Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Alyssa's breath hitched as a familiar voice echoed through the tense silence. Squeezing Jasper's hand until his knuckles turned white, her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

"I-It's Winston!"

"Winston?" Jasper echoed, his surprise evident.

Then, a procession of men clad in black suits strode into the mourning hall with authority. Winston, a commanding presence that turned heads, stood proudly at the forefront.

But Winston wasn't alone. Accompanying him were Mandy, Lyla, Colene, Jonah, and Silas, representing the Taylor family.

Rarely did the Taylors assemble in such unity, indicating the significance of Cornelius' funeral to them.

launched herself toward Winston, engulfing him in

corner of his lips. He remained rooted in

remarked, his heart warmed by Alyssa's affection yet feigning annoyance. "You hugged me as if

arm. "Why didn't you let me

nothing, it seems," Mandy chimed in, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "I thought it would be sufficient if Jonah, Silas, and the three of us came to pay our respects. I didn't think it's necessary for Winston to make the trip all the

say that you worried for nothing, Mandy. Your concern for Dad is evident," Alyssa reassured, noticing the renewed vigor in Winston's demeanor,

his eyes brimming with tears. As Landon spoke, his voice was achingly hoarse. "T-Thank you for coming, Mr. Winston. I-It

me Uncle Winston. 'Mr. Winston' sounds too distant," Winston replied warmly, patting Landon's shoulder affectionately. "You've just taken over the Harper Group. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to let me know. The KS

pursed his lips tightly and nodded earnestly, gratitude evident