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.

she was overjoyed and relieved to hear

well if you leave her." He took out the cigarette and crushed it

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

do not want such an incident to happen again. Otherwise, I will not only fire you, but

fought back tears as she replied,

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. He was simply trying to make himself

blanket in her dreams and started contorting as though she was pinned down. She let

in shock, Landon hurried over and sat by the bed. Then, he scooped her into his arms, knowing that she had a nightmare. "Calm down. I'm here with you. There's nothing to be

me! Don't

back, which was drenched in sweat. He questioned, "Who hit you? Lauren, tell me. Who hit

opened her eyes and panted heavily. By that time, she was soaked in cold sweat from head to

are." A murderous look crept into his eyes. He sounded stubborn and

that one's thoughts would manifest in dreams. Lauren wouldn't have had nightmares if not for something that had happened

had protected Lauren well. Besides, Angelina stuck by Lauren's side

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

worse than nightmares, not to mention that the main bully was Landon's own sister. She refused to place Landon in a