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.

Taylor family’s collective heart. Tears welled in Alyssa’s eyes as she reflected on the

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

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

would be

goodbye transformed into an eternal

a heavy sadness settling upon him like an oppressive

offer solace, yet any words seemed feeble in the

following Cyrus’ departure with concern etched

doesn’t only look like

the paper. “But the authorities

“This is unbelievable.”

as he said, “Even if you didn’t see his

survived the crash, why didn’t he

just be

to conceal his emotions faltered, his reddened eyes betraying his inner turmoil. “Could this person be Damien’s double? How else could they resemble each