When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“It’s nice to see you guys. Do make yourself at home,” Simone said, gesturing at us to take a seat.

Although she did not look a lot older than Ashton and me, her voice sounded frazzled.

Ashton was clearly taken aback by her voice as well. He stood right in front of them without moving an inch. The air grew tense with every passing moment.

Nicolas buried himself in his newspapers, not bothering to look up. Simone sat slightly apart, and the two seemed not to have much interaction.

I guessed Simone was probably the more expressive one between the two. I shook off Ashton’s hand, trying to snap him back to reality. When he finally looked at me, I pulled him toward the seats.

Now that everyone was seated, we were anticipating the patriarch to speak.

Silence ensued for about two to three minutes before Nicolas showed his face behind the newspapers. His cold glance swept across Ashton before finally stopping at me.

a brave one. I still remember how you lectured me at the hotel,” he stated without betraying the slightest hint of emotion. His tone and

raking up old

I got together with your son. I need to live up to my title as his wife. You and Simone must

opportunity to interject and speak instead. “Mom

for a while but quickly repeated

things still had to be done for cordiality’s sake. Civility was the

curt nod. His brown eyes darted toward Ashton, waiting for him to address him in

someone “Dad” or “Mom” might be an easy task for many, but not for Ashton, especially after

pride and trauma for the sake of obtaining the antidote. I could not bring myself to ask him to make any further

reading them bedtime stories. He’s having a sore throat, so I hope both of you don’t mind me doing it in his stead. Dad, Mom, I hope you guys can be

his throat right after I

he said, his hoarse voice sounding across the