Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Landon trudged back to the living room while looking dispirited. Angelina happened to descend the stairs after having coaxed Lauren to sleep.

When Landon lifted his gaze, he accidentally met her eyes, causing her to hang her head fearfully.

"Stop lowering your head. You're about to bury your head in the sand. What are you, an ostrich?" Frowning impatiently, Landon sat on the couch and put a cigarette between his lips. However, he hesitated to light it when he recalled Lauren hated the smell of cigarette smoke.

Angelina did not look up. She had always carried herself with arrogance and aloofness in public, a stark contrast to her present self—unsure, submissive, and guilty. She wanted to dig a hole and hide due to shame.

"Come here."

She strutted over to Landon. The short distance felt like it took forever.

"Is Lauren asleep?" Landon asked in a low voice.

"Yes." She stared at her feet. Her voice was shaky. "I'll pack my stuff and leave immediately. I will not be an eyesore to you."

"Just stay," he remarked icily.

was overjoyed and relieved to hear that. "D-Did you

sister to Lauren. I know she won't be able to eat well if you

at times. You've even ruined a few of her dresses in the laundry, and you aren't exactly the best when it comes to cooking. But I don't trust anyone else to stay by Lauren's

an incident to happen again. Otherwise, I will not only fire you, but I will also rip you

in shame. She fought back tears as she replied, "I'm sorry. Mr.

night, Landon sat on the couch and approved some documents under the dim and soft light of the standing lamp while wearing matching couple pajamas with Lauren. Unlike Jasper, he was not a workaholic.

of a sudden, Lauren kicked off the blanket in her dreams and started contorting as though she was pinned down. She let out muffled, panicked screams, "I'm an idiot! I'm stupid! Please

Eyes wavering in shock, Landon hurried over and sat by the bed. Then, he scooped her into his arms,

hit me! Don't hit

Lauren tightly, he repeatedly caressed her back, which was drenched in sweat. He questioned, "Who hit

panted heavily. By that time, she was soaked in cold sweat

A murderous look crept into his eyes.

one's thoughts would manifest in dreams. Lauren wouldn't have had nightmares if

Angelina stuck by Lauren's side on campus. Who

by the waist, shaking her head and closing her eyes. "Maybe. I am having nightmares because I was still in shock at what

wanted to forget the memories of school bullying that were worse than nightmares, not to mention that the main bully was Landon's own sister. She refused to place Landon in a difficult spot, choosing between his lover