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.

around, only to see the frail Justin, who was always afraid of the cold, removing his wool

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

instead, she lifted her alluring face toward Justin and smiled sweetly.

night breeze is chilly. I wouldn't want

together, Justin's arm casually resting around the small

ownership. He clenched his jaw so hard he could taste the tang of blood

in silence in the

felt like a home. It was more like an extravagant yet desolate palace—a stage for power

of a horror movie set. No timid soul would dare linger

ghosts. He'd met people far more terrifying than any

you in there? It's

urgently. After a moment, a muffled voice came

the door open and froze in shock. Empty bottles

and other

coffee table

One even

to a stop at his

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

chugging red wine straight

doing? You shouldn't be drinking like this-not in your

Frightened and frustrated, Xavier

ет

Jasper's hand. With all

keep your condition stable, but

your central nervous system is thrown off again and the

save you! Is this really what

just wanted a drink. My chest feels