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.

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

attention completely diverted from the sunny-side-up eggs

certificate from my mom soon.

thinking? You're acting weird today," Alyssa chided him with a stern

want is to marry Lauren. Look at your faces. I was expecting applause and support," Landon

your calm before, but why did you lose it

you demand to get it from him, he surely

sake. You know Javier and his pettiness. If you ask him something, he'll take the chance to make you

because you are still dealing with the fallout from Zoe's action. To be clear, Javier

curled

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 of

retract your appointment as the group president? What if your Uncle Preston takes advantage of the situation to eliminate

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

lover! No one is allowed to look down on her!" Landon bellowed, unable to accept

doubt your love for Lauren, but have you thought things through? What