Can't Win Me Back

“Give it up. It’s not going to happen,” Alyssa said firmly. “I won’t eat with you.”

Landon clucked his tongue. “Why so harsh? Remember how I helped you teach Dylan a lesson? Think of this meal as thanks for that. Can’t you do that?” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Alyssa smiled mockingly. “As far as I’m aware, Jasper’s the one who helped me out. It’s inappropriate for you to take credit for something your best bud did.”

“Have I done anything to offend you, Ms. White? Why can’t you give me a chance?” Landon looked her in the eye. “Is it because you already have Jonah? Does he have the guts to tell the world you’re his girlfriend? Because I do!”

“Mr. Harper, it doesn’t matter who came first or last when it comes to relationships. But having shame and morals does.” Alyssa’s simple sentence was enough to make Landon pale. “I may not have the best upbringing, but I do know what shame is.”

“When I married Jasper, my heart belonged to him and only him. Now that Jonah’s my boyfriend, he’s all I can see. I don’t mind if my relationship isn’t the best, but I hate it when people try to ruin it. I’d advise you to keep your nose out of my business, Mr. Harper. Please don’t disturb my life anymore.” Only the heavens knew how bitter Alyssa felt when she said this.

Even Landon could tell she was trying hard to suppress her anger and heartache. His gaze deepened for a second. Alyssa breathed deeply and put her guard up again. Then, she turned to leave with her head held high and came to an abrupt stop.

…

“Jasper?” Landon’s eyes widened. How had he gotten there so quickly? Had he taken a rocket or something?

Jasper stood at the entrance of the restaurant with his back straight. He oozed iciness. The restaurant’s A/C was turned up at full blast. But Jasper’s presence made it become an ice cellar.

Alyssa met his burning gaze. She had to say that his eyes were beautiful and bright. Once upon a time, they’d bewitched her and put her under a spell. But those same eyes had only looked at her with iciness.

Jasper had never smiled at her, let alone given her loving looks. She’d been obsessed with the idea of melting a heart of stone. The tears she’d shed and the effort she’d expended had moved no one but herself.

Jasper approached her with narrowed eyes. He’d turned down his afternoon appointment when he’d heard about Alice and Landon being together. Then, he’d sped over to the restaurant. Upon his arrival, he heard what she said to Landon about Jonah.

He felt an inexplicable emptiness in his chest at her words. This made him mad. He’d never been the type to throw a tantrum, but Alice always made him lose control! He looked her in the eye. “What are you doing here?”

“Work.” She turned away.

“Is there something wrong with your memory? I told you we’re still husband and wife as long as the divorce isn’t finalized. You’re still a member of the Beckett family. You know very well Beckett Group and Taylor Group are competitors.

“Yet, you’ve chosen to work at one of Taylor Group’s hotels. What the hell were you thinking? Are you trying to piss me off? Or disgust me?

Or humiliate me?” The veins in Jasper’s forehead throbbed.

Landon suddenly felt anxious. He was about to appease them both when Alyssa said, “So that’s what you think.” She gave him a frosty look. “If that’s the case, let’s get it over and done with today. Then, you’ll stop haunting me and showing your ugly mug around me.”

“Alice White!” Jasper scowled.

“What, you don’t have everything you need with you? Have Xavier deliver them to you. I carry my things with me at all times. After all, I pray every day that they’ll be put to good use.” Alyssa smiled disdainfully. She didn’t look like she would miss Jasper at all.

Jasper immediately saw red. He grabbed her arm forcefully. It was almost as if he were afraid he wouldn’t be able to catch her once she fled. Unfortunately, in the next second…

“Ouch!” A sharp pain jolted through Alyssa’s arm. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Jasper stiffened, and his heart raced. He’d dislocated her arm!

+