After all, one could only learn from one’s mistakes by facing them and shouldering all the consequences that followed fearlessly.
Ashton stopped massaging me. “He doesn’t have a choice.”
After a brief pause, he changed the topic. “Let me put it this way. If we’re on the brink of death, who would you choose between me and our children? You can only pick one.”
I thought he was insinuating something and immediately tensed up. Pulling his hands away, I turned to face him and replied firmly, “That day won’t come again.”
Chuckling, Ashton wrapped his arms around me and asked, “Just assume it did happen. Who will you pick? Me or the kids?”
Realizing it was a joke, I relaxed visibly. As I pondered about it, I swayed my body, causing Ashton to sway along with me on the couch. “I’ll pick the kids. They are still young and have a long way to go. We’re getting old now, so it doesn’t matter if our lives end now. If something happens to you, I’ll leave with you!”
Without knowing it, I had my arms wrapped around Ashton’s neck like a koala bear. Winking at him, I tried to fish for praise.
My answer was satisfactory. Though I had picked the kids, we would end up together. There was no way he’d seethe in jealousy at my answer.
Ashton didn’t seem surprised at all. “I thought the same, too.”
The grin on his face widened as he explained, “That’s the exact reason why Jared needs to leave. With him here, you’ll never be Summer’s top priority. Scar, my ranking in your heart doesn’t matter. But those whom you prioritize should prioritize you too. That way, even when I’m no longer by your side, you won’t be the children’s second choice.”
What’s wrong with him? He’s making me tear up. He is playing the bad guy and wants everyone to prioritize me. Isn’t he afraid that the kids will detest him?
“But Summer will love you less for that.”
As though he was coaxing a child, his voice turned gentle. “The person who gave birth to me and those who brought me up hated me. It doesn’t matter if someone else shares their sentiments. I just want you to be happy.”
“Why are you so considerate…” My voice was thick with tears. It seemed that a simple gesture would make tears roll down my cheeks.
“To me, that isn’t enough,” Ashton revealed with a long sigh. He tightened his grip and continued, “It was because of me that Jared had six whole years to take Summer away from you. I shall get back everything that belongs to you.”
I snuggled in his arms silently, not daring to utter a word. Even my breathing was controlled.
It took a long time before I could calm down completely. I decided to look for an appropriate way to clear the air between Ashton and Summer.
I was about to part my lips when someone knocked on the door. Knock! Knock!
“Come in.”
The door opened, revealing Summer, who walked in.
“Daddy, Mommy, are you going to sleep soon? Can we talk?” she asked carefully.
It was obvious why she was here—to help Jared.
Besides her own plans, this was the first time Summer took the initiative to help someone else. As her mother, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Looks like it’s tough to repair our relations!” I stared at Ashton and whispered.
Though our family was usually harmonious and happy, if something were to happen, the kids knew they had to get their father’s approval first.
Calmly, Ashton removed his hands from my shoulders and straightened his figure on the soft. Parting his lips, he told her, “Come, have a seat.”
Summer nodded and came over to sit on the couch on Ashton’s left. After brief contemplation, she took a deep breath and looked up.
