Jasper realized something after falling in love with Alyssa. She was like a coconut-tough on the outside


    and soft within. She was a sincere and kind-hearted soul.


    Alyssa’s affection for him had dwindled, and he resorted to gaining her sympathy just for a few more


    moments with her.


    In the past, Alyssa had to beg for his affection, but now the tables had turned. It was his turn to


    experience what it felt like to be on the other side.


    In the end, Alyssa had no choice but to stay with him. She rified, “Don’t take this the wrong way. I


    didn’t stay because you wanted me to. It’s because I promised Grandpa and Lauren to look after you.”


    She gathered herself and rose from the bed, announcing. Til rest in the adjoining room. Call me if you


    need anything.”


    Jasper’s gaze deepened, and he held onto her hand. He suggested, “Lyse, why don’t you spend the


    night


    here?”


    “The couch is ufortable to sleep on,” she exined, attempting to free her hand from his grasp but


    failing.


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    “Then, let’s share the bed,” he whispered as if trying to persuade her.


    “Nothing good everes out of your mouth,” she snapped. She wondered what lengths he would go


    to.


    “Don’t misunderstand me, Lyse. I won’t force anything against your will, even if I wanted to


    help but lean closer to her as he felt the heat rise in his body.


    In her thoughts, she dismissed the idea.


    He couldn’t


    Then, she grumbled, “You stink to high heaven. Stay away from me!” Moving backward, she pinched


    her


    nose with a look of disgust.


    She added, “I don’t want to share a room with you. I might faint from the smell.”


    “Do I stink? I think it’s


    not that bad,” he replied, sniffing himself. “Back when I was in the military, the


    conditions were rough. I could only shower once a week. It was worse than now.


    “When I returned and took on my role in thepany, it felt strange to be able to shower daily.”


    Her gaze wavered. She was the only one, besides himself, who understood the challenges he had


    faced.


    She had never looked down on him, but she was scarred. Even though he was sincere, she couldn’t


    bring herself to get closer.


    She had once loved him like a moth to a me, but he had shattered her hopes, making it difficult to


    rekindle her passion for him.


    “Lyse, I’ll freshen up a bit. Just wait for me,’ he said, worried that she might avoid his room due to his


    smell. He tried to leave the bad.


    She freed herself from his grip and replied, “Quit it. You shouldn’t be in contact with water. Keep


    stinking. I’ll wash up.”


    Jasper felt weak but was reluctant to show his vulnerability due to his male ego. He believed he should


    be protecting his woman.


    Besides, he considered a minor head injury insignificant. Having been shot on the battlefield before, he


    was perplexed by his frailty and felt ashamed to disy it in front of Alyssa.


    He leaned against the headboard and listened to the sound of the running water in the bathroom. It had


    been a while since he had experienced such simple peace and happiness.


    Suddenly, tears welled up in his eyes as he grasped the bedsheet.