Chapter 1637
When There Is Nothing Left But Love
âNo! Iâm not done with themâ¦â Audrey raised her spoon defiantly at Johnâs impudent grin before
realizing that he was teasing her. She pouted. âBad Uncle John! Leave me alone!â
John made a slight grimace and pretended to dab his tears with a napkin. âGoodness, sheâs going to
grow up to be a heartbreaker and snub me, her dear uncle. Iâm so sad. I donât want to be here
anymore. Iâll move away tomorrow.â
The kids stared at him in horror, sharing the same sentiment that breakfast had taken an abrupt detour,
while the adults watched as John put on an engaging performance.
When Audrey seemed unimpressed, he pumped out more tears and sniffled noisily, almost sobbing at
that point.
Only then did Audrey soften a little. A moment later, she hesitated for a while before taking her candy-
shaped Lego and offering it to him. âIâm sorry, Uncle John. Please donât cry. I still love you the most.
Good kids are brave and shouldnât cry.â
Her little hand reached out to pat his head, just like how we would comfort a crying child.
John lowered his head a little to accommodate her, and Audrey cradled his head with both hands,
kneading his ears. âOkay, Iâll give you a hug. Stop crying.â
Her expression was solemn, unaware that John had flashed a cheeky smile at us.
Ashton, who had remained silent the entire time, couldnât watch it anymore and cleared his throat,
hinting that John should quit while he was ahead.
That was Ashtonâs way of protest because his daughter had never coaxed him this way before.
However, John continued, enjoying her babying.
Then, a roar resounded, âJohn Stovall! Who are you putting a show for? Iâve said it before, and Iâll say it
again. Iâm not giving you a daughter!â
Everyone flinched at the loud voice, and John immediately straightened in his chair, his expression
tinged with panic. âUh oh, this isnât good.â
Emma stood beside the handrail with a glare and stomped up the stairs, disappearing in a flash.
âIs Emma in a bad mood nowadays?â I asked.
âShe may be overworked and tired. Itâs nothing. Back to our meal. She will settle down after a while.â
John brushed Emmaâs outburst aside and shooed Audrey back to her seat.
Audrey had never seen Emma lose her temper and didnât realize that she had been tricked by John.
John started fidgeting after Emma left. He wiped his hands with a napkin, then his mouth before finally
taking his leave from the dining table. âIâm full. Please enjoy the rest of your meal.â
His quickened footsteps betrayed his worry for Emma and made Summer snicker.
Problems were not a big deal in marriage as long as one got married to the right person. After all,
tolerance and love were essential in maintaining a marriage.
At the hospital, the doctor was doing a consultation for Marcus. Ashton sat with me as we waited in the
corridor outside.
I thought Camelia was with Marcus, but only the doctor and nurse walked out.
Ashton followed up with the doctor while I headed in to serve breakfast to Marcus.
He must have been jarred awake as he was sitting against the headboard, staring out the window
expressionlessly and motionlessly like a statue.
âGood morning,â I greeted softly and shut the door, uncovering the lunchboxes.
I had only prepared one portion of chicken soup. Wafts of steam billowed out of the lunchbox as I
stirred the soup and let it cool a little. Then, I brought a spoonful near his mouth.
However, he had anticipated it and averted his head, protesting silently.
I held on to my patience and asked wryly, âArenât you going to try the soup I made for you?â
Without turning his head, he countered, âDid you think I would fall for petty favors?â
âYou donât have to be wary of me.â I put the lunchbox down with a clang and snapped, âSkipping this
meal wouldnât determine your survival or death, but it would quash what little fondness I have of you.
You do not fear death, but arenât you afraid that Iâd hate you?â