Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Uri pressed on, "More than that, how absurd is it that he found a ridiculous substitute like you? Did he truly think that he was so deeply in love with Blake? Was it because his love for Blake was so unforgettable that he needed someone to ease his lovesickness?"

Substitute, substitute, substitute!

The word sliced through Julien's suffocated heart like a sharp knife.

He had never dared to hope he would be the only one Jonah ever loved. But it would be enough for him to be Jonah's last. He didn't care about the past. Yet, what he couldn't bear was that it was his face-so similar to Jonah's ex-lover-that had drawn Jonah in and made him fall in love.

Uri laughed mockingly. "If I had the chance, I'd ask Judas if he was being fair to Blake by finding a new lover. I'd want to know if he was being fair to you by making you Blake's substitute."

His laughter was so hysterical that tears streamed down his face.

In an extremely sarcastic tone, he continued, "I doubt Jonah feels he made a mistake. He's an arrogant, crazed, and heartless man, willing to do anything to get what he wants. Dr. Lovelace, Judas has been scheming against you for a long time."

He had been scheming against him for a long time?

To hell with those schemes!

Julien staggered back. His moistened eyes became bloodshot. The look in his eyes dimmed as he sank heavily to his knees.

...

and it was well past

Jonah had purchased a four-story villa in a quiet, private area near the center of Solana City. This was their home

full bags of ingredients and a bottle of fine

though it was his birthday, every dish he made was to Julien's preference.

delectable dishes to the dining table, he

Julien was a workaholic, often losing track of time when busy. But tonight was

pulled out his phone, wanting to call Julien, when his doorbell

find Alyssa and Sean standing there, arms laden

"Jonah, happy birthday."

She was doing better mentally. Or, at the very least, she looked to be much better. With a smile on his

Come in and have a

followed. "Lyse, you've been discharged from the hospital

while now. I'm Iron Woman! Jul is at

neck and playfully peered into

Jonah. Sean and I are just here to drop off your gifts. We'll leave right away. We won't third-wheel you two. Time always flies when you're having a good time. I get

"Julien isn't home yet."