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.

Justin, who was

stared fixedly at Alyssa's back, waiting. Waiting for

toward Justin and

breeze is chilly. I

together, Justin's arm casually resting around the small of

nothing but a blatant claim of ownership. He clenched his jaw so hard he could taste the tang of blood at the

was cloaked in silence in the dead of

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

through the dim, empty corridor, its creepy atmosphere resembling that of a horror movie

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

are you

a muffled voice

door open and froze in shock. Empty bottles of

whiskey, and

the coffee

One even

a stop at

single floor lamp. Jasper sat slumped

red wine straight

what are you doing? You shouldn't be drinking like this-not in your current

Frightened and frustrated, Xavier

ет

Jasper's hand. With all his strength, he helped him

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

your central nervous system is thrown off again and the medicine loses

save you! Is this

just wanted a drink.