it was as if the sea itself had been crystallized into a single piece of jewelry.


    “Thank you, Lyse…” L croaked out tearfully. “I love it! Thank you so much…”


    “I didn’t want to use a more precious stone, lest Winston’s gift pale inparison, and I thought a


    lighter shade of crystal like this one was far more suitable for you.” Alyssa beamed at her.


    “I enjoy crafting my designs ording to the wearer’s personality and aura. The fact that I designed it


    makes it exceed in value far more than the value of the crystal itself.”


    Mandy and Colene then led L to unveil the presents they had gotten for her.


    When Alyssa’s phone began ringing, she stepped out into the hallway to check on it.


    “Hello?” She answered in a t tone..


    “I called to report my status to you, Ms. Alyssa. I’m feeling much better now.” Jasper’s voice was


    especially tender tonight and irresistibly sensual.


    “Next time you would like to know how I’m doing, please don’t hesitate to call me instead of going


    through Xavier.”


    Alyssa gnawed on her lip, her heart skipping a beat.


    “Or I could call you. You know I wouldn’t pass up any chance to do so.” Jasper’s eagerness was in


    stark


    contrast to how cold Alyssa knew him to be.


    “There’s no need. I’m not your primary care doctor, and I don’t have the time to keep an eye on your


    condition 24/7.”


    Alyssa made her voice was cold. “I’m d you’re fine. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again so we


    can stay out of one another’s hair.”


    “Thank you for taking care of me before. My fever wouldn’t have gone away that fast if you hadn’t,”


    Jasper


    said gratefully.


    Then, he said, “You’re much better than any other cure I’ve tried.”


    “Do you want me to cut your tongue out, Jasper Beckett?” Alyssa’s cheeks flushed as she punched the


    window beside her, recalling how he had pressed her into the bed and kissed her days ago.


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    “If you try anything funny again, I swear I’ll make you regret it!”


    “I don’t think I have anymore regrets to have, Lyse. Jasper chuckled bitterly.


    “I don’t think I could ever move on from how much I regret divorcing you.”


    “Good. Now hang up. I’m busy.”


    “Wait, Lyse.”


    “What?” Alyssa cried, irritated to no end.


    “Can I … attend Ms. L’s birthday party tomorrow night? Please?” Jasper asked cautiously, his voice


    filled with hope. Hope that he would be able to see her again.


    Alyssa scowled. “L’s birthday celebration will only be open to close friends and family, Mr. Beckett.


    Aren’t you being a little too presumptuous?”


    “I understand that; I do. But they do say it’s best to pay your inws a visit every now and then,” Jasper


    replied in a serious tone.


    “Did you get that stick pulled out of your ass recently or what?” Alyssa groaned, punching the window


    again, imagining it was Jasper’s head.


    “Please, Lyse?” he asked again.


    Alyssa recalled how Javier had beaten Jasper to shit the other night and how much blood thetter had


    lost from it. Biting her lip, she grumbled, “Remember to bring a present.”


    Jasper’s voice was immediately colored with joy. “Of course! It makes no sense to visit your inws


    empty


    -handed.”


    “Screw off!” Alyssa cussed.