bite of impatience in his voice. “Don’t you know that? Do you think it’s appropriate for you to be living with two

told you this before. If you’re not happy with this arrangement, I’m happy to sign the divorce papers for you,” I

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

a joke! So, Ashton, when

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

to retaliate. Before I could sit

countless red

daze when Ashton yanked me

his shoulders. I grew dizzy and lost my bearings. With every step he

brought me into a bedroom and flung me onto the bed. He climbed on top of me and took off his

I bit into his shoulder

know what to do with

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