When There Is Nothing Left But Love

He stopped peeling the apple and looked up at me with pursed lips. “Is it because of her?”

His words baffled me for a moment, but I soon got back to my senses. “Marcus, are you mad? It’s not because of anyone. It’s just not going to work between us. Camelia is a good girl. Please don’t let her down.”

Marcus ignored my words as he looked down and continued peeling his apple. I knew it would be useless to go on. It was impossible to talk sense into someone who refused to be receptive to it.

That night, Summer called and sounded very excited over the phone. “Mommy! Granny said the Harvest Festival is almost here and that it’s a day for the family to reunite! Are you done with work? Will you be home soon?”

I had initially wanted to tell Summer that I couldn’t go back because of Marcus. But after hearing how excited she was about the festival, I couldn’t bring myself to disappoint her. Now that I had promised her to be home soon, I couldn’t go back on my word.

Marcus knew I felt bad about it and smiled at me. “Go be with Summer, and don’t worry about me. I will be fine with Layla here.”

I knew he would be in good hands with Layla, but leaving him alone during Harvest Festival didn’t sit right with me.

Besides, when Harvest Festival came around, Layla would be home for her family reunion too. It would be so lonely for him to stay in the hospital.

Camelia come

I decided to put it into action. One way or another, I was going to

decided to call Camelia while I was out buying things. It took a few tries before

you want?” she snapped. “Are you calling to show off how much you’re enjoying your time

let you know that Marcus got injured in Lavelian Village and is currently recovering in the hospital. He wouldn’t be able to make it back to K City to celebrate the Harvest Festival with you. If it’s possible, could you come

a moment of silence on the other end of the call. “Scarlett,

for him. I want him to find someone who loves him and who can give him a sense of belonging. I can’t

she thought about it. “I

saying much more, and my thoughts

to Camelia made me realize that it had been three days since my last communication with Ashton. He had never been one to take the initiative to call or text,

in getting to A City after my call with her. However, I could barely recognize her when I saw her, a petite girl wheeling

she was the most beautiful and best-dressed girl in any room. But now, she had