Can’t Win Me Back

“I’m sure.” Lauren nodded firmly.

In an unusual departure from his usual composure, Cyrus fixated on the portrait, his usually steady demeanor giving way to a tense stillness, his eyes tinged with red.

Concerned, Lauren approached him, noting the uncharacteristic reaction.

“Cyrus, are you alright?”

Cyrus responded hoarsely, “I’m sorry. I need to go to the restroom. Where is it?”

Jasper raised his hand, indicating the direction. Cyrus immediately left with purposeful strides.

“Lyse, do you recognize him?” Jasper hugged Alyssa by the waist and asked with anxious urgency.

Alyssa took a deep breath, striving to quell her tumultuous emotions. “He bears a striking resemblance to my late brother, Damien, who perished in a plane crash.”

Jasper and Lauren widened their eyes in disbelief.

in the Taylor family’s collective heart. Tears welled in Alyssa’s

from discussing Damien ever since his passing, especially in the presence of Mandy and Cyrus. Not out of forgetfulness, but because

by memories. The ache of loss resurfaced, threatening to overwhelm her. “I can still vividly recall the day of Damien’s passing. Clad

never imagined it would be

transformed into an eternal

on Alyssa tightened, a heavy sadness settling upon him like

seemed feeble in the shadow of such

her gaze following Cyrus’ departure

look like Damien; he is

fingertips tightened around the paper. “But the authorities confirmed there were no

“This is unbelievable.”

slightly hoarse as he said, “Even if you didn’t see his body, the chances of surviving such a plane crash

Damien miraculously survived the crash, why

it just be

faltered, his reddened eyes betraying his inner turmoil. “Could this person be