Lauren approached Landon, still clad in the white loungewear that she always wore when she was at Sage Manor. Her adorable appearance put a smile on Landon's face.As he smiled, a drop of tear rolled down his cheek. When their eyes met, emotions washed over them, and their hearts pounded wildly.She nearly could not recognize Landon as he'd lost many pounds. Suppressing her heartache, she pursed her lips and said nothing, fearing that she might cry if she opened her mouth.If she cried in front of Landon, the resolution that she had shown would all mean nothing.Landon went up to his lover with heavy footsteps and hugged her in tears. She wept in silence, suppressing any sound and refraining from returning his hug.Despite that, her uneven breathing and her racing heart were proof of her emotions.There were three things that couldn't be hidden—coughing, poverty, and love.During his journey, Landon had many thoughts and questions for Lauren. He wanted to ask Lauren about the re
Landon's suit was drenched in sweat. The color drained from his face when he heard Lauren's cruel words. How could she advise him to let go of the unforgettable memories with such ease?At that moment, they heard a jarring honking sound. Heart sinking, Lauren turned around and found a vehicle's high beam in her face.Rory got out of the car and politely opened the car door for Javier, who was clad in leisure wear. Javier got out of the car as well, seemingly woken up from his sleep."Lauren, what did you promise me?" Standing in the lights, Javier said sternly, "Didn't you promise me never to meet anyone from the Harper family? Why are you giving me trouble? Are you going to follow in Jasper's footsteps as well? Is Jasper a bad influence on you?"Jasper was Lauren's Achilles' heel. She was instantly reminded of Javier's conversation with him that night. "Dad, please don't blame this on Jasper. Life's been difficult for him over the years. He's sacrificed too much for his work, so
Jasper and Alyssa exchanged astonished looks. Cyrus, no doubt, must have been referring to Lauren.After that, they heard Mandy's shocked gasp. "Cyrus, what are you talking about? Marrying Lauren? Since when have you caught feelings for her?"Tell me, what role did you play in the breakup between Lauren and Landon? For heaven's sake, please don't tell me you came between them. You're only going to humiliate me. A Taylor son can be gay, but he shouldn't break up relationships!"Cyrus, Jasper, and Alyssa stared at Mandy speechlessly.After some silence, Cyrus explained bitterly, "I gave up on Lauren because I saw how much she and Landon were in love. Landon seemed to care for her very much, and I did not want to stir trouble. All I wanted for Lauren was a smooth sailing relationship."Alyssa lowered her gaze and let out a quiet sigh. Cyrus and Lauren shared a similarity—in that they always prioritize the needs of others before themselves. They were both empathetic and sensitive.Fr
Feeling bitter, Mandy nonetheless smiled with understanding. "You wouldn't have talked back to me otherwise."I will not stop you from pursuing the woman you love, but with one condition—Lauren and Landon must have a clean break. If they remained entangled with each other, I do not want you involved in it." Mandy's tone grew serious. "I do not mind your partner's background or life experience as long as she's a decent young lady. However, I will not accept a daughter-in-law whom you stole from another man."Jasper had a newfound respect for Mandy. It was no surprise she had raised three wonderful children."Lauren will have the final say." Cyrus' eyes shone with determination. "If she chooses me, I will not disappoint her. But if she chooses to be with Landon, I will help them to overcome the challenges, no matter what it takes."An idea came to Alyssa. Eyes twinkling, she asked, "Cyrus, are you really willing to help?""Have I ever walked back on my word?" Cyrus seemed to have ma
After making the arrangements, Jasper and Alyssa traveled home to Solana City. During the journey, he pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the ear. "Lyse, thank you. How can I ever thank you enough?""Why so formal?" Alyssa wrapped her arm behind his neck while tapping the tip of his nose, sending his heart fluttering. "In return, how about you take Mrs. Rosie's place and cook for me for a month?""A month? You're underestimating me." He squinted at her with an affectionate look. "I can cook for you forever."She shook her head. "Oh, never mind then. I appreciate the thought. Eating your cooking forever will only be torture."She rendered Jasper speechless with that remark. Pouting, she added, "To be honest, I feel sorry for putting this burden on Cyrus, but it's the only way to pressure the Hodgsons into calling off the marriage."Only when the Hodgsons give up on Lauren will Landon have the luxury of time to focus on his family matters. He'll stand a chance to get back with Lau
"Are you Betty Beckett?" The man spoke in Cyrrisian. When Betty heard her mother tongue, she slowly stopped crying and lifted her face.A stranger in a suit stood in front of her. "How… How did you know me?" Betty immediately put aside her ego and begged him in tears and snot, "Y-You must be sent by my dad, right? Please, bring me home to Solana City. I do not wish to stay a day longer in this godforsaken place!"I am really sick right now. It's a serious illness. I might die if I don't receive treatment. Dad won't leave his daughter to die."The man replied flatly, "I'm sorry, Ms. Betty. Your dad did not send me."Betty collapsed onto the ground again with a look of disappointment and despair.The man added, "However, someone would like to meet with you."Betty had no capacity to think. Hopeless and embattled, she scrambled up from the ground and followed him to a luxury car.When the car door opened, the first thing that came into her vision was a pair of luxury silver satin
The woman grinned when Betty turned into a bull in the ring."But how do I take my revenge? My family has abandoned me. I can't even afford a plane ticket back to Solana City. Even if I get home… I bet Jasper will find out about it by the time I step foot in the airport. I can't imagine the horrible measure he'd take against me.""Ms. Betty, I sympathize with your situation. Hence, I wish to help." The woman grasped Betty's hand and gently caressed it. "Don't worry about the plane ticket. I can sponsor that. As for your return to Solana City, as long as you follow my orders, I can guarantee that your brother won't get hold of you.""I-Is that true?" Betty's eyes widened in excitement. In fact, she was skeptical about the entire deal. However, she couldn't afford to consider the offer, given that she was alone, helpless, and sick with AIDS. She did not mind using any method to get home."Ms. Gardner, thank you so much! How can I ever repay your kindness?"The woman shook her head
Orlander's act of leaking the news about Freddy and Lauren's marriage had sent shockwaves through the high society of Solana City. Everyone congratulated the Hodgsons, but they were secretly taunting the family, who had settled for a mentally ill future daughter-in-law just to social climb.Newton caught wind of the gossip, which added to his opposition to the marriage. When he voiced out his disapproval, Javier would counter him with the way the Harpers had bullied Lauren."I vehemently opposed Lauren dating that brat, but you insisted on blessing the wrong match. You sent my beloved daughter to that loser and made her the laughingstock of the city!"On top of that, you scolded me in front of Jasper and Landon, ignoring my concerns and humiliating me. Look where your love for your granddaughter led to. You made her suffer."Newton frowned deeply and let out a frustrated sigh. "Do you think that, as your father, I can't read your mind? You never really cared for Lauren. All you car
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
That night, Alyssa stayed in the presidential suite of Solana City's KS World Hotel. She couldn't bring herself to return to her own manor—not yet. The lingering memories of her breakup with Jasper were still too raw, and the thought of revisiting their former home felt like reopening an unhealed wound.The following morning, she was awakened by a knock at the door. Groggily, she slipped on her night robe and opened it to find Sean standing there, carrying a complete set of brand-new hiking gear.Alyssa smiled. "Thank you, Sean." "Ms. Alyssa, it's freezing today. Are you sure you want to go hiking?" Sean walked into the living room and placed the items neatly on the couch. He still felt somewhat worried. "It's alright if it's cold, as long as the weather is good."Alyssa gazed out the window. The sun was shining brightly. The thought of going hiking with Jasper today made it impossible for her to conceal the sweet smile on her face and the delight in her eyes. She still love
Remy's eyes were bloodshot; his expression twisted with disgust as he stared at Sheryl. He could hardly fathom how someone so deranged and vile had once been close to Jasper. Even if Jasper and Alyssa had separated, Sheryl was nowhere near worthy of Jasper's side; she was not even fit to be the dirt on Alyssa's shoes.A sudden flash of memory struck him—the image of Alyssa during that traffic accident. He recalled her mustering all her strength to crawl out of her wrecked car, her face bloody, her body broken yet defiant. He had never seen such a fierce spirit in a woman before.His heart pounded uncontrollably, the memory triggering a sharp pain in his temples. Remy closed his eyes, gasping for breath.Sheryl broke into wild, unhinged laughter. Her entire body shook as she spat out her words, "Oh, Jasper, you poor, clueless fool!"If he ever discovers that the woman he's been tormenting all this time is actually his savior—the one he's been desperate to repay—that would be an eart