When There Is Nothing Left But Love

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.

we fight, we should never threaten to leave each other,

I was stupid for not knowing how to

year. Most of the staff in the

Year’s with us, so it was

as his company did not allow leaves, and Jackson

he opened the door to me and Ashton, he froze in surprise. Swiftly, he

nodded and entered. “Was

he replied as his gaze fell on

“This is Jackson, my friend from

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

meet you too,” Ashton

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

Ashton’s arm and followed Jackson to Summer’s bedroom. She had her milk formula

raised his hand as if to caress her, but pulled back on

all men are like that. They don’t know how to

dirty clothes to the laundry room. “Do you plan on taking the medicine

was an awkward moment. I looked away

child too. Jackson raised his