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.

made my way over to the

by the deafening clap of thunder, filled the room. Petrified, I bolted towards the

I ran right into the arms of

pain shot through my knee and I crumpled

The open window was still waiting, and I tried to

on, but the dim light only succeeded in casting ghoulish shadows against the wall. The

flying, spraying droplets of water across the room. At that moment, in the middle of the storm, the villa seemed to be a most

since that traumatic incident with my baby, I’d always felt a sense of dread in the presence of rain and thunder. I was utterly vulnerable at the moment, incapacitated as I was

began to tremble from terror. Valiantly, I tried multiple times to stand up with the support of surrounding furniture but only succeeded

the lamp fell to the floor and shattered. Its wan light instantly

over me. Shrinking into a corner, I thought I could hear the sound of

in fear. Amidst the mounting dread, the sadness I’d suppressed for so long noticed that I let my guard down and saw its chance. Physically and emotionally debilitated,

the window, the faint light streaming into the room took on the

with every last bit of strength

someone cried from

go away!” I shrieked

ball, my head stuck resolutely between my knees. I was

a voice said gently beside me. It pierced through the tumult of the nightmare. My heart clung wildly

room had been switched on

afraid,” Ashton said

peered at the person before me. It was