When There Is Nothing Left But Love

However, he had spoiled his son. It was overtly liberal for him to be calling people names.

Gregory waved his fork at me when I was lost in thought. “Ms. Stovall, Daddy would like some pork too!” he said in an attempt to instigate me.

The atmosphere over the dining table instantly chilled.

I did not think that a man of his wealth would stoop to eat something that I took for him.

The difference in our status was clearer than ever before. Just sitting at the same table felt strange; being intimate was out of the question.

“Greg, your dad will help himself if he wants some. He…”

It was a pathetic attempt to diffuse the tension, but Ashton chose this moment to make the situation extra awkward. “Greg, I would like some of that pork.”

Though he addressed Gregory by name, it seemed to me that he was speaking to me.

Even Marcus’s fork had frozen in midair. Everybody was confused.

“Err…” Gregory muttered with a glance down at his sticky hands helplessly. “My hands are dirty. Why don’t you ask Ms. Stovall…”

couldn’t bear it any longer. “Mr. Fuller, you have such a strong bond with

before Ashton’s eyes. “Mr. White, your relationship with Ms. Stovall appears to be pretty normal,” he said

his expression carefully level. “It’s hard to imagine how a busy man such as yourself would have so much

“Second only to your ability to

straight in his chair. “Mr.

mildly as he turned to Gregory. “Are you finished?” he asked. Though

must have sensed that the atmosphere had turned hostile but was most reluctant to put down his

We’ve overstayed our welcome. Someone’s not happy,” Ashton said as he got up. “Thank you for your kind hospitality,” he said politely to us. Gripping Gregory by the hand, they

the door to shut behind them before turning to Marcus. “Do you have a grudge

by comparison. However, upon becoming neighbors, the hostility between them

was no need for harsh words to be thrown about like that over

thing was that Marcus was usually mild-mannered. He definitely was agitated

“Why would you think that?” he said with a

was obvious that it was a topic that he did not wish to

show that there was indeed something going on

If Marcus refused to discuss it, I