Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"When I saw this hair clip, I really liked it and thought it would suit Ms. Alyssa," Justin said with a warm and sincere smile. "Jasper, it's just a small token of my congratulations. I hope you'll like it."

With a snap, Jasper closed the satin-lined box and pushed it back to the center of the table. His eyes darkened with an inscrutable depth. "This gift is too valuable. I can't accept it, but I'll thank you on behalf of Lyse."

Justin showed no sign of embarrassment. He still maintained his gentle smile as he met Jasper's gaze.

"What are you doing, Jasper?" Javier intervened, his displeasure evident.

"Justin has come back after so long and generously prepared gifts for the family, even considering your girlfriend. Are your standards so high that you can't even appreciate what he has given?

"Think about how Justin has treated you since childhood. Even if you don't like it, you shouldn't refuse. It's so rude!"

"Don't get worked up, Dad." Justin coughed lightly before saying gently, "It's nothing serious. We're finally all together as a family. Let's not let a small matter spoil the atmosphere."

"Jasper, just accept Justin's gift. He was just being thoughtful," Newton added, giving Jasper a meaningful glance.

He was on Jasper's side, but from his perspective, he couldn't see what was inside the box. He just wanted to smooth things over.

After all, Jasper's relationship with Javier had only recently begun to improve. There was no need to create more tension over such a trivial matter.

the table, his emotions churning

given something else, I would have gladly accepted it. But you gave a

raised an eyebrow imperceptibly

is a tradition in our country." Jasper's voice was low and tinged with a hint of coldness. "Lyse is your sister-in-law, Justin. The gift you've chosen

suddenly realized

earlier. If it were him, he would have exploded

"Jasper, are you being too sensitive? Justin is a man. How could he

Justin smiled with some embarrassment. "I've been living abroad for so long that I've forgotten about these customs

gaze deepened. "It's

excuse and left the table

it was fine, how

expensive antiques. While abroad, his living

significance of giving a

felt suffocated. Had Justin really forgotten about that tradition, or was he testing his

voices from the garden

Barry and the helpers gathered in the pavilion by the pond, observing