Alyssa felt Jasperâs hot and heavy breath on her neck, like flames licking her skin, leaving it tinged red.
âJasper, are you out of your mind? Whatâs all this nonsense? Jasper!â she exclaimed.
Jasperâs thin pajamas were soaked with sweat, and it seeped into Alyssaâs shirt as well.
He teetered between consciousness and a haze of excruciating pain, his body aching. The only thought in his mind was holding onto the woman he loved, despite how pathetic and shameless it made him appear.
âLyse, please donât leave me⦠Donât hate me⦠Jasper buried his damp face in her neck and spoke in tears. It was heart-wrenching to hear.
Alyssa could feel the warmth on her shoulders. It was impossible to tell if it was sweat or tears. A profound bitterness suddenly washed over her, gripping her very soul.
She thought, âOh, Jasper, youâve never been so small in front of me.â
When she had cried and begged him not to divorce her, he had callously tossed the divorce papers in front of her, forcing her to end the relationship. He had been so haughty and stoic back then.
She bit her lip with teary eyes at his pathetic look. âJasper, you must be out of your mind. What nonsense is this?â
âItâs not nonsense. Itâs my true feelingsâ¦â he argued, stubbornly shaking his head. Drops of tears or sweat trickled down his face.
âLyse, I love youâ¦â
Her eyes quivered, and her neck stiffened. Despite her cool demeanor, she blushed hard.
With the last ounce of his strength, Jasper looked up and tried to caress the face he had longed for day and night.
His eyes glimmered, touching her heart. He rambled on, âAlyssa, I know what Iâm talking about. I said I love you⦠Only youâ¦â
Then, he lost consciousness and slum against her.
âUgh, you fool! Why did you have to pass out here? Youâre so heavy!â she exclaimed with wide eyes, feeling a mixture of anger and concern.
However, she unclenched her fists when she remembered his injuries. Instead, she placed a hand on his sweaty back and let out a sigh.
She lamented, âYou reap what you sow. Jasper, loving you is too hard. Letâs move on.â
Landon and Xavier arrived at the villa at the same time. Xavier might be hot-headed at times, but as Jasperâs head secretary, he was rather observant. He could tell that Landon was in an extremely foul mood.
Landon asked worriedly, âMr. Hall, how is your boss holding up?â
Xavier answered, âMr. Beckett coughed up blood twice, and heâs running a high fever.â
The memory of Jasperâs suffering the previous night weighed heavily on Xavierâs mind. He wished he could bear that pain on Jasperâs behalf.
Landonâs frustration flared, and he clenched his fists. âHow did things get this fucking bad? Fuck!â
âIâve informed Madam about Mr. Beckettâs condition. His condition improved after taking the medication him. I trust sheâll find a solution,â Xavier stated. He had no choice but to pin all his hopes on she e gave Alyssa.
At that moment, Landon noticed Alyssaâs Bugatti at the entrance. After some contemplation, he narrowed his eyes and suggested, âHold on. Letâs not go in just yet.â
âHuh?â Xavier was puzzled.
âItâs rare for them to be together. Letâs give them some private time.â