Chapter 899
When There Is Nothing Left But Love
Her words stunned me. I was at a loss for words. âWhy, Mrs. Brooks? Iâve sought advice from the
doctor. He said thereâs still hope. If youâre worried about the cost, please donât be. Just leave it to me.
Renee is still young. There are endless possibilities ahead of herâ¦â
Before I could finish, she broke down in tears and shook his head helplessly. âStill, she can never break
free from misery. My husband and I are old now. We will only become a burden for her in the future.
Not to mention, she has a wicked uncle. We caused Sashaâs death. So we canât let Renee go through
the same faith as her mother. She should live the rest of her life with no regret. She deserves
happiness in this life and the next life.â
I could feel Mrs. Brooksâ pain. Somehow, I agreed with her, because even if Renee pulled through this
difficult period, there was no one she could turn to. Shane, that jerk alone, would definitely make her
life a living hell. Also, she had to take care of her grandparents alone in the future.
No, I must not give up hope. Before I could muster enough reasons to persuade her, Mrs. Brooks
looked at me and said, âMrs. Fuller. I know you are being kind, and we really appreciate it. Itâs getting
late now. You should head home.â
I held my tongue and left the ward, utterly frustrated. I knew I have no right to decide on their family
matters. Most of all, I couldnât meddle in that little girlâs future.
Suddenly, I felt a vibration in my handbag and reached for my phone. It was a call from Nora. âScarlett!â
She was as loud as always. âAre you at K City? Have you seen Armond? He hasnât called me for days!
Why exactly did the police seize the Lavelian Village project? And you, when will you come and visit
me?â
I sat on the chair as I watched people walked in and out of the entrance. I saw people with different
emotionsâanxiety, despair, joy, and sorrow. There was also a couple who were holding their newborn
baby tenderly. I watched them closely and was fascinated to see the realities of life.
Nora waited for my response on another line, but I could not utter a word. The frustration still lingered in
me. âI will not visit you for the time being,â I said after a moment of silence. âJust take care of yourself
and donât worry too much. Something must have happened to the Murphys, but Iâm sure Armond will
contact you once things have settled down.â
She sighed and pouted. âI am hoping for you to come because I am so bored here. You know
what? Grandpa is arranging blind dates for me every day! I donât know what has gotten into him. Heâs
suddenly opposing my relationship. He said Armond is not a good match for me. Geez, the old man
is so fickle!â
I didnât know how to respond to that, so I just said, âStop complaining. Maybe Mr. Oberick thinks thatâs
whatâs best for you.â
The sun had already set when we ended the call. I was not surprised because the days were always
shorter in that area, especially during autumn, where the weather was unpredictable.
At the villa, I parked my car in the garage. The smell of food lured me to the kitchen. I leaned against
the door frame and watched Ashton, who was busy with the dinner preparation. I couldnât help but
break into a big smile at the sight of him in an apron.
He noticed my presence and paused. With a startled gasp, he asked, âHow long have you been
standing there? You should tell me youâre home.â
âIâm home.â I smiled.
He broke into a helpless grin. âWash your hands. Dinnerâs ready.â
That night was the first time I saw him in a grey sweater. âYou look much younger wearing other colors
than black,â I complimented him.
He arched an eyebrow and gave me a solemn look. âSo you mean I look old all this while?â
I found his expression funny. âA little, like an old nerd. You looked intimidating and unapproachable. I
prefer you like this. You look more amicable.â
âFine, I will start wearing more colors.â
I was surprised that he would take my advice seriously. He had made changes to his bad habits,
control his temper, and even took time to reflect on his life.
I could say it was a hundred and eighty-degree change in his image. The Ashton I knew was rather
cold and hardly ever smiled. It was not a sudden change. The transition took ten years long. I didnât
notice it until I saw him jealous, longed for attention, and broke the habits. Sometimes, he would even
throw tantrums. Tonight, I saw the gentler side of him.
He might not express his love verbally, but he made a habit of caring.