Can’t Win Me Back

"Don't say that. You've done really well so far!" Xavier said gently, his voice a steady anchor as he tried to comfort Julien.

He continued, "Many people spend their whole lives unable to quit even common drugs. The substance Mr. Beckett took is far more potent. The fact that he's found any relief at all is remarkable."

Jasper's senses gradually returned, but he was left drained, and his eyes struggled to focus. "Julien.."

"I'm right here," Julien murmured, leaning in to gently wipe the tears and cold sweat from Jasper's face with a tissue.

Struggling for breath, Jasper rasped, "Keep my condition.... a secret... especially from her."

Julien didn't need to ask who he meant. It had to be Alyssa

It wasn't pride that fueled Jasper's plea. It was something deeper a desperate wish to shield Alyssa from the sight of his brokenness, to spare her the disappointment of seeing him like this.

Jasper to stand before addressing Julien. "Dr. Lovelace, I hope you understand the fewer people who know about Mr. Beckett's condition,

nodded firmly. "I

the strain. "Julien, Jonah... he's been looking

acupuncture techniques and the medication I developed with

his face as he continued, "I won't return to Cyrris until I've developed an effective medication against the drug. Don't tell Jonah I'm at the lab

reached the basement parking lot, having navigated a gauntlet of reporters whose relentless questions echoed

had ended, the fallout

the public condemnation of Justin grew louder by the minute. The carefully crafted image he'd built since returning to the country was

for Sheryl. "Ms. Gillis, you are under arrest for bribery, instigating perjury, and slander. You need to come

cuffed her.

a glance. He slid into

heart plummeted, a hollow ache