Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Alyssa saw Landon approaching them, looking weak and sickly. She teased him immediately, "Gosh, Mr. Harper, what's wrong with you? Were you doing hard labor in your bedroom last night?"

"I... Never mind. Forget about it." He sighed in frustration. Where to start?

He couldn't possibly speak ill of Alyssa's brother in front of her, or he'd land Jasper in trouble as well. As Jasper's brother from another mother, he didn't have the heart to do so.

Alyssa knew he must have something on his mind, but she did not press on if he was reluctant to divulge.

"Do you want food? I'll make some for you," Jasper offered, turning around to look at Landon while busy with the cooking.

"Nah. I don't have appetite." Landon wandered to the fridge and opened the door to grab a bottle of water. Then, he downed the entire drink.

Crumpling the empty bottle, he took a deep breath before announcing, "Lyse, Jasper, I will register my marriage with Lauren today."

Caught by surprise, they gasped, "What? Today?"

"Yes, today." Landon's eyes burned with passion. His voice broke. "I've thought over it. The more I delay it, the more problems arise. I don't care if my family approves of my marriage. I'll get it registered for now.

Lauren and I will be legal spouses—she'll be my wife and the matriarch of the Harper Group! Even if Grandpa is against our decision, he has no choice but to let it go. Once I'm in charge of the Harper

his brows, his attention completely diverted from

I'll go get my birth certificate from my mom

Harper, what the heck are you thinking? You're acting weird today," Alyssa chided him with a

marry Lauren. Look at your faces. I was expecting applause and support," Landon retorted, his brows contorting

able to keep your calm before, but why did you lose it

If you demand to get it from him, he surely won't hand it

him at the Jesseltons' event for Lyse's sake. You know Javier and his pettiness. If you ask him something, he'll take the chance to

the Harpers because you are still dealing

Landon curled his

resolved your family conflict?" Alyssa addressed Landon with a seriousness that rivaled the couple's parents. "Do your

elope with Lauren, aren't you worried that your grandpa will retract your appointment as the group president?

you like no other. How would he perceive Lauren if you eloped with her? Your

to look down on her!" Landon bellowed, unable to accept

I don't doubt your love for Lauren, but have you thought things through? What do you want for yourself, and