Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper also spotted Alyssa, who was in Justin's presence.

A beautiful and harmonious scene like this had also once appeared in his monochromatic memories.

He had once watched her play and laugh.

As time passed, another man had already taken his place by her side.

He had been the one who had initiated the breakup. He said he didn't want her to waste her time on him. He was also the one who had asked her to choose a good man for herself.

Nevertheless, when he saw Justin's interest in Alyssa and how happy they were together, an explicable taste of bitterness rose at the back of his throat.

Jasper clenched his fists tightly, the veins on his hands bulging. It felt like a bee had stung him on the tongue, the prickling, numbing sensation spreading through his body. Distracted by his own emotions, he barely noticed when a few snowflakes brushed against his sculpted face.

"Oh no. Watch out, both of you!"

Suddenly, a large clump of snow fell from the branches above Jasper's and Sheryl's heads. Sheryl let out a scream, drawing the attention of everyone around them, including Alyssa's and Justin's.

Realizing the snow was about to fall on her, she shrank in panic and, without thinking, leaned into the unmoving man next to her for protection.

Instinctively, Jasper lowered his head and bent forward slightly. In the next moment, they were both covered in snow from head to toe.

From where Alyssa stood, it looked as though Jasper had shielded Sheryl in his embrace, a gesture that appeared intimate. The sight of it sent a sharp pang through Alyssa's heart. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she struggled to swallow the lump forming in her throat.

Her heart felt like it shattered, just like the snow crashing to the ground-splintering into a messy, slushy heap. "You naughty child! I've told you not to kick the tree, but you just refuse to listen. Look what you've done!"

One of the teachers reprimanded the child who caused the incident and profusely apologized to Jasper and Sheryl. "I'm really sorry! Are you both alright? Would you like to go indoors to warm yourselves up by the fireplace and dry your hair?"

"No worries." Jasper still had that still and grim expression on his face. He didn't even bother dusting the snow that had fallen on the top of his head and shoulders.

"It's alright. It's normal for children to be naughty." Sheryl smiled sweetly. After that, she turned and looked up at Jasper. She then lifted her arms to sweep the snow off his shoulders.

At this very moment, Jasper was staring straight in Alyssa's direction. He hadn't even noticed how close Sheryl was to him.

"I'm sorry, Justin." Alyssa's eyes turned red. She directed her sorrowful gaze elsewhere. She choked, "I've got something else to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

Justin noticed how pale she looked and offered gently. "Let me take you."

"It's fine. I can manage."

Upon saying that, she clenched her teeth, turned around, and hurried out of the courtyard without tuming back. Justin, however, didn't stay where he was. Instead, he maneuvered his wheelchair and followed slowly behind Alyssa. He maintained a distance from her out of courtesy so that she wouldn't feel repulsed by him.

Jasper stood where he was, watching Alyssa and Justin move farther and farther away until they disappeared from his line of sight. At the same time, his heart sank deeper and deeper.

"Mr. Jasper, you've got snow all over you too. Let's go indoors to warm ourselves up. I don't want you to catch a cold."

Sheryl reached out to pull Jasper by the arm.

He avoided her. "You may go on ahead. I'm fine.""

After saying that, he strode off.

"Mr. Jasper!" Sheryl stomped her feet out of anger and resentfully bit down on her lip.

Alyssa quickened her pace, her lips trembling as she wiped the tears that had started to spill from the corners of her eyes.