Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Chapter 2356

Jasper steadied his breath the moment he pushed the door open to Alyssa's hospital ward. For some reason, he was feeling really nervous.

There was almost nothing that could ever unnerve him. Other than Newton, Alyssa was the only other person who could make him feel disquieted.

A strange serenity filled the room, broken only by the faint hum of the medical equipment.

Alyssa was still awake. She was sitting upright against the headboard. Her gaze was fixed on the darkness outside the window; her face turned to the side as if lost in thought.

The new moon cast no light; there were no stars. She seemed to be staring at nothing, into the endless pitch black.

Jasper froze in the doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sight of her. His breath hitched in his chest. This woman, once so full of optimism and light, now appeared fragile, defeated. Her spirit seemed so broken that it felt as if a single touch could shatter her completely.

It wasn't until a few moments later that Alyssa seemed to notice his presence. Slowly, she turned her head. Her eyes met his-deep, unreadable.

"W-What are you doing here?" Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her body stiffening beneath the loose hospital gown. Her eyes were red, and her muscles were tense, betraying her unease and distaste for his

presence.

stepped forward, holding a thermal flask in his hand. His

in which a cannula was inserted, tensed up. "I haven't died of hypothermia, thanks

rose within Jasper. He couldn't hold back. "Alyssa, why? Why would

grew even whiter as if the blood had drained from it

make it that day." Jasper spoke to her in

little pig-headed, possibly because she was still feeling unwell. "Why

a

a croaky voice,

say. In the end, all he gave

smile, her heart sinking. Regret flooded her as she realized she shouldn't have asked. Hadn't she been

important person. But now, it seemed, anyone else could easily pull his attention away, making it all too

do that again next time." Jasper placed the thermal flask at the side of Alyssa's bed. He lowered his eyes and continued, "It's not worth it for

do anything foolish for you again." Her gaze dropped to her

for nothing but an escape from the pain. But in his eyes, it was all