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…”

you have such a strong bond with your

coldness flashed before Ashton’s eyes. “Mr. White, your relationship with Ms. Stovall appears to be pretty

his expression carefully level. “It’s hard to imagine how a busy man such as yourself would have so much time to poke his nose into other people’s private matters,” he said without

dark as storm clouds. “Second only to your ability to worry over nothing, Mr.

sat up straight in his chair. “Mr. Fuller, you are indeed eloquent.” He

as he turned to Gregory. “Are you finished?” he asked. Though his voice had no inflections, it

sensed that the atmosphere had turned hostile but was most reluctant

We’ve overstayed our welcome. Someone’s not happy,” Ashton said as he got up. “Thank you for your kind hospitality,” he

behind them before turning to Marcus. “Do you have

becoming neighbors, the hostility between

need for harsh words to be

usually mild-mannered. He definitely

would you think that?” he said with

that it was a topic

was indeed something going on between him and

normal engaged couples. If Marcus refused to discuss it, I wouldn’t have any reason to get to the bottom of