Can’t Win Me Back

Alyssa's breath hitched as a familiar voice echoed through the tense silence. Squeezing Jasper's hand until his knuckles turned white, her heart hammered a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

"l-It's Winston!"

"Winston?" Jasper echoed, his surprise evident.

Then, a procession of men clad in black suits strode into the mourning hall with authority. Winston, a commanding presence that turned heads, stood proudly at the forefront.

But Winston wasn't alone. Accompanying him were Mandy, Lyla, Colene, Jonah, and Silas, representing the Taylor family.

Rarely did the Taylors assemble in such unity, indicating the significance of Cornelius’ funeral to them.

Alyssa's eyes as she launched herself toward Winston, engulfing him

watched the reunion, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He remained rooted in his spot, refraining from seeking favor and silently observing

remarked, his heart warmed by Alyssa's affection yet feigning annoyance. "You hugged me as if I had one foot in the

on Winston's arm. "Why didn't you let me know you were coming? I thought you wouldn't

worried for nothing, it seems," Mandy chimed in, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "I thought it would be sufficient if Jonah, Silas, and the three of us came to pay our respects. I didn't think it's necessary

is evident,” Alyssa reassured, noticing the renewed vigor in Winston's demeanor, a weight lifted from

of such esteemed guests, Landon approached them, his eyes brimming with tears. As Landon spoke, his voice was achingly hoarse. “T-Thank you for coming, Mr.

affectionately. "You've just taken over the Harper

tightly and nodded earnestly, gratitude evident