All of a sudden, Landon recalled that he was in a hospital and did not end up lighting the cigarette.
After a pause, Jasper inhaled deeply and said in a hushed voice, âLandon, I think⦠I might have fallen for Alyssa.
What the heck? The cigarette between Landonâs lips trembled. He came very close to leaping out of his seat in shock.
Everyone could see that Jasper was smitten with Alyssa, except for Jasper himself. Yet, hearing him admit it was both refreshing and cathartic.
âI am in love with her. Thatâs why I want her back by my side. Iâd like to try pursuing her,â Jasper confessed in a shaky voice and raised his head. He had a deep and sincere look in his eyes.
âYou, going after the opposite sex? Are you sure you can do that?â Landon pressed on with an astonished look.
âThere is a first time for everything. Iâll have to give it a shot,â Jasper replied. He cast a judgmental glance at Landon. âEven if my attempt fails, I still have you as my advisor, albeit an ineffective one.â
âDamn, why are you always so mean? Canât you ever put me in a good light?â Landon glowered at him.
âI know youâre pretty bad at it, too. Otherwise, you would have won her heart. Isnât that right?â Jasper retorted, growing even more sarcastic.
Jasper added, âUnfortunately, I donât have better options. Looks like I have no choice but to appoint you as my right-hand man.â
Jasper had experienced a failed relationship in the past but had never actively pursued any woman, not even Liana. He and Liana were childhood friends. Besides, Liana had always made the first move because he used to be an introverted and moody teenager.
This time, for Alyssa, he decided to swallow his pride and take a chance.
âIâm pretty good with the ladies, but what could I realistically have done to catch the attention of the rich and charming Alyssa Taylor?â Landon pouted unhappily.
Landon continued, âI thought she was a lovesick fool from the way she hopelessly fell for you. Little did I know she was a queen who wanted to build a career!
âSheâs better than any one of us. Iâm ranked the lowest among the three of us, all aspects combined.
How could I ever hope to win her over? I should be grateful she didnât completely kick me aside.â
âItâs alright. Iâll still pursue her. Whether she responds or not is up to her,â Jasper replied with determination. âIâve got a long journey ahead in life, and Iâm not interested in anyone else. I can take my time with her.â
To their surprise, the door was busted open. In walked Alyssa, her hair flinging and her eyes shining brightly.
She yelled, Jasper Beckett! Are you really going to take your medications only when Iâm here? Youâre really playing with fire, arenât you? Whatâs your game plan?â
The first thing that greeted her was Landon, who sat haphazardly on the couch. Her anger flared at the sight of the cigarette between his lips.
She swiftly snatched the cigarette, threw it on the floor, and crushed it beneath her heel.
She berated him, âWhy the hell are you smoking here? Donât you know that Jasper canât inhale smoke because of his lung injuries? Are you his friend or the Grim Reaper?â
Jasperâs grin widened at Alyssaâs concerned actions.
âBut⦠Lyse, I didnât even light it!â Landon protested with a pitiful expression.
âTake your cigarettes and get out of here! Now!â Alyssa pointed angrily at the door. Landon shot Jasper a pleading look with a downturned mouth.
Without even making eye contact with Landon, Jasper calmly replied, âListen to her and leave.â
Landon silently cursed Jasper, considering him an unfaithful friend who had put romantic interests before their friendship.