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.

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

attention completely diverted from

my mom soon.

thinking? You're acting weird

your faces. I was expecting

You were able to keep your calm before, but why did you lose it today?" Jasper turned off the stove and cast a worrying glance at

our birth certificates are with Javier. If you demand to get it from him, he surely won't hand

Lyse's sake. You know Javier and his pettiness. If you ask him something,

cares about the Harpers because you are still dealing with the fallout from Zoe's action. To be clear, Javier does not want to

Landon curled his

way, have you resolved your family conflict?" Alyssa addressed Landon with a seriousness that rivaled the couple's parents. "Do your grandpa and your mom approve

aren't you worried that your grandpa will retract your appointment as the group president? What

only grandson, and he cherishes you like no other. How would he perceive Lauren if you eloped with her? Your family will only look down on

is allowed to look down on her!" Landon bellowed, unable to accept her words. She made

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