Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper and Alyssa exchanged astonished looks. Cyrus, no doubt, must have been referring to Lauren.

After that, they heard Mandy's shocked gasp. "Cyrus, what are you talking about? Marrying Lauren? Since when have you caught feelings for her?

"Tell me, what role did you play in the breakup between Lauren and Landon? For heaven's sake, please don't tell me you came between them. You're only going to humiliate me. A Taylor son can be gay, but he shouldn't break up relationships!"

Cyrus, Jasper, and Alyssa stared at Mandy speechlessly.

After some silence, Cyrus explained bitterly, "I gave up on Lauren because I saw how much she and Landon were in love. Landon seemed to care for her very much, and I did not want to stir trouble. All I wanted for Lauren was a smooth sailing relationship."

Alyssa lowered her gaze and let out a quiet sigh. Cyrus and Lauren shared a similarity—in that they always prioritize the needs of others before themselves. They were both empathetic and sensitive.

Frankly, Alyssa had thought over the scenario many times—would Lauren be happier with Cyrus? Alas, hypothetical questions were useless in relationships.

"But she's going to marry a man she doesn't love!" Cyrus said, gripped by a pressing and intense worry from suppressing his desire for too long. "If so, Mom, I want to satisfy myself for once. I'd like to pursue Lauren. I'd like to—"

marriage to Freddy Hogdson is a done deal. What are you doing, coming between them at this time?"

with a woman whose heart

tougher path than you

else when you married him. But have you once

arm. He quickly turned to look

in a low mumble, "My situation was different from

a deep, bitter chuckle. "My principle

You brat—

the room with Jasper at that

sprung from his seat. "Lyse, did you overhear—" Alyssa smiled. "I overheard your conversation just now.

remark. She certainly didn't do it on purpose, huh? He knew

heard what we just said, I have nothing more to hide