Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Landon's back bowed lower and lower as waves of emotions flooded over him—emotions he had suppressed for so long now released all at once.

Lauren's eyes welled with tears as she reached out, her trembling hand finding its way to Landon's haggard face. With a gentle touch, she traced his features, pausing at his graying sideburns.

"I... I've become uglier, haven't I?" Landon placed his calloused hand on the back of her hand. He gently nuzzled against her hand and tried his best to smile. "I'm not as handsome as before. Lauren, does that make you hate me?"

Lauren's heart ached, her attempts at speech nearly faltering. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, her gaze flickering with emotion.

Alyssa, her heart tender, could no longer contain her emotions. Tears streamed silently down her cheeks.

Newton couldn't bear to watch any longer. He dragged Javier out of the room with him. Jasper and Alyssa followed them out of the room, giving Landon and Lauren some space to be together.

so much they wanted to share, even if Lauren couldn't express herself

breathing was heavy, and

and no words were needed to express how deeply in love they were

her finger, she began to trace

His lips turned downward as he

didn't see through his white lie. She nodded earnestly and weakly flashed

Newton was on the mend, preparing to be discharged from the hospital.

serious as he took a sip of tea. "Cornelius has passed away, Preston and Zoe have faced consequences for their actions, and Penelope is receiving treatment for her mental health overseas. Landon has kept his promise and resolved all the family's issues. Is there anything else that worries

burdened by thoughts he struggled to

sacrificed too much. Jasper and Alice told me about the personal bodyguard who grew up