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.

the Taylor family’s collective

ever since his passing, especially in the presence of Mandy and Cyrus. Not out of forgetfulness, but because his memory was too painful to

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

never imagined it would

transformed

a heavy sadness settling upon him like an oppressive weight, suffocating in its

words seemed feeble in the shadow of such

her gaze following Cyrus’ departure with concern etched on her

person in the portrait doesn’t only look like Damien; he is the spitting image of

the authorities confirmed there were no survivors from

“This is unbelievable.”

as he said, “Even if you

miraculously survived the crash, why didn’t he reach out to the

just be

Cyrus returned, his attempt to conceal his emotions faltered, his reddened eyes betraying his inner turmoil. “Could this person be Damien’s double? How