Can’t Win Me Back

Cornelius’ funeral was grandly organized with the assistance of both the Becketts and Taylors.

As the day came to a close, everyone from the Harper Group departed, leaving Landon alone, kneeling before his grandfather's photo for an extended period.

Alyssa returned home to keep Winston company while Jasper remained with his best friend until the end.

“Landon, you're exhausted. You should go home and get some rest," Jasper urged, attempting to help him up, but Landon’s resolve was unyielding; he couldn't even budge him.

“I can't rest. I need to arrange Angelina's funeral too," he responded almost mechanically.

Jasper's heart ached at the sight of Landon's exhaustion.

taboo topic in the past few days, a reminder of a wound that would

alone; you have me." Jasper's voice was strained and raspy. But no words could

a simple and peaceful life. I'm sure she'd want a funeral to reflect that, to quietly depart from this world like a raindrop fading

semblance of a smile quickly vanished. "But she chose to follow me into a life filled with violence. There was never a day of peace or freedom. Jasper, I've

blame yourself like this, Landon. Angelina wouldn't want to see you suffer. You need to stay strong to protect

left only after

regaining a semblance of control. "Take me

gather some of Angeline's

Lauren, and Angeline—a

while Jasper sat in the back, lost in thought. Leaning against the window, Landon drifted into a deep