Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jameson's expression gradually hardened, the warmth of the orange sunset in the rose garden unable to pierce the chill that now surrounded him. Alyssa, her lashes dampened by tears, glanced at the pebble at her feet before turning to Remy.

He observed Alyssa's reddened, swollen eyes with a detached expression and took a loud, deliberate bite from his apple.

Suddenly, a powerful urge surged within her. She trembled, gathering every ounce of strength to push herself upright, intending to walk toward Remy. With a loud crash, her wheelchair toppled over, sending her sprawling onto the soil.

"Lyse! Are you okay?"

Jameson panicked, reaching out to lift her, but she shoved him away and screamed, "I don't need your help. I can manage on my own!"

Gritting her teeth, Alyssa dug her hands into the earth, struggling to her feet. Though disheveled, she stood with fierce determination.

Jameson watched in disbelief. He had injected her with a tranquilizer last night. Even though it was now the next day, it should have kept her paralyzed. Logically, she shouldn't have been able to move.

Perhaps Remy's presence had granted her weakened body extraordinary willpower, allowing her to overcome the drug's effects in a miraculous display of strength.

Remy paused mid-bite, his cold gaze deepening as he watched Alyssa rise from the ground. For a fleeting moment, a flicker of something stirred within his eyes.

Alyssa stared at Remy, her eyes sparkling. He was Damien; she was sure of it. He didn't like the sea, and apples were his favorite.

"What are you doing here?" Jameson questioned. He could feel Alyssa's surging emotions toward Remy. He glared at Remy with icy hostility.

"I was taking a walk and happened to pass by," Remy replied, shifting his gaze away from Alyssa's pale face, surveying the beautiful rose garden. "The place is lovely, but it feels... dull."

Jameson's face fell. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's obvious that Ms. Alyssa isn't willing to marry you. So, if you ask me, this rose garden might as well be a field of weeds."

Remy finished the apple, tossing the core into the roses. "It's not sweet enough yet."

Jameson's eyes reddened with anger. He clenched his hands into tight fists. "Mr. Lexington, aren't you someone who usually obeys Sir's commands to a tee? You wouldn't say things you weren't supposed to say. What's up with you today, being all so chatty?" Remy smiled. He probably rarely smiled because it seemed rather stiff. "That's true, typically. But when I see someone I despise, I can't help but speak my mind."

Alyssa's heart pounded. Although Damien wasn't as cold or blunt as Remy, he was also straightforward and uncomplicated. These similarities were striking.

Jameson's frustration was palpable. He sneered, "If what you see bothers you, that's your problem. Lyse and I will be married. She will be my wife."

Remy remarked, "Not necessarily."

Upon hearing that, Alyssa's eyes lit up. Her heart swelled with hope.

But Remy's next words were like a dousing of cold water. "Who knows if Sir will get the chance?"

Jameson's chest tightened with dread, horror creeping into his eyes. He wasn't afraid of Jasper or Alyssa's brothers. He was terrified of Justin. Justin was ruthless and capable of anything.

He knew Justin's methods. If Justin wanted something, he would stop at nothing to get it.

"But Sir isn't as shameless, despicable, and evil as you are," Remy argued.