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.

relieved to hear that. "D-Did you

eat well if you leave her." He took out the

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 exactly the best when it comes to cooking. But I don't trust anyone else to stay

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

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

the dim and soft light of the standing lamp while wearing matching couple pajamas with Lauren. Unlike Jasper, he was not a workaholic. He

Don't!" All 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

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

me! Don't hit

he repeatedly caressed her back, which was drenched in sweat. He questioned,

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

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

in dreams. Lauren wouldn't have had nightmares

he thought he had protected Lauren well. Besides, Angelina stuck by Lauren's side on campus. Who could have

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

forget the memories of school bullying that were worse than nightmares, not to mention that the main bully