Chapter 7
When There Is Nothing Left But Love
It was an hourâs journey from the villa to the Fullersâ family home. Throughout the entire hour, I felt like I
was in a daze.
My mind was flooded with thoughts about the child in Rebeccaâs belly and the look in Ashtonâs eyes
before he left. I couldnât seem to draw enough air into my lungs.
My chest tightened, and just as the car pulled to a stop in front of the Fullersâ family home, a wave of
nausea washed over me. I rushed out of the car and retched on the flowerbed for a long time, unable to
throw up.
âIt seems like being Mrs. Fuller has made you fragile, seeing that youâve almost vomited after a short
car ride.â A sharp and distasteful voice sounded out from the front door of the house.
I didnât need to look to know who it was. George had two sons. The elder one was Christopher Fuller,
who had died in a car accident along with his wife years ago, leaving his only son, Ashton, behind.
Georgeâs second son was Charlie Fuller.
At that moment, the one mocking me outside the family home was Uncle Charlieâs wife, Helen Clarke.
There were many internal feuds within wealthy families, so I had already gotten used to this.
I suppressed the discomfort in my stomach as I stared at Helen, greeting her politely. âAunt Helen.â
Helen had always disliked me. Perhaps she was jealous that I was favored by George despite coming
from a poor background, or perhaps she was disgruntled because George had valued Ashton so much
that he handed the reigns of this household to him. Given the context, she could have been venting out
her anger on me.
She cast an icy glance at me before gazing behind me. Upon noticing there was no one else inside the
car, her expression darkened. âWhat? Ashton, the favorite grandson, didnât even show up for his
grandfatherâs funeral?â
There would be many guests here today, so Ashtonâs absence was indeed unacceptable. I lifted my
lips into a smile and gave her a perfunctory reply. âAn important issue has arisen, so Ashton might run
late.â
âHaha!â Helen sneered. âThis is the person whom my father-in-law has placed all his hope on. I wonder
what he saw in him.â
The Fullers were an influential family, so many people attended the funeral to pay their respects.
Although Helen was repulsed by me, for the sake of appearances, she didnât make things too difficult
for me.
We entered the family home together. Georgeâs casket was in the middle of the hall where some white
flowers were arranged on top of it.
Many people entered, one after the other, all clad in black mourning attire. George was well-known, so
those who came to offer their respects were all from outstanding backgrounds. Charlie and Helen
greeted them outside, while I greeted them inside the hall.
âMs. Stovall.â Mrs. Eriksen strode toward me with a sandalwood box in hand.
âMrs. Eriksen, whatâs wrong?â The Fuller family wasnât all that complicated despite being a wealthy
family because there werenât many descendants. George had always preferred a life of peace and
solace and had only hired Mrs. Eriksen to take care of him.
Mrs. Eriksen placed the sandalwood box in my hands with a sympathetic expression on her face. âThis
was left to you by Mr. Fuller before he passed on. Keep it safe.â
She paused briefly before continuing, âMr. Fuller was aware that Mr. Ashton would possibly force you
into a divorce upon his demise. If you donât want that to happen, give this box to him. Once he sees it,
heâll think twice before divorcing you.â
I dipped my head to look at the square-shaped box in my hand. It was secured with a hidden lock.
Glancing at Mrs. Eriksen, I asked in puzzlement, âWhere is the key?â
âMr. Fuller already gave it to Mr. Ashton.â Mrs. Eriksen studied me as she advised, âYouâve lost a lot of
weight recently. You should take care of your health. Mr. Fuller has always hoped that you and Mr.
Ashton would have a healthy son together so that there would be an heir to the family. Now that Mr.
Fuller is gone, donât let the family bloodline end with the two of you.â
At the mention of a child, I was taken aback for a while. Then, I offered Mrs. Eriksen a smile, deciding
not to comment any further on it.
After the prayers, Grandpaâs casket would be brought to the cemetery for burial. It was already noon
when we arrived, but Ashton still hadnât shown up.
Ashton had yet to make an appearance even after the funeral was over. Charlie soon approached me
with Helen on his arm as he urged to me, âLetty, your Grandpa George wonât be coming back ever
again. Go and tell Ashton to stop holding a grudge against his grandfatherââthe old man doesnât owe
him anything.â