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 that.

sister to Lauren. I know she won't be able to eat well if you leave her." He took out the cigarette and

he did not have the heart to treat his loyal subordinate cruelly. "So, stay and take care of Lauren. You can be clumsy at times. You've even ruined a few of her dresses in the laundry, and you aren't

to happen again. Otherwise, I will

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

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

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

bed. Then, he scooped her into his arms, knowing that she had a nightmare. "Calm

me!

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

heavily. By that time, she

look crept into his eyes. He sounded stubborn and hostile. "Whoever lays a finger

dreams. Lauren wouldn't have had nightmares

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

closing her eyes. "Maybe. I am having nightmares because I was still in shock at what happened in the day. No one.

that the main bully was Landon's own sister. She refused