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.

fight, we should never threaten to leave each other, alright? Scarlett, I will never let you go, and I’ll

nothing. I was stupid for not knowing

was the end of the year. Most of the staff in the company were on leave,

New Year’s with us, so it was only me

hard at work as

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

nodded and entered. “Was she alright last

his gaze fell

recalled his incident at the college and attempted to make introductions. “This is Jackson, my friend from college. You should be acquainted

Turning to Ashton, he smiled apologetically and said,

to meet you

presence; I found him unapproachable. After introductions

to Summer’s bedroom. She

his hand as if to caress her, but pulled

guess all men are like that. They don’t

you plan on

awkward moment. I looked away at Summer’s

a glance at Ashton and saw him watching the child too. Jackson raised