In Love, Never Say Never (Ashton Fuller and Scarlett Stovall) novel Chapter 529

Jared patted her back and said, “Your throat is still sore. No more laughing.”

Although his words sounded stern, the affection in his tone was obvious.

Summer looked at me and said, “Mommy, you have the same answer as Mr. Crest. It’s impossible for durian and watermelon to feel hurt. Your head will be the one in pain.”

For the next few minutes, Summer continued to play riddles with Jared.

At the dining table, Summer ate more than usual. She was so excited and joyful throughout the meal. Shortly after lunch, she fell asleep.

Jared got up from the sofa and picked up his doctor’s bag as he prepared to leave.

I was silent for a moment before saying, “Dr. Crest, can I have a word with you?”

He pressed his lips together and nodded. Then, he sat back down and looked at me with dullness in his eyes.

I took a deep breath and went straight to the point. “When Macy left, she told me never to let Summer know that you are her father.”

His eyes turned cold, with a pained expression on his face. He said, “I can understand.”

“Summer is your child and no one can deny that,” I said calmly. “Including Macy.”

He was a little surprised and looked at me with a frown. “So?”

“This is a matter between you and Macy. It’s none of my business. But I have no choice but to intervene now. I raised Summer myself and treated her as my own daughter. I hope you can understand that.”

He nodded and sat there calmly, as though waiting for me to finish what I have to say.

I pursed my lips and said, “You and Ashton are good friends. He’s a man who needs a little extra emotional support. Of course, same goes to each and everyone of us. And I don’t wish for us to quarrel and part in bad terms.”

After a pause, I continued, “I will let Summer know that you are her father, but we’ll have to wait till she’s eighteen years old before breaking the news to her. Then, it’ll be up to her to decide if she wants to acknowledge you as her father or otherwise. Of course, within the eighteen years, you may come and see her anytime you want. And if the Crest family can take good care of her, then I will agree to let her go to the Crest family during the holidays.”

He was momentarily stunned. It was as though he never thought that I would say such a thing to him. He also never even thought that I would ultimately give in.

For a long time, he looked at me solemnly and asked, “Are you sure?”

I nodded and said, “Yes, I’m sure. I didn’t make this decision because of you. I did it for Ashton. I don’t want him to end his long-term friendship with you all because of me. I hope that you guys will maintain your friendship fin the years to come.”

He seemed a little surprised, and he was silent for a while before he spoke again. “Thank you, Scarlett.”