Can’t Win Me Back

As Landon entered the living hall, his eyes reddened from the emotions swelling within him. Everything appeared unchanged, as if nothing had occurred.

A gentle voice, once a source of comfort, broke the silence. "Mr. Landon, you're back.”

“I'm back," he choked out. His smile, though warm, faded as he realized there would be no reply to follow.

With a heavy thud, Landon's knees buckled beneath him. He crumpled onto the floor, his once sturdy frame folding inward. Silent sobs wracked his body as he curled into a ball.

"Landon!"

"Mr. Landon!"

Jasper and Jordan rushed to his side; concern etched on their faces. But the only response was the quiet sound of wet tears hitting the ground.

buried his head in his arms, his body wracked with silent cries. “Landon, Jordan and I will help you gather Angelina's belongings. You

fine," Landon insisted, wiping away his tears forcefully as he struggled to rise, using his arms for support as he made his

yet fragile form ascend the staircase,

grin to Landon's face. She wasn't just

reached the room where Angelina

was pristine, with only a bed, a wardrobe, and a table. Its simplicity belied the fact that it had

the door as Landon gently brushed his fingertips across the

wardrobe, Landon beheld each luxurious evening gown, carefully preserved in plastic as if untouched by time.

I needed a date for,” Landon said, his voice tinged with emotion as he lifted out a chili-red evening gown. “I'll never forget how stunning