Alyssa wasn’t in the mood to go to the hotel. She decided to head home. Sean remained silent for a

long time. Finally, he asked, “Ms. Alyssa, does Jasper still not know that you are the heiress of the

Taylor family?”

“Yeah,” Alyssa replied softly, looking mncholic.

Sean understood. No wonder she asked for a stand–in when Jasper visited herst time.

“Sean, I didn’t mean to keep it from you …”

“I understand.” Sean interrupted.

Alyssa raised her brows in astonishment.

“Who wants to dredge up heartache? Naturally, I prefer to keep it locked away, never to be touched

again. I was just concerned about you. I worried Mr. Taylor would feel heartbroken and upset if he ever

found out,” Sean continued. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as his eyes glistened with

moisture.

Alyssa was the center of the family’s universe, beloved by all. But to her dismay, she had been

mistreated by that despicable scoundrel, Jasper. If Winston were to find out, he’d probably be so

furious that he’d wield a fifty–meter–long sword in his rage.

“I guess keeping it a secret was just a momentary decision. Besides, after a failed marriage, I only want

to focus on myself. I have no intention of marrying again,” Alyssa said as she closed her eyes.

Alyssa couldn’t shake off Jasper’s cutting words from her mind. With a wistful smile, she uttered, “It’s

meaningless.”

Sean stated firmly, “I won’t marry unless you do.”

Alyssa hastily protested, “No, no, no. You should. You’re my secretary, not joining a convent. I don’t

want rumors suggesting people work for me out of virtuous devotion. That would tarnish my reputation.”

Sean managed a sheepish smile. His heart filled with bitterness. He knew he wasn’t worthy, but he was

willing to protect the me in his heart.

“Ms. Alyssa, why did you choose to marry Jasper?” Sean asked. His eyes narrowed with curiosity and

a hint of mncholy. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry…”

Alyssa’s expression turned sorrowful. A whirlwind of emotions rushed through her. “It’s alright, Sean. I

don’t mind sharing,” she replied.

“When I was eleven, I participated in a school mountain–climbing activity. My mother had left me a

precious heirloom. It was a sapphire pendant, which I identally lost on the mountain. Despite the

teacher’s warnings, I ventured into the dark, determined to find it.

“Not only did I get lost, but I also encountered a powerful typhoon. I was trapped deep in the mountains

with no cellphone signal. It was a harrowing experience, and I almost faced death.

“Jasper was a forest ranger in the national park for the summer break. He didn’t hesitate to lead a team

when he heard about my predicament. He braved the extreme weather to search for me on the

mountain.

“In the end, he found me, nearly frozen, hidden behind a rock …” Alyssa’s voice was gentle and

captivating as she narrated.

Alyssa continued, “I opened my eyes and saw Jasper in his mountaineering attire. His handsome face

was drenched from the rain, and his beautiful eyes shone brightly. He outshone the vast expanse of

stars, and I can’t even begin to describe how charming he looked …”

“Fantastic! Don’t worry. I’ll carry you down the mountain!” Their first encounter was enchanted. It left a

lasting impression on Alyssa’s heart that she couldn’t shake off.

“On our way back, he carried me all the way. He made sure I didn’t fall asleep. He kept telling me the

lamest jokes. His sense of humor was dreadful.” Alyssa recalled with a peaceful expression. She

smiled.

“Youngdy, what might be your name? Not telling? Well then, I’ll call you Little One. Little person, little

mouth, little nose…”

“I am not little! I am more developed than other girls!”

“You only need to tell me that, youngdy. Don’t go sharing it with other boys.”

+15 BONOS

“I’m afraid some scoundrels might try to take advantage of you, my silly girl,”

Alyssa’s breath quickened, and her heart pounded with excitement. Jasper had been just seventeen,

nor as tall or strong as he was now. Yet, he had provided her with a sense of security. Later, they

narrowly escaped falling off a cliff. Jasper shielded her in his embrace, risking everything to ensure her

safety.

Afterward, Jasper disappeared from her life for three years. The next time she saw him was on

television, attending a charity event with the Beckett family. From that moment on, Alyssa embarked on

her mission.

When she heard Jasper was going to the battlefield, she resolutely joined Doctors Without Borders.

She was determined to fight alongside him in the ces he couldn’t see. She had loved passionately

despite all odds, but now her heart had turned to stone. Love no longer stirred within her.

Alyssa smiled bitterly as she realized her 13 years of infatuation had ended. It faded away like a

fleeting dream. While Sean quietly listened, an overwhelming sense of regret washed over him. He

couldn’t shake off the feeling of sorrow that enveloped the moment.

“But Sean, even if I were to talk about hate, I can’t bring myself to hate him,” Alyssa continued.

“I loved Jasper willingly, without regrets for what has passed. I don’t hold any sense of indebtedness for

the time we shared.”

As Jasper returned to Seaview Manor, his thoughts were in disarray. The weight on his chest felt like

an immense boulder, making him difficult to breathe.