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.

let Camelia come to A

it into

out buying things. It took a few tries before she

you want?” she snapped. “Are you calling to show off how

K City to celebrate the Harvest Festival with you. If it’s possible, could

silence on the other end of the call. “Scarlett, why are you helping me?” Camelia finally

to find someone who loves him and who can give him a sense of belonging. I can’t do any of that

about it. “I hope

call without saying much more, and

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

next day. She had clearly not wasted any time in getting to A City after my call with her. However, I could barely recognize her when I saw her, a petite girl wheeling around an enormous

Camelia standing in front of me was a stark contrast to the Camelia I used to know. In the past, she was the most beautiful and best-dressed girl in any room. But now, she had switched out her high heels for flats and tied her once luscious curls up in a messy