Alyssaâs heart thudded in her chest, nearly coming to a stop as she was left stunned.
Sheâd thought she was the only one who kept that memory from the battlefield so sacred. Who knew per treated it with just as much importance, even trying his best to track her down all these years. If it had been any other woman, he would have easily found her.
Unfortunately for Jasper, he didnât know White Dove had been right beside him all this time, even married to him once upon a time under the name of âAlice Whiteâ.
After parting ways with him in Luminara, Alyssa erased all traces of her in that war.
Sheâd used a false identity to help as a medic in that war to avoid her fatherâs fury. So how could Jasper have uncovered her true identity when sheâd been so careful to leave no clue behind?
âAre you okay? Was I too harsh, Lyse?â Jasper asked worriedly. âIâm sorry. I didnât mean to get upset at you. I just wanted to make my stand clear. White Dove saved my life. The only thing I feel for her is gratitude, nothing more!â
Alyssa sneered. âOf course you didnât. You were getting hot and heavy with Liana at the time, even upsetting Grandpa several times in the process. There was no way you wouldâve set your eyes on another woman, not even this White Dove who saved your life.â
Her words stabbed into Jasperâs heart like so many knives. Unable to stand her anymore, he sat up from the bed, making Alyssa gasp quietly. The cotton she held slipped from her hand as Jasper clutched her wrist.
âWhat are you doing? That hurts! Ouch!â Alyssa hissed.
âI know Iâve wronged you terribly in the past, Alyssa. I regret it all and have been trying my best to make it up to you.
âI know you wonât forgive me so easily and accept me back into your life, but Iâm prepared to devote the rest of my life to pursuing you until my heart stops beating.â Jasperâs voice was hoarse as he spoke earnestly.
He continued, âYou spent 13 years loving me, so let me reciprocate with all the time I have in this world. You have my word, Alyssa. Whether you take me back or not, Iâm yours for the rest of my life!â
Alyssaâs heart pounded frantically, her eyes widening in shock.
Why did she never realize how clingy and persistent this man could be?
Hers for the rest of his life?
Alyssa still had a bone to pick with him about their age gap and his stupidity!
âThe rest of your life? Iâm sure this isnât the first time youâve promised a woman that.â Alyssa pried his fingers away one by one. âLiana must have heard tons of promises like this.
âI thought you told me the only woman youâll ever marry to be your wife was her? How could you go back in her on your word now? And you expect me to believe you still?â she sneered, a liquid warmth welling up eyes.
Jasper had hurt her too deeply.
Despite him having saved her life and possibly developing feelings for her, and even though he was determined to make amends, Alyssa still couldnât erase the memory of how devoted he had once been to that dreadful, repugnant woman, Liana Gardner.
Pain and agony filled her being. It was as if she was in a neverending nightmare.
Jasperâs heart clenched upon seeing Alyssaâs steely gaze.
âWe were married once. You were my husband, yet you were never mine. So, do you really think Iâd care now that itâs over?
âI wonât interrupt your little pity party here, and you can waste the rest of your life pursuing however you like. I donât want to hear about it anymore,â Alyssa fumed, her throat slowly closing up.
âOkay, okay. I wonât say it anymore.â Jasper quickly knelt before her on one knee, a tenderness in his eyes blooming only for Alyssa.