Holding Alyssa’s hand, Jasper rushed down the opulent yet deserted corridor, like two young


    aristocrats


    who were defying societal rules and eloping.


    Her gaze was fixed on his broad back, which provided her with a sense of security. Her chest heaved,


    and


    her palms grew sweaty.


    She had to admit that she felt a little attracted to him. At the same time, she berated herself for still


    having feelings for him over mere hand-holding, after having fallen in love with him twice, 13 years and


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    three years ago, respectively.


    She felt rather indignant for being weak when it came to Jasper.


    In contrast, he appeared to be in high spirits, jogging alongside her until they reached the door of a


    luxurious suite.


    A surge of panic and embarrassment washed over her. In anger, she yanked her hand from his grasp


    and


    hissed, “What is this? How dare you disrespect me on my turf? You know I could always get my


    brothers


    to beat you up right now.”


    He paused in surprise. Realizing she had misunderstood his intention, he exined helplessly, “What


    on


    earth are you thinking? I’ve kept my gift for you in this suite. That’s all.”


    Her eyes widened, her blush deepening as she pressed her lips together.


    “Well, I can tackle a few men on my own, but I would much rather make a good impression on your


    brothers. I wouldn’t dream of doing anything untoward,” he added.


    He leaned toward her with desire in his eyes and teased, “Even if I did have any such intentions, I


    would


    have taken you to my ce instead.”


    “Ugh, I would never ever go back to that family of yours! They’re unbearable!” Feeling embarrassed,


    she


    looked away from him.


    “Seaview Manor was never my home, Lyse. I don’t have a home,” he admitted with a hoarse voice and


    a


    somber expression.


    His words stung her, leaving her momentarily speechless.


    “I’ll only have a home if I’m with you. If we can’t be together, I would rather be in exile for the rest of my


    life,” he added, his eyes brimming with sincerity.


    She met his gaze, but her response was slow, as if she were numbed by the weight of their shared


    history.


    He had rushed the conversation. However much he yearned to get back with her, he shouldn’t have


    broached the subject right away.


    “You served in the military, didn’t you? You joined the Peacekeeping Forces,” she suddenly inquired.


    He had a sinking feeling. Before he could respond, she sharply interrupted, “You led a nomadic life


    during


    those years, but don’t forget why you did it. You didn’t join the military because of me.”


    She could never overlook that pain. Panicking, Jasper felt his words stuck in his throat.


    At that moment, the door unexpectedly swung open, surprising them both and relieving the tension.


    “Mr. Beckett! Madam! It’s you.”


    Xavier stood there with a satisfied smile and exined, “I heard your voices from inside. I opened the


    door to check on you since you’ve been out here for quite a while.”


    Alyssa and Jasper looked dumbfounded. Xavier began to sweat as he realized something was amiss.


    Stammering, he said, “Uh, d-did I interrupt something?”


    “It’s fine,” she replied coldly, and she walked into the suite. A pale-faced Jasper followed suit.


    Xavier attempted to enter the suite with them, but Jasper swiftly closed the door in his face. Just before


    shutting itpletely, Jasper instructed him through the crack, “Stand guard.”


    Xavier immediately stood at attention and answered, “Roger that, Mr. Beckett!”