Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Cyrus, what's wrong?" Lauren asked with concern when she noticed his expression.

"Nothing. Let's keep going," Cyrus replied with a forced smile.

He draped his arm over Lauren's shoulder without fully touching her as they moved forward with the crowd, all the while discreetly scanning their surroundings like radar.

At that moment, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Cyrus took it out and looked at the screen, only to see a text message containing just four words. "Don't panic. It's me."

His sharp eyes slightly narrowed, and his tense heart relaxed.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the crowd, Landon stood in a corner. Despite keeping a low profile, his tall and handsome figure still caught the attention of those around him.

Amidst the lively atmosphere filled with joy and laughter, Landon appeared lonely and desolate, like an elderly man in his twilight years.

Lauren closely, never leaving

under Cyrus' care, had a bright smile. Seeing

gradually blurred, fading even the hint of

Angelina approaching. He

I never understood what a normal life was, but I think... I understand now. But it's

reassured him, "It's not too late, Mr. Landon. It's

took her out for a good time—like Cyrus

Landon's reddened eyes, and his voice became hoarse like a whisper. "I thought I was giving her what she wanted,

What she wanted.

before, but amidst her repeated answers of "I want to be

Landon, let's get a bit closer," Angelina

ultimately shook his head. "She rarely comes

eyes shimmered. Suddenly struck by an idea, she smiled and said, "If you're willing to set aside your pride and status, leave the

for around four years. The last time he went to one was to