âW-What are you doing, Jimmy?â Panicked, Alyssa instinctively tried to shove him away.
But in Jasperâs eyes, her struggle was seen as playing hard to get.
Jameson remained silent, only tightening his grip around her. His eyes were filled with mockery and sarcasm when he met Jasperâs angry ones. Jameson never once loosened his hold around Alyssa, even as she continued to struggle.
It felt like knives were stabbing into Jasperâs heart, slowly killing him. His entire being buzzed with pain as goosebumps swept over his skin.
The sight of Alyssa in Jamesonâs embrace felt worse than death and far more painful than being wounded on the battlefield.
With his face now pale, Jasper turned away and stumbled back into the house.
Only then did Jameson loosen up his arms. Alyssa swiftly escaped from his grasp, eyes burning with anger.
âDonât do that again, Jameson. This is the last warning youâll have, or Iâm ending our friendship!â
âIâm⦠Iâm sorry, Lyse.â Jameson quickly put on an innocent and guilty expression.
Jamesonâs arms were left hanging in the air as he continued, âI know you treat me only as a friend. Iâve done my best to keep myself in check, but I couldnât control myself. I promise there wonât be a next time.
Please forgive me this once, Lyse. It was out of worry for you.â
Alyssa sighed, hand cupping her forehead. âI hope you can remember how much I hate it when men other than my brothers touch me.â
Jameson gritted his teeth, arms finally sagging by his sides. His hands balled into fists.
Jasper bitterly wondered if Alyssa could ever accept another man into her life.
What was Jasper to her then? She even let that secretary of hers get so close to her. Was he the only person she would never accept into her life? 1 âThank you for your concern. Itâs late now. Iâll be on my way back,â Alyssa said.
All of a sudden, she felt a familiar presence behind her. She slowly turned back to look.
Her heart seemed to drop in the next second.
There was no one behind her anymore.
Jasper dragged his lead-filled legs back into the house.
âJasper!â Landon quickly went to his friendâs side. He hadnât left with his family, being worried about Jasper.
But Jasper seemed not to have noticed him. He continued walking slowly forward.
âJasper. Jasper!â Landon grabbed Jasperâs arms, asking worriedly, âWhereâs Lyse? What did you two talk about? Did she forgive you?â
âWhy would I want her forgiveness? I didnât do anything wrong.â Jasperâs unfocused eyes were filled with exhaustion. It was as if Alyssa had shattered the light in them into smithereens. âIâm tired, Landon. If nothing I do can keep Alyssa by my side or help me get to her, then why not just let her go?â