Can’t Win Me Back

Jameson erupted into laughter, the sound sharp and cruel.

"Return her to you?" he jeered.

"Jasper, Lyse was meant to be mine from the start.

You took her from me, seized her so shamelessly.

"Not only did you fail to appreciate her, but you also subjected her to pain and loss—made her lose her child and denied her the chance to be a mother forever." Jasper breathed heavily, as if strangled, his heart plummeting.

It felt as if the bullet had created an irreparable void in his chest, with fresh blood pouring from the wound.

He knew Jameson was trying to unsettle him, using psychological tactics to break him down.

Jasper tried to steady himself, but the truth in Jameson's words stung.

There was no refuge.

The searing pain caused him to tremble, and the weight of regret in his heart only grew heavier.

"You nearly destroyed my most cherished rose," Jameson continued, his voice dripping with venom.

"She was on the brink of withering because of you.

Jasper, you don't deserve to be with Lyse.

Your love, which you only realized too late, is pathetic.

"If she hadn't been deceived and misled by you, she would have been mine long ago.

We would have been married by now.

will care for, love, and dote

to obliterate everything just for a moment

been my only

you offer her that? You're weak, indecisive, and uncertain of your

are so tainted that I can barely stand to

to spend your life with Lyse?" Jameson's laughter returned, wild and

who has become Lyse's husband," Jameson said,

I

wedding on Rose Island and shared

is completely

hereon, she

Schmidt." "You...

up!" Jasper gasped for air as if

and emotional agony, his grip on

was so overwhelming that his vision grew

aimed his gun and shot recklessly in the direction of Jameson's voice, firing until his weapon

bloodshot eyes, he

to reload, his hands trembled so violently that he couldn't insert

Jameson clicked his tongue.

at you now." Jameson's voice was

madman, but your state is far

is a woman

because I've claimed Lyse and sullied what you thought was

isn't as

do may seem selfless, but it's just a cover for

performing

others, but not me." Lies, fallacies, and