When There Is Nothing Left But Love

I felt as nonplussed as Armond looked. We both thought that Ashton was prepared to give me the scolding of a lifetime.

Rachel’s look of shock on her tear-streaked face told me that she did not expect Ashton to be this lenient with me as well.

I hesitated for a fraction of a second but repeated my sincere apology toward Rachel.

Ashton looked down at her. “Ms. Zimmer, I, too, am sorry for whatever transpired today. I will be sure to make the arrangements to see that you are compensated for.”

He was indifferent but cunning about how he had crafted that sentence.

Rachel was deathly pale as she stood up. She gazed at Ashton with disappointment but was unable to say anything more.

All of a sudden, Joseph appeared and took her away to the hospital.

Armond had nothing more to say as well. He exchanged several words of courtesy with Ashton and promptly departed.

After they left, Ashton and I remained where we were. I hung my head and prepared myself for the telling-off I was about to receive.

“I shouldn’t have hit her,” I blurted out. “I won’t do it again.”

“If you didn’t hit back, she’d walk all over you,” he said with an unflinching gaze at me.

I was shocked, to say the least. I looked up at him quizzically.

Ashton gently lifted up my sleeves and frowned at my scratch scars. “Did you return the favor?”

few days ago, so I think they

across his handsome features. “You could have used your fists or, at least,

Actually, it was a good thing that Linda had drenched her before the fight got too out of

me with some playful disdain. “Two of you ganging up on a woman, and you still managed to get yourself hurt. You weren’t even the one who threw the water! If Linda weren’t here, would Rachel have

child. “If Linda weren’t here, I wouldn’t have dared to start a fight,” I said in a small

and turned to leave at

but squatted down after a couple of steps. My heart filled with joy

did not hear me

hurt. I can’t walk.” I remained squatted

near tears with exasperation. “Just tell me.

brain for a moment. “Could

“Is

a shake of my

would I carry

me!” I said in a huff

knew that he wanted me to say it out loud, but if it had to be forced, it’d lose

me with a twinkle in his eye. As I walked past him,

by the sudden

grunted without

the corridor, the employees of the base caught sight

I wouldn’t blame them. After all, they were under the impression