Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Jasper, you're back," Justin greeted with a faint smile. Even so, his grip on Alyssa only tightened, showing no sign of letting her go. His eyes gleamed with an

intense possessiveness.

Alyssa's heart skipped a beat. As she looked into Jasper's deep, distant eyes, tears welled up quietly. At that moment, she felt her entanglement with Justin was nothing short of disgraceful.

Nevertheless, having come this far with her act, she knew all her efforts would be in vain if she gave up now. So, she had no choice but to keep playing her part.

Instead of pulling away from Justin, she even curved her lips slightly in a faint smile.

"Hi, Mr. Jasper."

Mr. Jasper?

Jasper's expression darkened. His fists clenched, his eyes unreadable.

"W-What are you two up to?" he asked hoarsely.

Justin's eyes twinkled slightly as he maintained his calm, elegant smile. "I hosted a guest at Seaview Manor tonight. We happened to discuss a business partnership, so I invited Lyse over for dinner as well.

"We just finished, and I was about to send her home. If I'd known you were coming tonight, I would've asked you to join us."

"Join us?" Jasper forced a cold smirk. "If I were around, you probably wouldn't have the appetite to eat. Besides, wouldn't I have ruined the mood for you and Ms. Alyssa?"

His icy, mocking words pierced Alyssa's heart. Her gaze faltered.

"Jasper, you're much more adorable now than before. At the very least, you've developed a sense of humor."

Justin brushed past Jasper casually, still holding Alyssa by the hand. "It's getting late. I'd better send Lyse home so she can rest. We'll chat another time."

As Alyssa passed Jasper, her silky dark hair brushed lightly against his shoulder, carrying a familiar scent that lingered in the air.

heart thudded violently, and he parted his lips slightly. He couldn't help turning around, only to see the frail Justin, who was always afraid of the cold, removing his wool coat and draping it gently over Alyssa's shoulders

uncontrollably. He stared fixedly at Alyssa's back, waiting. Waiting for her-the woman who had always hated Justin-to refuse his kind

face toward Justin and smiled sweetly. "Thank

worries. The night breeze is chilly. I wouldn't want

the two left together, Justin's arm casually

hard he could taste the tang of blood at the back of his throat as his chest

in silence in the

place no longer felt like a home. It was more like an extravagant yet

empty corridor, its creepy atmosphere resembling that of a horror movie set. No timid soul would dare linger

wasn't afraid of ghosts. He'd met people far more

you

moment, a muffled

and froze

and other

the coffee table

One even

stop

room was dimly lit by a single floor lamp. Jasper sat slumped

against the couch, chugging red wine

you doing? You shouldn't

Frightened and frustrated, Xavier

ет

snatching the empty bottle from Jasper's hand. With all his strength, he helped him sit upright

he developed can keep your condition stable, but you must not overdrink or let

your central nervous system is thrown off again and the

you! Is this really

wanted a