Though Betty had called Lauren an idiot throughout her life, the latter wasn't stupid.Upon hearing the words "living together", she slightly shivered. The lingering sweetness of orange juice suddenly became bitter.Landon secretly squeezed her slightly cool hand, holding it tightly. "Dad, I admit I used to have a less-than-exemplary private life. But won't you give me a chance to turn over a new leaf and start anew?"Besides, I might have been a playboy, but I've never brought any woman to my home before. Lauren is the first and the last.""Landon, what I mean is—""To be honest, I can't live without Lauren now."Landon's chest was filled with a strong sense of love. He imprinted a passionate kiss on the back of Lauren's hand, and his eyes were filled with affection. "If I don't see her for a day, I'm afraid I'll go crazy."His low and gentle voice flowed into Lauren's ear like a gentle stream. She felt her heart was being teased by a soft feather, tingling and ticklish.She f
When Landon touched Lauren's slender back, he realized sweat had soaked through her clothes. His eyes contracted, and his heart seemed to sink, making it difficult to breathe.He had forced her too much. He shouldn't have let her dwell on the painful past, always thinking about revenge.Landon didn't want to let her beloved Lauren do anything. He decided to handle everything."Is ... your sister bullying you?" Javier suddenly asked. His question pierced Lauren's trembling heart like a sharp arrow.She lowered her head and ruffled the folds of her skirt in silence."Is it true? Has Betty been bullying you all along? Tell me. I'll stand up for you.""Dad, you know Lauren's situation. She's not like Ms. Betty, who can sweet-talk and please you. Sometimes, Lauren is too kind and doesn't want to make things awkward with her family."So, she can only live cautiously, silently enduring all the humiliation."Landon couldn't bear to watch any longer. With a cool gaze, he said, "It has b
Just then, someone knocked at the door. Betty's sickly, sweet voice floated through. "Are you in there, Dad?""Come in."Betty opened the door and walked in with a plate of snacks. She was smiling widely."I'm sorry for causing you trouble today. I specially prepared some of your favorite fruits and treats to seek your forgiveness. Please don't be angry at me anymore, okay?"Betty set the plate on the table. She then went over to Javier, intending to act spoiled like she used to whenever Javier got angry at her for causing trouble.But this time, Javier stopped her with a raised hand. "I hope this is the last time you ever misbehave in a manner unbefitting someone of your status. You're Ms. Betty Beckett, not some rich, disrespectful warlord. You have to behave in a classy manner. Otherwise, how would you be any different from a mad woman?" Javier chastised.Betty's arms were left hanging awkwardly in mid-air. Her smile was dry and pitiful. "Yes, Dad. I won't misbehave again."
Jeffrey was tossing and turning restlessly in East Solana Federal Prison. It was now midnight, and it had been days since Alyssa and Jasper paid him a visit. However, he had spent every night unable to fall asleep, continually thinking back to all that Alyssa had said to him.Her offer to him had been too tantalizing. It made him waver, even though it was likely a trick.But Jeffrey despised Alyssa and Jasper too much. He hated what a perfect match they were, how powerful and rich they were. One was a wealthy business magnate in Solana City, the other a multifaceted heiress.Just the thought of them angered Jeffrey to no end. Plus, it was still their fault that he was in jail right now.With nowhere to vent his anger, Jeffrey could only hope Sophia continued giving them the hell out in the world. If she could, he wanted both Alyssa and Jasper to die!Jeffrey's days in prison weren't the most comfortable, but he was still relatively safe.In recent days, however, he felt like he w
"You … " Alyssa could sense the desire in Jasper's tone. Her heart skipped a beat as she blushed."Ahem … Congratulations on your recovery, Mr. Beckett. I'll be leaving first. You two can rest here in my office in the meantime. Goodbye!" Abel said.Abel had three kids of his own. He knew what the youth these days had on their minds. He'd truly be dumb if he didn't leave Alyssa and Jasper alone now."Don't, Dr. Liverton. I-I still have something I want to ask you about. I'll come with you!" Alyssa quickly tried to run away from Jasper, face still flushed. The moment she did, however, Jasper's hands clasped her tightly against his waist, making her unable to pull away."Oh, no. You're Dr. White, after all. I'm the one who has a lot to learn from you. Please don't put this stress on me!" Abel said as he inched out the door. He was right about to close it."Wait for me! We can learn from one another!" Alyssa cried, shoving Jasper away with a firm push like a prey running away from i
Before Jasper finished speaking, Alyssa wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the lips.Jasper felt like he was on cloud nine. He was able to hold his desire back at first, but as Alyssa deepened their kiss, his mind went blank. He pressed her into the bed, tearing away her black dress.Alyssa had taken the initiative, but in the end, she surrendered to Jasper's fervent desire.She felt like she was alight in flame, burning every inch of her being.Her waist was so sore, yet her heart felt warm and sweet.Alyssa and Jasper made love until the wee hours of the morning before falling asleep together. They slept in until the sun was in the middle of the sky.Jasper was the first to awaken. When he saw that Alyssa was still asleep on his arm, he didn't dare move his arm, which was now filled with pines and needles. He just lay there and watched his beloved sleep.When Jasper read stories back then, he never understood why kings could abandon their kingdoms all to spend
Xavier's booming voice traveled far, allowing Alyssa to overhear it. "Dr. McAlister, I have something to attend to here. I'll contact you again after!" Alyssa hung up hurriedly. She immediately looked at Jasper with gleaming eyes. The corners of his lips turned up slightly. He stroked the top of her head and asked, "How did he finally come to his senses?" "Just last night, Jeffrey was attacked by his cellmate. He was stabbed in his neck with a toothbrush! Lucky for him, some competent prison guards on patrol came by. Only then was he saved in time!" Jasper looked straight into Alyssa's eyes. "How is his condition now, then?" he asked. "He was transported to the hospital for treatment. Once he surpassed the critical period, he made a fuss about meeting you and Madam. My guess is that he was scared shitless!" Xavier sniggered coldly, "He has just been in prison for a few days, and there's already been an attempt on his life. How is he going to get through the 20 long years
Oh, God! Alyssa might as well have been the one to be hospitalized for a few days! …It was already dark when Jasper and Alyssa walked out of the prison entrance after meeting with Jeffrey. Even though it was already spring, the morning and evening breezes in Solana City were still quite cool. Jasper removed his coat and put it on Alyssa. Then, he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. They stood in the night, listening to the sound of rustling leaves in the wind. They held calm expressions on their faces, but deep down, waves of restlessness surged. After a long time, Alyssa finally said, "He admitted it." "Yeah, he revealed everything." Jasper's hand was still on her shoulder. His uneasiness finally simmered down, and he said, "Everything is about to come to an end." "No, not yet. We still don't know where Inigo is." "But, Inigo is not working for Sophia. His statement isn't going to be very helpful in Jeffrey's case." Alyssa looked up at him with
Even without Jasper's presence, he was confident that the Taylors and the rescue team would have been able to save Alyssa. It became clear what the person manipulating Remy had been aiming for.But why had Remy let Jasper go at that crucial moment? Had he experienced a sudden change of heart? Or was he, in fact, Alyssa's brother, Damien?Jasper's mind filled with all kinds of thoughts. Before he could dwell too deeply, there was a knock at the door. Xavier hurried over to open it, freezing in shock when he saw who stood outside. "Mr. Winston?"Winston was leaning on Silas for support, his expression grim. "Mr. Beckett is in there, isn't he? May I have a word with him?" Xavier quickly stepped aside, gesturing for Winston and Silas to enter.When he saw the elder he respected standing at the door, Jasper struggled to rise from the bed despite his exhaustion. "Mr. Winston…" "You are wounded. Stay put!" Winston insisted, swiftly moving forward to gently press Jasper back down
"Next time? There won't be a next time."Tears flowed down Alyssa's face, soaking Jasper's shirt with each drop. Her voice was quiet but steady, carrying the weight of her heartache. "Jasper… I'm drained. Sometimes, I think it might be better if you just forgot about me. It would be easier than this. Every time I let myself hope, all I get in return is disappointment."Jasper's chest tightened as her calm words pierced through him. Waves of emotion surged inside him, and a lump rose painfully in his throat.…It was fortunate that Jasper had found Alyssa in time to administer first aid. After rushing her to the ER, she slipped into unconsciousness. That being said, she was extremely lucky to have escaped death. Nevertheless, she needed to remain in the ICU for further observation. Aside from treating her frostbite, the doctors needed to assess whether her internal organs or brain had been affected.With the severity of Alyssa's condition, Sean couldn't keep the truth from Winsto
"Jas…"Alyssa looked at Jasper with an unfocused gaze. Her breaths were shallow, and she was slipping in and out of consciousness. Mentally, she was confused. "Yes, it's me—Jasper!"Jasper's heart clenched as he saw the color drain from her face. Her body trembled uncontrollably, fragile as a leaf caught in the wind. She resembled the kitten he had saved as a child—frozen and alone in the alley that bitter winter night. A deep sorrow flooded his chest."Jas… per…" Alyssa murmured his name, her voice strained, her tongue numb from the cold.A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "It seems… like I am about… to freeze to death… How could he be here… He will not come back… He doesn't want me anymore…" Alyssa's vision blurred as her eyelids grew heavy. She began to lean, her body sagging to one side."Alyssa! Stay awake!" Jasper's heart was pierced, the pain unbearable as he saw the denial in her eyes. He forced himself to pu
Elias frowned deeply; his worry etched onto his face. "We've been shouting Ms. Alyssa's name the whole way. With so many of us calling out, she should've heard us by now if she were nearby!"In a deep voice, Jasper said, "The wind is too strong, and then there's the heavy snowfall. Our voices are being drowned out. Lyse might not hear us at all."Lyse. Her nickname slipped from his lips before he even realized it."I'm just afraid she's injured—or worse, fainted. If she blacks out in this cold…" Elias trailed off, his voice heavy with dread. "On a day like this, she won't survive long. She'll freeze to death."The group exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of his words tightening their chests.It wasn't that Elias was being a doomsayer. Rather, this was the cruel reality that might actually happen. Crater Mountain claimed lives every year. Danger lurked unpredictably in the woods on the mountain—anything could unfold."Let's split up," Jasper commanded, his eyes fixed on t
The snow was falling heavily, and the chilling winds howled through the night.Remy had no car, so he trudged through the snow alone, each step more exhausting than the last.His thoughts were consumed with Alyssa—was she still alive? In danger? And Jasper's unrelenting resolve to reach her, even after being shot and drenched in blood.Remy pressed his calloused, trembling hand to his chest. His heart hammered in his ribcage erratically.A sharp, searing pain shot through his temples, blurring his vision. He collapsed to his knees in the snow, his body racked with agony. The pain surged deep within him, and his eyes felt like they were going to burst from their sockets. It was unbearable.His breath came in ragged gasps. His hands scrambled for the necklace hanging from his neck—inside it was a hidden medicine box.Justin had told him that the medication in there could calm him down and relieve him of any pain. It would be able to save his life. But in his desperate haste, the
As subtle as Remy's expressions were, Jasper still noticed them. A slight twinkle flashed across his eyes. He did not have the time to continue entertaining Remy. He clenched his teeth, turned around, and started running toward Crater Mountain. Nevertheless, he had barely taken a few steps when gunshots were fired at his feet. Even so, Jasper kept his eyes fixed ahead and did not stop. Just then, another gunshot rang out. It wasn't until a bullet hit him in his right shoulder that the pain caused him to stumble. He almost fell to the ground but forced himself to stay on his feet. It was fortunate that he was shot in his right shoulder this time. After all, his left shoulder could not be injured any further. Otherwise, his left shoulder would be left in complete disability."If you take another step, the next shot will be in your left leg," Remy warned mockingly. Yet, his gaze was firm and fiery. "Jasper, I don't suppose you want to end up like your older brother, living in
A chill went down Jasper's spine. At that moment, staring down the barrel of the gun, one thought consumed him. It was the only thought that mattered—he had to stay alive to meet Alyssa!Jasper's mind raced. His gun was hidden under the driver's seat of his usual car, but today, he had taken a different sports car—one that wasn't equipped with a weapon. Panic gripped him for a split second before his instincts kicked in.The soldier within him stirred. Without warning, he jerked the steering wheel, ramming his car into Remy's.One of Remy's headlights was taken out and left rolling across the snow. All of a sudden, this prideful man was overwhelmed with anger. His eyes reddened with a strong sense of competitiveness, compelling him to pull the trigger. A shot rang out. The bullet sliced through the cold air, shattering Jasper's car window.From the very beginning, Remy hadn't intended to take Jasper's life. All Justin told him to do was to stop Jasper from meeting with Alys
"Jasper, you are such a jerk. If anything bad happens to Ms. Alyssa, you will surely regret it. You will live in regret your entire life!" Sean yelled. …The temperature tonight was -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The snowstorm in the woods on the mountain was getting stronger and stronger. The winds were freezing and bone-piercing as they blew against Alyssa's face. Trees swayed dramatically in the screeching winds, creating an inexplicable creepy atmosphere that added a feeling of desolation to Alyssa's sorrowful and depressive mood. She braved the bone-piercing winds and faced the heavy snowfall. With the help of her trekking pole, she plodded forward one step at a time. She did not have a destination in mind. She did not know where she was heading. Her heart had shattered, and she was beside herself. The decreasing temperatures discouraged her and made her lose all her motivation. For someone who had lost their willpower, being in the woods under extreme weather conditions wa
"Mr. Jasper, why do you say so?" Sheryl lifted her head and looked into Jasper's reddened eyes. She furrowed her brows and laughed out loud. "White Dove is from Solana City. This is also something that I wasn't able to predict. If I had known, I wouldn't have gotten you to make a trip here in vain, would I?" Sheryl was no longer that conniving bitch who used to act coy. Now, she had a powerful person backing her up. Jasper's violent rage did not scare her at all. "Why the hell didn't you say anything earlier?" Xavier marched forward furiously. He was even more inclined to serve her a slap. "Did you know that Mr. Beckett had an important date with Madam today? He only rushed her because of your stupid lead! Right now, you're telling us that White Dove isn't in Skydon but Solana City? What the heck are you scheming? Were you trying to ruin Mr. Beckett and Madam's date intentionally?" "Madam? Haven't Mr. Jasper and Ms. Alyssa broken up? Is it right for you to be referring to her