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—"

Lauren's marriage to Freddy Hogdson is a done deal. What are you doing, coming between them at this time?" Mandy sighed. "Besides, as you said, Lauren and Landon were in love. Even if they have broken up... Son,

your life with a woman whose heart belongs to another man? Are you sure you'll never feel

path than you

Dad loved someone else when you married him. But have you once regretted choosing him?" Cyrus directed a pointed question at

arm. He quickly turned to

a low mumble,

not care." Cyrus let out a deep, bitter chuckle. "My principle is to keep my loved ones happy. If I

You brat—

room

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

at her remark. She certainly didn't do it on purpose, huh? He knew she had a habit of eavesdropping; she

held his breath and stared at Alyssa earnestly. "Lyse, since you heard what we just said, I have nothing more