Can’t Win Me Back

Jasper lay restrained on the bed, his body writhing violently as waves of agony crashed over him. A towel clenched between his teeth muffled his cries, though it could not silence the torment. Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of invisible ants-a relentless, gnawing pain brought on by withdrawal.

He knew he could no longer rely on the medication.

Time and again, the temptation clawed at him, urging him to surrender and take the easy way out. Relief was just a pill away. But Jasper's willpower, though battered, refused to shatter.

Anne's words echoed in his mind, a guiding light in the darkness. She had always taught him to be a righteous - one man with a clear conscience.

Curling into himself, Jasper shut his bloodshot eyes. He couldn't disappoint Anne. He couldn't let down those who believed in him. He had to resist the dark side.

Outside the room, Xavier glanced at his wristwatch. Judging the timing to be right, he pushed the door open and locked it behind him.

When he turned around, he was shocked to see Jasper standing in the living area, pale and trembling. His damp fringe clung to his forehead.

unearthly beauty-a fallen angel, battered but unyielding.

didn't tie me down securely

couch, his body sagging as if every ounce of strength had been drained from him. He

withdrawal, but the torment was

Suddenly, his phone rang.

could it be at

trembling as he reached for the phone on the table.

"Ms. Alyssa, what's the matter?" he asked, his voice low

you," Alyssa started with an apology in

his lips. "No worries.

are either unreachable or

you? I'll