When There Is Nothing Left But Love

The doctor left, and the nurse finished changing the bandages on his back. A tube had been inserted into the back of his hand, and the nurse took great care to adjust it. She looked at me and said, “His bandages have to be changed every three hours. Make sure to give us a shout when the time comes.”

I nodded and thanked her in a low voice.

A short while after the nurse left, Ashton woke up from his coma. As he lay on his bed, his lips moved a little, his voice sounding too hoarse to be heard.

I got up and poured some water, dunking a straw into the beverage so he could suck the drink up. However, Ashton shook his head, telling me to forget about the straw.

I obeyed. He took a sip from the cup and looked a little better. His lips white as snow, he muttered, “Thank goodness you’re fine.”

How strange. His first words after he woke up made me shed tears again.

I fought back my tears as I looked at him and said, “You’re a jerk, Ashton Fuller.”

He grinned back at me. Although he looked very gaunt, his face was still very handsome. “Don’t worry, it’s just a small injury. I’ll get better with some rest.”

I glared at him, the lump in my throat growing more painful. “A small injury?” He had nearly lost his life, and still had the audacity to say something so ridiculous! Was he tired of living?

Ashton’s lips curved slightly. “I’m thirsty.” I wanted to be a cruel wife and make him die of thirst, but one look from him and my heart softened.

As I fed him sips of water, my heart hurt uncontrollably. Unable to hold back my tears anymore, I could only watch as they landed on my hands.

always crying? Girls shouldn’t cry so much, you know. It makes

I get? Ashton, I don’t need you to sacrifice yourself for me. I don’t feel thankful for

your thanks, you foolish girl. Jared’s target was me, and you were innocent. Come to think of it, I was the one who implicated you. I’m to blame

and said in a low

laughed darkly and took my hand. I wanted to pull away from him, but the moment I exerted some force, he let out a growl

hold my hand if he

cold his hands were. This was the first

that hero in your heart. Somehow, I was never able to protect you every time something happened

he grimaced in pain again as

a lump in my throat again as my heart throbbed with pain. I shook my head, looking at him with

his lips. His lips were icy cold, and I knew the effects of the anaesthesia were beginning to wear off. He was in

Summer, you left without telling me and went to beg Emery and the Stovall family for help. You didn’t consider turning to me during your hour of need, but I can hardly blame you for that. It’s my fault for letting you down

mouth to protest his claims, but I

what else to say. After a short pause, I said shortly,

day. Until that day, I’ll put in my

of my life catering to Ashton’s whims. Now that I thought more deeply about

been catering to my own whims all along. I refused to open up my heart to him and forget our complicated history—instead, I got used

or let go of the lovers I once