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.

over to the window

of thunder,

into the arms of the chaise lounge beside

pain shot through my knee and I crumpled

was immense. I exhaled sharply as I cradled it for a long while. The open window was still waiting, and I tried to get up to no avail. I finally sat

but the dim light only succeeded

room. At that moment, in the middle of the storm, the villa seemed to

I’d always felt a sense of dread in the presence of rain and thunder.

I began to tremble from terror. Valiantly, I tried multiple

a loud crash, the lamp fell to the floor and shattered. Its wan light instantly went out, leaving

thought I could hear the sound of an infant wailing above

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

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

last bit of strength

someone cried from beyond the

you, go away!”

curled up into a ball, my

it’s me, Ashton,” a voice said gently beside me. It pierced through the tumult of the nightmare. My heart clung wildly to that voice. At that moment,

in the room had been switched on and the curtains neatly fastened.

Don’t be afraid,”

took a deep breath. Squinting slightly, I peered at the