Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Landon... Landon..."

With dirt-stained hands, Zoe clutched onto the leg of Landon's pants, her eyes burning with fury and hatred. "Just because of that bitch. Just because of that bitch. How could you do this to me?

"Who does Lauren think she is? I am your biological sister! How could you do this to me? You should just go to hell!"

"That's right, you are my biological sister," Landon rasped. Tears welled in his eyes, casting an icy glare. "I've cherished you since childhood. But you repeatedly hurt me with your actions. You've torn apart my happiness to satisfy your selfish desires.

"If your actions stemmed from hatred toward me, perhaps I could have found it in my heart to forgive you, considering our familial bond. But instead, you've harmed an innocent woman. And not just anyone—she is the love of my life.

"I've given you countless chances, Zoe. Each time, I held onto hope that you would change and repent. Yet, each time, you proved me wrong. Instead of remorse, I was met with further cruelty toward Lauren."

He closed his eyes, the image of Lauren fighting against her bullies haunting his mind.

If she hadn't had the energy to resist. If she hadn't given her life to fight back.

The same tragedy that had befallen Zoe could have easily happened to Lauren. Landon knew he could have lost Lauren forever.

was fierce. "That stupid woman has consumed your soul! You're a madman, a pawn

and not ridding you of that bitch earlier. condemning you to

outburst. Her rage contorted her

locking me in here. Did you think you could avenge that bitch this way? You abducted me from the police. They will find me soon! And Grandpa. Mom.

been calm all along, choked on his tears as he informed

her gaze vacant. "What

that, she erupted into laughter, disbelief painting her features. "Landon, you're lying to me, aren't you? You would even go as far as coming up with such a lie just to get

need to lie about something like this? Grandpa's funeral is in two days. But you won't be

pupils were constricted. She

him. He stabbed Grandpa

world crumbled around her. "No...

wanted to use Preston to come against me and Lauren. But in the end, Preston killed the one in this family who loved

Zoe was utterly stupefied.

given you multiple warnings to stay away from Preston. I said he might

best to suppress the despair of losing his loved one. He rasped, "He was cruel