Zoe blushed instantly, feeling awkward.


    “She hasn’t used those silverware yet, Jasper. Don’t worry about saliva.” Landon frowned, defending


    his


    sister.


    “I’m sorry, Jasper. I’ll use a clean fork.”


    Zoe then used a new fork to serve Jasper the seafood pae, but Jasper stopped her once again. “I


    can help myself.”


    That made Zoe pout. “We used to be inseparable, Jasper. Have a few years apart really changed our


    bond? Remember how we used to share the same ice cream?”


    “We were children then. Now, none of us are.” Jasper looked away, scooping some stir-fried garlic


    green beans into his te before eating them.


    Zoe bit her lip and silently ate her helping of pae, expression upset.


    Jasper gazed at the spread of food on the table and remembered how Alyssa used to cook these for


    him,


    too.


    These dishes took a long time to prepare. Alyssa usually spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen


    making


    them until oil and vapor stained her skin. Yet, he never once thanked her for them.


    Even as they were cooked masterfully, on par with some of the renowned chefs in the country, Jasper


    still


    never admitted or acted on the urge to have second helpings.


    He remembered how Alyssa would gaze at him with hopeful expectation, waiting for words of


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    encouragement or praise, but more often than not, end up with disappointment and sadness.


    For some reason, Jasper’s heart always hurt a little when he saw her like that.


    But Alyssa would always regain her spirits and beam at him, saying, “That’s okay. I’ll do better next


    time!”


    With Alyssa’s words resonating in his thoughts, Jasper found himself uncertain if there would ever be


    another opportunity.


    The food in his mouth started tasting more like wax than anything.


    “Jasper, is it true that yourpany ispeting with KS World Hotel to organize Ada Kingsley’s


    wedding? I heard it from Betty,” Zoe asked curiously.


    Zoe continued, “I heard she’sing to Sna City in the next few days. Are you nning to host a


    Landon couldn’t help but quip, “So goddamned sour.”


    “Landon!”


    “Fuck you, I was talking about the orange!”


    Jasper followed Landon to his family home in the evening for dinner. He had known Landon’s mother,


    Penelope Miller since he was a child.


    Despite their familiarity, he remained courteous and brought several presents for her benefit, from aged


    wines to gold pendants.


    Penelope was just as generous and kind to Jasper. She had prepared a feast for dinner, including


    many of


    his favorites.


    “You’re biased, Mom!” Landon huffed. “You didn’t even make one favorite of mine. I knew bringing


    Jasper


    over those years ago was a bad idea!”


    “Unlike Jasper here, you’ve eaten my cooking for over 20 years. Of course I have to treat him right this


    once. You just be quiet and enjoy the meal.”


    Penelope was quite fond of Jasper, having treated him like a son for years. “Try some of this. I


    remember


    you told me you liked it after school one time.”


    “Thank you, Mrs. Harper,” Jasper smiled, thanking his godmother.


    “Eat up, Jasper!” Zoe sat beside him and scooped some pae into his te. “Here, I made this just for


    you. Try it!”


    But before the rice could reach Jasper’s te, Jasper stopped her. “Thank you, but I can help myself.”