Can’t Win Me Back

Jasper stumbled into the hotel's back garden and stopped by the pond. He panted hard, feeling as if he were drowning. Even so, he could not return to his usual composure.

As he shook all over, he bent down and grabbed a handful of snow. The bone-piercing cold spread through his body, but he still couldn't suppress the throbbing pain in his temples.

His eyes became bloodshot. He stuffed that handful of snow into his mouth and swallowed all of it.

He couldn't suppress it. He couldn't suppress it at all.

The pills. He needed those pills!

"Mr. Jasper? What are you doing here?" Sheryl's surprised voice came from behind Jasper.

He held his breath, his fingers tightening around the snow in his grasp, veins bulging as he clenched his fists. Slowly, he straightened his back and turned to face her.

"I came out for some fresh air," he answered in an extremely hoarse voice.

Sheryl narrowed her eyes and studied him. "Mr. Jasper, you look awful. Are you feeling unwell?"

of sweat

me know promptly if you have run

She took another step closer. "The medication has to be taken

reddened eyes and cut her off without warning. "I'm much better now. I don't need it for

across Sheryl's eyes. Right after that, she put

together tightly and tumed

she tilted her head up, her eyes gleaming with a playful light. She stood so close that the mist from her breath lightly touched

a faux rock. Yet, she couldn't help but peek at that

sweetly at Jasper, just like a young woman would at her first love. After that, she retrieved a delicate-looking gift box from the pocket of her white coat and handed it to Jasper. "Mr. Jasper, it's your birthday tomorrow. Here's a small gift for you. Happy birthday to you in advance." Jasper lowered his

it's just something inexpensive. Why

that you can return it to me. Just throw it away if you don't want it. Don't return it

said that, she arrogantly stuffed the gift box into Jasper's

in Jasper's eyes. He was surprised to see that Sheryl's actions reminded him somewhat

all the time. Yet, no matter how ridiculous she was in kicking up a fuss, he would accommodate her, pamper her, and dote