Alyssa still held Jasper’s name in high regard. Jameson’s eyes had a gleam when he saw his love rival


    calling up his crush. He called out softly, “Lyse.”


    Her eyes deepened She decided to pick up. “Hello?


    Jameson was filled with disappointment as well as resentment toward Jasper.


    while, Jasper gazed at the illuminated windows from a distance, uncertain of where she was or if he


    would get to see her. His voice was hoarse.


    “Lyse, it’s snowing. The first snow in Sna City this year.”


    “Right,” she responded tly. “So, what’s the matter?”


    Jasper was taken aback by her reaction. After a brief pause, he mustered the courage to suggest, “May


    I


    invite you to enjoy the snow tonight?”


    “Do you have the memory of a goldfish?” she asked with a frown.


    “Um, no ”


    you understand the state of our rtionship now? Do you think it’s appropriate for us to do that?”


    “Well, it’s still better than spending time with Jameson Schmidt, Jaspermented enviously.


    Simultaneously angered and amused, she retorted, “Hah. I don’t think so.”


    “Alyssa, I won’t leave from here unless you meet me tonight,” Jasper insisted, but she was equally


    resolute.


    She countered, “If you don’t leave, I’ll stay put at Jameson’s vi.”


    “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Jasper’s eyes red with intensity as he clutched the left


    side.


    of his chest, struggling to breathe. There was a metallic taste in his throat.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    He growled, “Are you staying the night at his ce? Do you know what you’re doing?”


    Alyssa’s anger surged. She moved to a quiet corner with her back to Jameson, taking a deep breath.


    before whispering. “Mr. Beckett, I’m thankful for you saving my life, but it doesn’t mean you can force


    me to do something against my will.”


    “I just wanted to share the first snow with you! Nothing more.


    “But I don’t want to! That’s thest thing I want!” she yelled at him hysterically, startling him with her


    ++15 BONUS


    Jameson hurried up to her and gently held her trembling shoulders. He deliberately whispered into her


    ear, “Lyse, are you okay?”


    Jasper hung onto every word that fell from Jameson’s lips. With her eyes shut, Alyssa shook


    uncontrobly from head to toe.


    She was transported back to that Christmas night two years ago, when Sna City had btedly seen


    its first snowfall of the year. Theye had been a car ident, a lot of blood, and the loss of her baby


    when she


    had been nine weeks pregnant.


    She was crushed by the pain. The ident had cruelly robbed her of the chance to meet her child.


    Where had Jasper been back then? He had traveled to Mosgravia to spend Christmas with Liana.


    After Alyssa had sent Newton to the hospital, she had called Jasper once, just before she lost


    consciousness. But she had been greeted with a cold, busy tone.


    Once more, she felt like she was drowning in a sea of agony. Suddenly, she cked out and copsed.


    “Lyse!”