"Wow!"All eyes turned to Maggie, who timidly hid behind Alyssa. They were in awe.Indeed, the way one dressed had a significant impact on how others perceived them.Upon her initial arrival, Maggie wore modest attire, appearing charming. However, her passive demeanor and hunched posture exposed a palpable insecurity that was difficult for onlookers to handle.Maggie underwent a complete transformation thanks to Alyssa's efforts. A single glance and a stranger would easily assume she was born into wealth."Wow! You're so beautiful!"Tatiana clapped with a radiant smile on her face. "Maggie was already beautiful. Now, she's practically sparkling in that dress! She looks absolutely lovely!""That dress is quite impressive!" Julien, who typically carried himself with confidence, couldn't resist offering praise."Hmph! I crafted that myself! It's a one-of-a-kind creation. I dare anyone to call it ugly." Rose lifted her chin with pride, crossing her legs. She gazed at Maggie as if h
"I-I'm sorry…" Maggie's face was as red as a tomato."Ms. Madison," Xavier's breath sank as he spoke softly, just enough for her to hear, "you look beautiful today."Maggie's face burned with embarrassment. Panicking, she hastily withdrew herself from his arms.Jasper struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions within him. He hugged Alyssa tightly and whispered, "Thank you for doing this, Lyse."Alyssa leaned into Jasper's arms with a smile, reveling in her luck to have found Jasper as her other half. "It's no big deal. I just asked everyone to come over for a meal. "Oh, yeah. Lauren caught a chill from leaving the window open while she slept the past two days. Landon is home caring for her. They won't be coming. He asked me to tell you to enjoy your meal and eat their share.""Okay." Jasper looked down at her face, his heart beating wildly as his eyes turned misty."Thank you, Madam Alyssa."Xavier was incredibly excited to see Maggie. He was so touched that he found himse
After a while, Alyssa realized Jasper had disappeared. Leaving the party on her own, she ran into Mrs. Rosie in the corridor. "Mrs. Rosie, have you seen Jasper?""Mr. Jasper went back to his room. I knocked on his door for a long time, but he wouldn't open it," Rosie replied, shaking her head. "With everyone here tonight, enjoying such a lively occasion, I don't understand why he's isolating himself like a depressed teenager. It's so lame of him to call it a night this early."Alyssa frowned, her smile wry. She felt concerned, aware of how downcast Jasper could be on his mother's death anniversary. Moreover, the confrontation with Javier at the cemetery likely brought back painful memories. Returning to such a lively home must have stirred up his emotions."Mrs. Rosie, could you please entertain our guests on the balcony? I'll go check on Jasper."Alyssa stood before the room's door, taking a brief pause before gently knocking. "Jasper? Are you there?"There was no response. "Do
In the midst of the cheerful feast, everyone remained unaware of Jasper and Alyssa's belated arrival. The couple had even changed their clothes.The dose of love energized Jasper, sweeping away the sadness in his heart. He was like a different person as he proudly stood next to Alyssa. Even amidst the remarkable gathering of Taylors, he stood there loud and proud, completely stealing the show."Wow, you look amazing, Mr. Jasper.""Wow, Jasper is absolutely unbeatable."Tatiana and Maggie were side by side, holding their heads as they fangirled over Jasper.While they had their respective partners, no one could help but admire beauty. Stealing a few more glances at a masterpiece was not a crime.However, Sean and Xavier were sitting beside them miserably. Like two shotguns, they stared fixedly at Jasper.No matter how jealous they were, they could only keep quiet. Openly attacking Alyssa's man would make them dead meat.Everyone exchanged drinks and laughter throughout the gathe
"Behave," Jonah rasped out, though his expression was solemn.Julien cocked his head and grinned a devastatingly beautiful smile. "No, I won't."Meanwhile, Jasper seemed to be in an excellent mood. He hadn't backed down after taking on the challenge of downing several rounds of alcohol. After toasting everyone, Jasper began a one-on-one drinking duel with Axel.He didn't usually drink alcohol. He was only doing so mainly because he didn't want Alyssa's brothers to think he was a coward. After all, he was Alyssa's man. "Do you know what my nickname is?" Axel draped his arm over Jasper's shoulder as he topped up the latter's wine glass. "They call me the Son of Spirits, never getting drunk no matter how much I drink. I'm worried you'll ruin your family's pride if you try competing with me."Jasper looked down at his full glass of wine and smiled lightly. "In my experience, Axel, the ones who try to make themselves look tough at the start are the ones who fall first later on. No ma
"I'm doing really well." Rose's eyes narrowed as she flicked ash off her cigarette. "The world is my home. I have no family or kin to my name.""What are you talking about? If you don't have family, who am I then?" Alyssa held Rose's arm lovingly. "The moment I become your mentor, you'll always be my… you know how it goes.""Taking advantage of me now, aren't you?" Rose teasingly pinched Alyssa's chin with the hand holding her cigarette.Rose had a natural physique, taller and broader than Alyssa. Their affectionate and teasing movements made quite the sight. They looked like a couple of lesbian lovers.Meanwhile, Silas was in the crowd some distance away, watching Rose's every move.He didn't like people who smoked. Every time Axel started smoking, Silas would try and find a way to snatch the cigarette away.Yet for some reason, as Silas gazed at Rose holding the cigarette with her slender fingers, the smoke swirling around her face, and the relaxed look in her eyes, he couldn't
Silas was retching by the restroom basin, heaving all the tequila he'd drunk out from his stomach.His alcohol tolerance was the lowest among his siblings. Usually, he could barely manage a sip of tequila.Yet even after Silas had retched everything out, his mind was still heavy and throat burning as if doused with acid."Look at yourself, Silas… Why are you still so worked up over her? She clearly doesn't care about you at all," he mumbled to himself.Silas splashed his face with some cold water and combed his fringe back with his hands. Even in such a dire state, he was still remarkably handsome."I really am working myself up too much over this…" Silas gently massaged his temples, unable to stop feeling frustrated.As he opened the door, he bumped right into someone else."Ah!" Rose gasped.She had worn high heels that night, so her body rocked with the force and fell backward.Though Silas was still somewhat drunk, his speed was still exceptional. He swiftly wrapped an arm
Wine was a mesmerizing thing.But only Silas knew whether his kiss stemmed from being drunk or liquid courage invoking his deepest desires to light."Based on the look on your face, I take it you've remembered?" Silas smiled teasingly. "You were the one who wouldn't let go of me last time, so now that I'm initiating things, we're even."Even?Silas had forcefully kissed her and taken advantage of her. Yet, this was what he had to say for it?Rose grew angry in an instant. Alyssa's brother or not, she was going to give Silas a tight slap in the face, even if it meant cutting ties with Alyssa.But Rose wasn't as skilled as Alyssa was. Plus, her body had long turned weak with the large amount of wine she'd drank. Her hand waved in the air but was swiftly caught by Silas.Rose's heart raced in the next instant.Silas gently placed her palm against his cheek, eyes turning into fond slits. "Don't get angry. Be careful with your body."A droplet of water fell down his temple, adding
"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
The skies started to turn dark. Alyssa's dark hair was covered in a layer of snow. As she stood alone at the foot of the majestic mountain, she looked tiny, fragile, and desolate. "Ms. Alyssa, it's snowing. Heavy snowfall is forecasted tonight." Elias walked to Alyssa's side. Noticing the redness on her face due to the cold and the dull look in her eyes, he had a moment of realization. He couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness within him. "It's getting late. I suppose something came up for Mr. Beckett, and he's unable to make it." "Why didn't he inform me if that is the case?" Alyssa mumbled in a low voice as she gazed toward the darkness. She choked back on her tears so softly that her grievance couldn't really be heard through her voice. Elias slapped himself on his forehead. "Ah, perhaps you didn't manage to receive Mr. Beckett's message? The reception at the foot of the mountain isn't quite stable. You might have missed it. Would you like to come to my office? You'l
Jasper held his breath. It felt as if his legs had been chained together. He was unable to move. Looking at a stiff Jasper from behind, Xavier noticed his shoulders trembling slightly. An ominous feeling rose within him. "What did you say?" Jasper questioned. He sounded as if he was forcing himself to hold himself back from getting emotional. "Mr. Justin once mentioned that you were saved by a female doctor when you were badly wounded on the battlefield many years ago. I heard that you have been searching for her and that you've been grateful toward her." Jasper's back stiffened up. He narrowed his eyes and asked in a frosty voice, "This is a private matter. Why would Justin have told you about it?" "Mr. Justin mentioned it to me because I also used to work as a doctor in Luminara. He was hoping that I could help with finding that woman. "I finally have news on her whereabouts now. Mr. Jasper, don't you want to see the White Dove again? She was the person who gave her all t