Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper's heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drum solo threatening to burst through his chest. He clenched his hand into a fist against the door.

"Why not?" Winston was perplexed. "Jasper treats you the best. The relationship between both of you has already stabilized, and you've lived together for so long. Why don't you just register your marriage? That way, things will get a lot easier once your relationship is legally recognized."

Alyssa pressed her lips together lightly. "A marriage certificate makes no difference for Jasper and I."

"How is there no difference? If you ask me, the most realistic way to express one's love is to give their lover a status that no one else can replace!"

Winston's gaze was fiery, and he started getting a little emotional. "The only person I have married legally was your mother. She is the only one who has a special place in my heart. She was the only wife I had legally. Although it has been many years since she passed, her place in my heart has never changed. She is still my wife!

"Right now, people out there will only address you as Ms. Taylor or refer to you as Mr. Beckett's girlfriend. I know that you're very much in love with Jasper. So, don't you want to be known as Mrs. Beckett officially? Isn't that what you have been pursuing so hard for?"

Alyssa lowered her eyes and remained silent.

"My dear, is it... because you're still bothered by the fact that you were once divorced from him? Is that still a thorn in your side?" Winston asked in a concerned voice.

Jasper felt his heart wrenching in his chest. He wasn't sure if Alyssa had gotten over the past hurt, but he knew that he hadn't.

He was insecure, depressed, regretful, and remorseful. He had once hurt the woman he loved the most. He could never forgive himself for that.

It was something that had cut him to the bone.

Naturally, he would never dare to console himself by assuming that Alyssa had forgotten about it. Even though she appeared like she didn't care and didn't mention it, it didn't mean that she had forgotten. "No, Dad. I've let go of it a long time ago. Plus, you know me. I'm the type who doesn't care how much physical pain I go through, but I will not allow myself to feel miserable. So, please don't overthink it. "The main reason I'm not thinking about getting married yet is because there's one major issue that still bothers me... And that's Jameson."

anything as long

relationship with Jasper. However, I know him very well. Jasper and

my friends and family just because he claims that he likes me. "Jameson is like a viper lying in wait in the dark. Once the timing is right, or once he is

and Lauren have just been through so much suffering before they finally ended up together. I don't want anyone from either side of our families or people around us to be hurt again for now." Upon

was to take the next step in their relationship. He only

never considered the possibility of Jameson pouncing and tearing them apart mercilessly if he created such a stir at a time like

their marriage a secret, there was no doubt that Jameson would

He wanted

married in secret was miserable and disrespectful. He did not want her to

put so much consideration and deep thought into this. I'm really getting on

just go ahead and make your long-term plans with Jasper. Though, it seems like he's completely in your control. He won't be able to run away even if you never ever register your

"He

sat by Winston's feet as she gently massaged his legs. "If he runs away, I'll capture him back and break his

like what I

difference? Men need to be disciplined.

daughter duo

retreated out of the room without making a sound, giving Winston and Alyssa space to continue their conversation. Without a doubt, he understood where Alyssa was coming from. Even so, he

really wanted to

loved her very

after Jasper left. Suddenly, she asked softly, "Can

course." Winston narrowed his eyes comfortably. "When were