"I made this artwork too hastily. It''s rather rough. It could have been more intricate." Lauren felt
embarrassed, thinking her art was too ugly to be given.
"No way! It''s really good." Cyrus tried to maintain hisposure, but he was so excited that his voice
wavered slightly. "Thank you, Lauren. I love it... Oh, by the way..."
He reached into the car and retrieved a neatly packaged candy apple, his ears turning red with
embarrassment. "I saw a candy apple stand on the way here and couldn''t resist. I haven''t eaten it. Let
me give it to you."
Alyssa narrowed her eyes in confusion.
Knowing Cyrus'' love for food, it seemed unlikely that he would still have the candy apple if he''d been
craving it so much. It was clear he had bought it for Lauren but was too shy to admit it.
"A candy apple?" A spark lit up Lauren''s eyes.
It was hard to believe that a wealthy girl like her had never experienced thismon street snack.
Javier and Sophia had kept her sheltered at home due to her illness. She had a driver for school, rarely
venturing out with friends like other girls would.
Moreover, Javier had a disdain for street food, so while she had seen candy apples before, she had
never tasted one.
Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
Cyrus opened the packaging and handed the candy apple to Lauren. He asked lightly, "Want to give it
a try?"
Initially shy, Lauren couldn''t resist the temptation. She stuck her tongue out like a curious kitten and
took a lick. "Oh, it''s sweet!"
Cyrus felt a surge of joy welling up within him. A genuine smile, born from the depths of his heart, crept
into the corners of his eyes. Lauren''s innocent expression was like the candy apple on a stick, slowly
melting away under his intense gaze.
A genuine smile, born from the depths of his heart, crept into the corners of his eyes. Lauren''s innocent
expression was like the candy apple on a stick, slowly melting away under his intense gaze.
If he could, he would buy her candy apples all the time from now on.
Cyrus repeated his silent confession a thousand times in his heart. Yet, bit by bit, he pushed the
thought aside—his confession dissipated into the breeze with his gentle smile.
As night descended, Jasper and Alyssa shared a shower together. Alyssa sat before the mirror, a towel
enveloping her body, while Jasper assisted in blow-drying her thick, dark hair.
Her hair was thick, so it was hard to dry. Yet, Jasper disyed unwavering patience, meticulously
tending to it with each session.
Once her hair was tended to, Jasper encircled her shoulders with both hands. He ced gentle kisses
on her shoulder, marking her as his own.
Alyssa felt a lustful desire and couldn''t help but raise her head to search for his lips.
Their kiss ignited a ze of passion.
After their lovemaking, Jasper carried Alyssa to the bathroom. He settled her into the bathtub using the
shower head to rinse her off.
"Jasper," Alyssa called out to him softly.
"Hmm?" Jasper continued rinsing her body, leaning in for a kiss.
"Do you think... Landon or Cyrus would be better for Lauren?"
Alyssa traced his lips with her fingertips. "I want your unbiased opinion."
Jasper''s gaze darkened. "Lyse, are you trying to get Lauren and Cyrus together?"
"Not really." Alyssa shook her head. "I just want Lauren to be happy."
"Landon is passionate, while Cyrus isid-back. They''re equally matched in looks, ability, and
background. Either could be a good fit for Lauren."
Jasper held her waist, drawing closer until their lips met in a charged atmosphere. "But I think my sister
has a romantic spirit. She should choose whomever she''s drawn to. That''s what matters most."
Alyssa pursed her lips, nodding in agreement.
No matter how fitting the match might seem, Lauren''s feelings were paramount. Yet, Alyssa couldn''t
shake her fear that the Harpers might once again cause harm to the innocent Lauren.
As they returned to the room, Jasper''s phone buzzed just as they prepared to rest.
"Who is it?" Alyssa yawned.
Jasper''s eyes widened. "It''s Landon!"