In Love, Never Say Never (Ashton Fuller and Scarlett Stovall) novel Chapter 1650

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.”