Can’t Win Me Back

The moment Alyssa's eyes met Jasper's, her heart skipped a beat.

Her thoughts tangled in a whirlwind, like a ball of yarn unraveled in haste.

How long had he been waiting there? Had he been here all night? She couldn't tear her gaze away from his captivating, reddened eyes.

Tears threatened to spill, and her heart ached.

And just then, she was reminded of the scene at the orphanage the day before—how Jasper had held Sheryl tightly in his arms under that tree.

Alyssa's frail body trembled.

She shifted her gaze away from his face, feeling a tightness in her throat.

In this life, she had faced some incredibly trying times.

During her time with Doctors Without Borders, she endured some of her harshest moments—starvation, freezing cold, and over ten days without a shower.

Yet, even in those circumstances, she never felt completely defeated.

But now, in front of Jasper, she was on the verge of breaking down.

Just as she was about to shut the door, Jasper shot to his feet and charged forward.

Alyssa nearly slammed the door shut on his hand as he slipped it through the gap and grabbed the doorframe.

"What...

What are you doing?" Alyssa's eyes remained fixed downward, unable to meet his gaze.

But she could still feel the weight of his intense, unyielding stare.

Jasper lowered his head, his breath warm as it brushed against her reddened nose.

chest rose and fell with each deep

Beckett? I already told my secretary I don't want to see you." Alyssa

in her

I'm exhausted.

back to bed—" "Why are you up so early if you're tired?" Jasper gazed at Alyssa's supple

"I remember that you've

or to work out."

to be lazy." Alyssa shrugged, the corners of her lips

was only time I'd ever

But whatever...

cares about such a trivial thing? It's all

me anymore."

back to when

been inseparable—especially in the mornings after nights spent

often linger in bed like a sleepy kitten, unwilling to leave due to

wore her down too much by

too captivated by

not a single night when he would

he would empty himself, fill

be done when she tearfully begged him to stop as she left scratches on his

your injury still hurt?" Jasper

an incomprehensible look in his

of your

was well aware that most

situation was too massive a blow for

really broke

moment, she truly didn't want to

mustered up her strength

you already have someone new, do not

Please leave.