Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jonah's pupils contracted sharply. His eyes rimmed with red from anguish.

He had thought that those painful memories had gradually been buried with his self-restraint and the passage of time. Even after

he officially got together with Julien, he hadn't touched any of the items he had treasured about that person.

But when Alyssa angrily accused him and demanded that he burn the photo to show loyalty to Julien, his heart was wracked with

pain, as if she were asking him to burn his own body.

Alyssa stared at Jonah with frustration. His sorrowful and pained expression said it all. He couldn't bear to do it. He still had

lingering affection for his ex.

Even though that person had been dead for many years, he still held a significant place in Jonah's heart. It was profound enough to

stir Jonah, who was typically calm and composed.

"Lyse... | haven't touched these things since Julien and | got together. I've let go of him. | really have."

Jonah's eyes were bloodshot. He was almost pleading as he said, "Please, don't makedo this. He was my savior..."

"But you love him. The so-called savior is just an excuse for you to keep him in your heart."

head in disbelief. "If Jasper and | were together because | resembled his ex, | wouldn't be

handle his indifference when he doesn't love me,

over

being treated as a substitute. It

so much pain. But Jonah, have you ever considered how much it would hurt Jul if

still in pain over your

of you, yet he can't replace someone who's been gone for so many years.

endure such a

was like a dagger, piercing Jonah's already

deeply at the man in the photo. "I'll burn it, and |

Alyssa sighed.

was better that the problem was

be more things Jonah had collected about that person besides this photo. Since

side, would sooner or

it would beca serious matter. She couldn't even begin to imagine the turmoil it

are you in the study?" Julien's lazy

Alyssa urged in a low voice. She then rushed

while standing in the doorway to

"Oh... Lyse, it's you."

was wearing matching pajamas with Jonah and rubbing his sleepy eyes.

traces of hickeys. "I

neck, but her cheeks were already burning. "Uh... Jonah is