Alyssa’s heart clenched for a moment. “I miss her, Axel. But Mom isn’t here anymore. At some point,


    we we need to face reality and


    move on from our hurt.


    “We’re Taylors, Axel. The family needs us to protect it. We are Its future. That’s why we must keep


    ourselves in the present and tearn to look forward.”


    “You can aplish that. I can’t. I’m Just some boy stuck in his fever dream, refusing to wake up. This


    isn’t home to me anymore, Alyssa”


    The siblings sunk into silence for a long while.


    “Alright, that’s enough depression for one night. I respect whatever decision you make,” Axelzily


    waved his hand.


    Then he noticed that Alyssa had teared up some. He hurriedly tried to tend to her, saying, “Hey, don’t


    think about that anymore. I’m going


    to tell you something really Interesting. Jasper Beckett is here tonight.”


    “What?” Alyssa yelped, shocking everyone present.


    Winston scowled at her. “What are you yelling for? Is there a rat in the house or something?”


    “Not a rat, no. I was just telling Alyssa a ghost story. I didn’t expect her to be so frightened.” Axel


    grinned.


    “Don’t joke about these things with me, Axel!” Alyssa grilled out.


    “Hey, you can always look outside for yourself if you don’t belleve me. He might be standing right out


    there. Don’t worry, though. He probably doesn’t know your true identity. You did ride over here in


    Jonah’s car.”


    Just then, Alyssa’s phone rang, vibrating on the table.


    She took a deep breath and unlocked the screen to see the caller ID. She froze up upon seeing who it


    was. 1


    Alyssa quickly hung up the call.


    But Jasper called again within the next twenty seconds.


    Seeing that he wouldn’t give up so easily, Alyssa sighed and went to a corner to answer the call.


    “Yes?” she asked quietly.


    “Is your injury getting any better?” Jasper asked from the other end of the call, his voice wrapping


    tenderly around her senses.


    Alyssa’s heart trembled. She hummed in acknowledgment.


    “I’m outside the Taylor family manor. Come on out.” Now the man’s tone was edged with a sternness,


    commanding her toe out.


    Alyssa rolled her eyes. Jasper had truly given all the love he could possibly muster to Liana and none


    to her. They didn’t owe each other anything, so there was no reason to be so stern with her.


    No way would Alyssa let him have a power trip.


    “Mr. Taylor has brought me to his family dinner tonight. Everyone’s here. I can’t leave,” Alyssa


    responded just as coldly.


    Jasper flinched where he was, feeling something go off In the depths of his mind.


    Family dinner?


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Just then, someone else’s voice rang through the call.


    “What are you doing here alone, hm? Come have some dessert!” It was a woman’s gentle voice.


    “I’ll be right there,” Alyssa replied fondly. Jasper could hear the smile in her voice. A surge of emotion


    welled up in his throat, clutching at


    his heart.


    He had never once experienced such a moment of kindness in his life.


    How was he expected to give that to Alice then?


    I must hang up now, A. Heckett, We won’t be seeing one another tonight. So, lets just wait till we’re


    back in Sna City, Good night.”


    “Alice White!” Jasper hurriedly called out before she could hang up the call.


    The urgency in his tone made Alyssa hesitate.


    “Come out right now, or I’m going in there. Your choice,” Jasper bit out, feeling dizzy and cold at the


    same time.


    All he wanted to do right now was to bring Alice home.