“Remember this. Even though Marcus had done a lot for Letty, the man also tried to hurt our family, so I would say that we’re even now. We don’t owe him anything. Come anywhere near us again, and I’ll make sure you pay for it.”
Ding!
When the elevator door opened, Ashton almost lifted me off my feet to carry me inside.
Only after the elevator started going down did the man loosen his grip. Angry at Ashton for what he did to me, I distanced myself as far away as the space allowed me to.
Ashton had his reasons for being so jealous, and I could understand what he was going through. After all, Marcus had made a move on me on more than one occasion.
However, I knew I could not live with myself if I pretended like I had no idea that Marcus was dying.
With both my hands on the elevator handrail, I suddenly thought of an idea to get the best of both worlds. With it, not only would I be able to sneak behind Ashton’s back, but I could also reignite Marcus’ will to live.
“Don’t even think about it.” Suddenly, Ashton’s harsh words severed my train of thoughts.
Embarrassed by how easily the man managed to see through me, I bit my lower lips defiantly before defending myself. “I don’t know what you’re referring to because I wasn’t thinking about anything.”
The man then narrowed his eyes at me and made a strange suggestion. “Why don’t you turn around?”
Baffled, I hesitantly did as Ashton said, only to find absolutely nothing behind me. All I could see was my own reflection on the metallic elevator wall.
“I don’t get it.”
“Take a good look at yourself,” demanded Ashton as he walked over to stand beside me. “You think that I’m incapable of being rational when it comes to anything related to Marcus, but what about you? Think about it. When have you ever not given in to your sympathy for the man?”
Every single word from Ashton was delivered so objectively that it immediately cleared things up for me. He’s right. I’ve been so wrong all this time, and I never realized it. Marcus and Rebecca are practically the same kinds of people. If I could treat Marcus the way Ashton treated Rebecca, Ashton wouldn’t even have to worry about me that much. I just couldn’t help myself. I kept thinking about how Marcus saved me when I lost my first child. Even though I always complained how Ashton was partial to Rebecca, I somehow failed to remain objective whenever it came to Marcus. How could I have been so blind?
“Have you calmed down yet?” asked Ashton with a much softer tone. “I understand that you can’t act like nothing had happened, and I’m not trying to force you to, but I won’t allow anything bad to happen to you.”
Seeing how serious the man was, I was well aware that there was nothing I could do to change his mind.
Even though my subconscious wanted me to fight back, I was restrained from doing so by reason. Ever since I married Ashton, I seemed to have become softer toward the man.
“Marcus still has some time left, so you can wait till I confirm his condition. If the man really is dying, I won’t stop you from going to him. Heck, I’ll even take care of him with you if you want.”
After hearing that, I widened my eyes in shock at Ashton, but he had already turned to face the elevator door. The man’s deadpan expression made it difficult for me to tell what was going through his head. Did I hear that right? Did Ashton just offer to take care of Marcus?
Ding!
After the door opened, Ashton naturally turned around to take my hand before walking out of the elevator.
When we drove out of the hospital parking lot, Ashton turned in the opposite direction instead of heading home.
“Where are we going?” I inquired, still struggling to come back to my senses.
“Audrey just called and said that she wants dessert tonight,” answered Ashton with a half-smile while his eyes remained on the road.
I then thought about everything the man said to me back in the hospital. Although Marcus had been in many life-and-death situations, he somehow always managed to come through. Besides, it’s not like my sympathy will change the man’s fate. There’s nothing wrong with sympathizing with others, but that doesn’t mean I should neglect those who love me. I’m so fortunate to have such lovely children and a loving husband.
Therefore, I tried my best to forget about Marcus for the moment and played along with Ashton. “Are you trying to fatten her up with late-night desserts? Not to mention how all that sugar is going to ruin her teeth. You really shouldn’t spoil her like that.”
