When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Ashton was looking rather intently at the scalded area. I mumbled in reply, “It’s much better! I’m fine!”

Ashton furrowed his brow. Without even asking, he took my bag and fumbled through it for the ointment. He then proceeded to apply it.

Ashton looked at me throughout the entire process. His gaze was unfathomable. “Is Armond better at this than I am?” he questioned.

Uncomfortable, I shifted my weight from foot to foot, then stammered, “It’s late, you…”

“Are you chasing me away?” Ashton demanded, his face growing murderous.

I took a deep breath, then nodded defiantly. “Yep. Or would you rather stay here?” I asked sarcastically.

“Can’t I?” Ashton challenged. His dark eyes bore into my soul.

Dumbfounded, I shrugged. “It’s up to you.”

Ashton thus remained in the villa. I did my best to ignore him and headed up to my own bedroom.

When Armond was back from sending Nora home, he’d naturally deal with Ashton.

After my shower, I’d completely put aside all thoughts of Ashton. It was almost ten at night, so I blow-dried my hair, read a little, and eventually drifted off to sleep.

The rain came without warning. It was a chilly autumn night, and droplets pattered rhythmically onto the ground. A frosty wind blew into the bedroom, and I woke up with a shiver.

to

of thunder, filled the room. Petrified, I bolted towards the

however, I ran right into the arms of the chaise

my knee and I crumpled

a long while. The open window was still waiting, and

bed. I turned it on, but the dim light only succeeded in casting ghoulish shadows against the wall. The wind

droplets of water across the room. At that moment, in the middle of the storm, the villa seemed

baby, I’d always felt a sense of dread in the presence of rain and thunder. I was utterly vulnerable

I began to tremble from terror. Valiantly, I tried multiple times to stand up

to the floor and shattered.

felt a wave of horror wash over me. Shrinking into a corner, I thought I could

sadness I’d suppressed for so long noticed that I let

once more, dazed, at the window, the faint light streaming into the room took on the appearance of blood

screamed with every last bit of strength

someone cried from beyond the

of you, go

with fear, I’d curled up into a ball, my head stuck resolutely between

My heart clung wildly to that voice. At that moment, the rest of the

lifted my head slowly. The light in the room had been switched on and the curtains

be afraid,”

Squinting slightly, I peered at the person before me.