Alyssa’s heart clenched for a moment. “I miss her, Axel. But Mom isn’t here anymore. At some point,

we we need to face reality and

move on from our hurt.

“We’re Taylors, Axel. The family needs us to protect it. We are Its future. That’s why we must keep

ourselves in the present and tearn to look forward.”

“You can aplish that. I can’t. I’m Just some boy stuck in his fever dream, refusing to wake up. This

isn’t home to me anymore, Alyssa”

The siblings sunk into silence for a long while.

“Alright, that’s enough depression for one night. I respect whatever decision you make,” Axelzily

waved his hand.

Then he noticed that Alyssa had teared up some. He hurriedly tried to tend to her, saying, “Hey, don’t

think about that anymore. I’m going

to tell you something really Interesting. Jasper Beckett is here tonight.”

“What?” Alyssa yelped, shocking everyone present.

Winston scowled at her. “What are you yelling for? Is there a rat in the house or something?”

“Not a rat, no. I was just telling Alyssa a ghost story. I didn’t expect her to be so frightened.” Axel

grinned.

“Don’t joke about these things with me, Axel!” Alyssa grilled out.

“Hey, you can always look outside for yourself if you don’t belleve me. He might be standing right out

there. Don’t worry, though. He probably doesn’t know your true identity. You did ride over here in

Jonah’s car.”

Just then, Alyssa’s phone rang, vibrating on the table.

She took a deep breath and unlocked the screen to see the caller ID. She froze up upon seeing who it

was. 1

Alyssa quickly hung up the call.

But Jasper called again within the next twenty seconds.

Seeing that he wouldn’t give up so easily, Alyssa sighed and went to a corner to answer the call.

“Yes?” she asked quietly.

“Is your injury getting any better?” Jasper asked from the other end of the call, his voice wrapping

tenderly around her senses.

Alyssa’s heart trembled. She hummed in acknowledgment.

“I’m outside the Taylor family manor. Come on out.” Now the man’s tone was edged with a sternness,

commanding her toe out.

Alyssa rolled her eyes. Jasper had truly given all the love he could possibly muster to Liana and none

to her. They didn’t owe each other anything, so there was no reason to be so stern with her.

No way would Alyssa let him have a power trip.

“Mr. Taylor has brought me to his family dinner tonight. Everyone’s here. I can’t leave,” Alyssa

responded just as coldly.

Jasper flinched where he was, feeling something go off In the depths of his mind.

Family dinner?

Just then, someone else’s voice rang through the call.

“What are you doing here alone, hm? Come have some dessert!” It was a woman’s gentle voice.

“I’ll be right there,” Alyssa replied fondly. Jasper could hear the smile in her voice. A surge of emotion

welled up in his throat, clutching at

his heart.

He had never once experienced such a moment of kindness in his life.

How was he expected to give that to Alice then?

I must hang up now, A. Heckett, We won’t be seeing one another tonight. So, lets just wait till we’re

back in Sna City, Good night.”

“Alice White!” Jasper hurriedly called out before she could hang up the call.

The urgency in his tone made Alyssa hesitate.

“Come out right now, or I’m going in there. Your choice,” Jasper bit out, feeling dizzy and cold at the

same time.

All he wanted to do right now was to bring Alice home.