When There Is Nothing Left But Love

It was raining that day; the child’s memory was limited to what he was able to see clearly. Furthermore, the architecture for all the villas on my street was very similar.

Ashton gazed at me from afar and then turned to his son. “Gregory,” he called, with a hint of warning in his voice.

Gregory frowned when he heard. He reluctantly loosened his grip on me and walked back to his father with a pout.

When he reached Ashton’s side, he grabbed one of his fingers coyly.

Children were emphatic; he had probably noticed his father’s anger and was keen to make amends.

Their relationship seems a little too stiff, I thought. He was perhaps a little strict for such a young child.

At that age, they were developing actively. Their nature, reason, and emotional quotient had to be nurtured most carefully.

I wasn’t close to Ashton as we were merely casual acquaintances. It was not up to me to criticize him about the upbringing of his kid.

Ashton stood where he was for a little while. He then turned and led his child into the villa opposite ours.

When they had entered, the man who had opened the door for them walked up to me. “So, we are officially neighbors now. My name is Joseph. If there’s anything you may need, please feel free to ask.”

He handed me his card while he introduced himself. I glanced at it before introducing myself in return. “You can call me Carlette.”

other day? Is he your boss?”

this neighborhood and sent me over to help him settle in. I must thank you again for

Ashton’s voice rang out

Ashton at the door

hastily excused himself and

felt confused as I stared at the shut door of the

neighborhood is mere of an upper middle class. With Ashton’s wealth and status, shouldn’t he be living

here, of all places? Ashton had many puzzling things about him that could not

doubt, I waited for the doors opposite to shut again before turning around to return

recollection of the events of the afternoon, I perked up at the chance of a conversational starter. “You’d never have guessed who just moved into the house across ours,” I

asked nonchalantly. It was

“They are…”

Ding dong!

almost out of my mouth when I was rudely interrupted by

be disturbed during his meals. The servants had returned to their rooms after serving us, and there was no one left to wait on us in the living room. The door was nearer to me so

had already put down his fork exasperatedly but at

troubles in his life, he

little face appeared as soon as I opened the door.