With a loud crash, Julien's back slammed heavily into the bookshelf. Books rained down on him. One of them even hit him right on the head, making his ears ring from the pain. "Oof … Jonah! What are you doing?" "I warned you, but you didn't listen." When Jonah noticed that Julien was hurt, he felt a slight tug on his heart. Yet he reverted to his cold expression immediately. "It's one thing that Alyssa asked you for a favor, Julien. But that doesn't mean that you can do as you please with me."Everything that happened that night ended there. If you behave yourself, we can still be relatives. If you insist on being this way, I don't even know what I will do to you next time." Jonah was aware that he had never been a good-tempered person. Out of all the Taylor siblings, he was potentially the most hostile one. If this had been ten years ago and a man had been trying to get so close to him, he wouldn't have hesitated to break the latter's limbs in a few swift moves. Juli
Mandy couldn't stop worrying. She said, "Jonah, you must come with us. No matter what happens, we have to do everything we can to protect Lyse. We can't let her be harassed by anyone!" "Of course. Thank you for letting me know, Mandy." After Jonah left the study, Mandy entered the room. "What happened earlier, Julien? Did you and Jonah have an argument?" Julien bent down to pick up the books that had fallen onto the floor, one by one. He had his back against Mandy. "No, we didn't. It was nothing," he said in a dejected voice. "Don't lie to me. I could hear all the commotion from outside. I just wasn't able to hear what you were both talking about." Mandy looked at him angrily and criticized him. "Jonah is such a well-tempered person. I have never seen him get mad throughout all these years. "You have just been here for a few days, yet you've irritated him like that? I'm certain that you're the one at fault!" Julien became flustered by her words. "How is it my fault? J
Alyssa lowered her eyes and moved Jasper's hand away. "We should get the door first," she said as she brushed past him. It was evident to Jasper that she wasn't being herself. It felt as if she was feeling a little resentful toward him. Alyssa hurried to the entrance and opened the door. "Mrs. Rosie!""Madam!" Rosie dropped the bags that she was carrying and held Alyssa in an emotional embrace. "Madam … I've missed you so much!" Rosie cried. She sobbed like a child even though she was already in her 50s. Alyssa stroked Rosie gently. She choked back her tears, saying, "I've missed you very much, too! I'm glad to see you energetic and well." Jasper had tagged along behind Alyssa. He was surprised to see Rosie. Without a doubt, it was Alyssa who called Rosie over. "Mrs. Rosie, Mr. Beckett hasn't been feeling too well recently. I'm quite busy, and I'm afraid I might not have the time to look after him. Sorry to have to trouble you with looking after him," Alyssa explaine
Alyssa had her bath and did her skincare. Then, she climbed into the bed and heaved a quiet sigh. The past version of her wouldn't have wasted energy on men. She likely would have gone out drinking and partying with her brothers without a care in the world. However, the conversation she had overheard between Jasper and Landon that morning had invoked many painful memories for her. She was no longer in the mood for anything else.She didn't even want to see Jasper's face. She knew that it wasn't his fault that she had lost her child. Regardless, she still simply couldn't get over it. Although she didn't bring it up or think about it, it didn't mean she had forgotten. A knock came on the door. Alyssa assumed Jasper was back to bother her, so she closed her eyes and pulled the covers over her head. She intended to ignore him. "Madam, it's me, Rosie. Are you already asleep? If you aren't, do you want to have some milk? I've warmed a glass of milk for you."Rosie's sounded
"Mr. Jasper wears his watch all year round. It's not because he likes to do so. It is so that he can cover up the scar on his wrist." Alyssa was his wife. Naturally, she knew about his scar. However, she had thought it was a battle scar he received from the battlefield during his military days. She never expected there to be such a painful history hidden behind that long, terrifying scar. "I'm sure you must have been curious about why Mr. Jasper insisted on staying by Liana's side back then, given that she was such a cunning, selfish, and materialistic woman. "That was all because he places too much value on his relationships. He was also naive as he had never come in contact with any other woman other than her."Plus, she was also the one who discovered him in time and saved him when he slit his wrist that year. If not for her, Mr. Jasper probably wouldn't be here." Rosie rubbed her swollen eyes and continued, "Not only that, when Mr. Jasper was young, he was labeled as an
Jasper was alone in his bedroom, sitting on the sofa and staring into space. A troubled look adorned his charming face. The thought of going to check on Alyssa came across his mind a few times the entire night. At the same time, he was afraid that she would become annoyed at the sight of him, so he didn't dare to bother her. When Rosie came out of the room, she didn't mention why Alyssa was mad. Instead, they had a long heart-to-heart talk about the matter regarding Sophia. Rosie cried buckets of tears. But, in the end, she expressed that she would play dumb when she got back to Seaview Manor. This was to avoid alerting Sophia that anything was wrong. Now, the plans for their revenge were beginning to take shape. The execution of their plans was in full swing, albeit in secret. At this stage, avoiding any unnecessary problems and troubles was crucial. They might fail to expose Sophia's heinous deeds if they weren't careful!"Mr. Jasper, I keep having this feeling that Mada
Alyssa was all too familiar with how Jasper was feeling. During the three years they were married, she had also lived in fear in that same way, day and night. She feared that he would ignore her or divorce her. And now, he was having a good taste of the bitter love story that she experienced. Alyssa walked into the room. She opened the cake box, and the inviting strawberry cake gave off a delicious scent. She gulped back her saliva. But to Jasper, she was far more alluring than the cake. Rather than the cake, he was more interested in eating her up.Alyssa cut two slices out of the cake in a few swift moves. She picked up a slice and handed it to Jasper, saying, "I never knew you liked desserts. You've never mentioned it to me."You've never had a bite of the desserts that I made for you in the past. So, I thought that you didn't like them." Jasper held his spoon with trembling hands. He took huge bites of the cake, but all he could taste was bitterness at the back of his
Alyssa couldn't help but lean her neck back. The notion of Jasper being a cunning man flashed through her mind. Indeed, he was crafty!It was only when not a single trace of cream remained on her skin that Jasper reluctantly lifted his face. He gazed at her intently and asked, "Isn't it better if I do it this way?" "Better … Better my foot."Soon enough, tiny red dots began to form like stars on the smooth skin on Alyssa's chest. They were the love bites he had left behind! She looked away shyly. The pace of her breathing quickened, and beads of sweat began to form on her forehead.He was also in a similar state. It was as if they had both just experienced some intense action. The only difference was that one had become soft, whereas the other had become hard. "Jasper, I gave you an inch, and you've really taken a mile. You've crossed the line!" Alyssa pouted her. Jasper felt aroused by how ashamed and angry she looked. Her voice sounded sweet, and even her sobs sounded
"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