Chapter 24

Quill's voice was emotionless, with no joy, no excitement, no disgust, and no hatred. It was as if the people in front of him were just two strangers with no connection to him whatsoever. Aspen forced a smile, but the bitterness spread across her face as her eyes traced his features. It was as if trying to burn his image into her mind, but she didn't dare linger too long, fearing it might annoy him. She quickly asked, "Quill, do you really love them?" The "them" was obvious. Quill furrowed his brow, looking at her as though she had asked an absurd question. However, Aspen was insistent, her lips pressed tight as she waited for him to answer her. Quill replied, "Of course. We've known each other since we were kids. She accepted me, and I accepted her. Candice is my wife and the mother of my child. "She respects me, loves me, and cherishes me. How could I not love her? Love you and Nora? Am I a masochist, to love someone who treated me like a butler, never trusted me, and handed