When There Is Nothing Left But Love (Ashton And Scarlett)

He’d just finished speaking when John violently shrugged him off. Caught off-balance by John’s abrupt jerk, Joseph fell to the floor.

Joseph’s moans of pains mingled with Audrey’s piping voice. Joseph made a great effort to get up, but John cruelly stepped on him, hard, condemning him to lie pinned on the ground.

“You were never a match for me. How dare you touch me? You’re really a worthy sidekick for Ashton! A dog behaves exactly like its master. You’re both pathetic,” John spat resentfully. Every word, though directed at Joseph, was clearly meant for Ashton’s ears.

In one swift motion, John took his foot off Joseph, then spun around and sauntered over to Ashton. Without hesitation, John threw a hard punch in Ashton’s face, then immediately followed it with a flying kick.

Ashton flew backward, landing on the grass patch by the curbside. He struggled to stand, but John lunged forward and wrapped both arms around Ashton’s neck. He strangled Ashton and the latter’s face instantly darkened into a deep crimson. The fall had entirely wiped off Ashton’s earlier dignified manner.

“You didn’t see this coming, did you? I wasn’t able to take Letty with me six years ago. I will now,” John jeered. Through gritted teeth, he continued, “Look at you. You haven’t improved at all. Do you expect to be able to keep Scarlett with you based on that feeble amount of strength alone?”

By then, the servants had all crept out of the main house to watch the scene. They fretted over whether they should intervene but ultimately were overcome by their fear. No one stepped forward.

I, too, was dumbfounded by John’s sudden violence. Recovering, however, I glanced at Ashton’s pale face in worry.

really intending to kill Ashton? I thought,

that I had

John had already taken a few steps back and was

blissfully. “Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle

his clothes, then directed an icy look at Ashton’s crumpled body. John then stepped over to where Audrey

and tapped Audrey gently on her

her heels gladly. She clung to John, babbling eagerly, “Did

on the nose. “Of course, I won! How can Uncle John ever lose,

to Ashton, who was stumbling to his feet behind John. Audrey’s little brow furrowed at the sight. She pursed her lips, asking tentatively, “Uncle John,

was rather unimpressed. Her frown had

demeanor John had been wearing from his earlier victory faded. He suddenly looked rather unsure

to everyone’s surprise, rescued John from his humiliation. “Audrey, it’s all right. Daddy just tripped over and

if not for the bright-red specks

drew in his breath sharply through his teeth. He was clearly in agony. Looking at the sorry sight he made before us, I felt a surge of pity