Alyssa ran out of the house without hanging up the call or even changing her clothes, like a bird flying out of its cage.
Jasper stood outside the gates under the streetlamp for her, his gaze warm.
The weather forecast had mentioned a heavy downpour tonight, but Jasper hadnât minded it. After finishing his work in Solana City, he drove to meet with his lover.
It had only been a day.
But frankly, it was a pain to bear this feeling of longing.
âJasper!â Alyssa cried, pushing open the door. She then ran tearfully over to him.
Jasperâs eyes widened briefly before they narrowed. An adoring and loving smile crept onto his face.
He had already opened his arms to try and welcome Alyssa, but in the blink of an eye, sheâd run right up to him. So he embraced her deeply.
âI hurried over as early as I could. I was worried I wouldnât be able to see you if I came by a second later, that you mightâve gone to bed,â Jasper murmured warmly, arm tightening around her back. âBut itâs no big deal. I could just wait for you outside the entire night. It wouldâve been difficult to wait until the morning, though.â
âJasperâ¦â Alyssa sniffled. Her eyes were red-rimmed.
Like a bird following its migration instincts, it seemed as if there were no other places in the world that could make Alyssa feel safer than in Jasperâs arms.
âOh? Lyse, are you crying?â Jasper was taken aback. He gently peered at Alyssaâs face, lifting her chin.
His heart pained upon seeing Alyssaâs moistened eyes. âYouâre actually crying. Who did this to you?â
Alyssaâs fingers were buried in Jasperâs shirt front, wrinkling the fabric.
When Alyssa recalled Winstonâs words on how having Tatiana marry into the Schmidt family was just so Alyssa could be together with Jasper, more tears gathered in her eyes..
She croaked out, âShould we not be together anymore?â
Jasperâs heart tensed immediately. His lips quivered as he asked, â What is it, Lyse? Why are you bringing this up?â
âAre the people around us bound to suffer just because weâre in a relationship?â The more Alyssa spoke, the more she wanted to cry.
She had always put up a tough act in front of everyone, yet she softened immediately in front of the man she loved. âFirst, it was Jonah. Now, itâs Taty. What sort of a match made in heaven are we, Jasper? Weâre a living jinx, thatâs what!â a Jasper was pale with fear. His heart throbbed with pain. His hands were quivering as he said, âDonât scare me, Lyse. What happened? Can you please tell me?â
Alyssa bit her lip, unsure of how to start.
âLyse, you can order me to do anything you want, even if itâs abandoning my family business. I donât care.â Jasperâs throat tightened, causing his breathing to become shallow. âJust donât leave. me. Donât leave me.â
Having weathered numerous challenges together just to reunite, how