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

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

The ache of loss resurfaced, threatening to overwhelm her. “I can still vividly recall the day of Damien’s passing. Clad in his pilot uniform and a piece of luggage

it would be our final

transformed

sadness settling upon him

to offer solace, yet any words seemed feeble

her gaze following Cyrus’ departure with concern etched

in the portrait doesn’t only look like Damien;

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

“This is unbelievable.”

he said, “Even if you didn’t see his body, the chances of surviving such

crash, why didn’t he reach

it just be

inner turmoil. “Could this person be Damien’s double? How