Ch. 2261..2270

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2261-'M-Mr. Beckett?"

Jasper was in a daze. He turned his eyes slowly toward Sean and stared at him coldly.

"How's Ms. Alyssa?" he asked. His voice was deep and throaty, as if he was parched.

Sean fixed his eyes on the man before him. Suddenly, he was overcome by a plethora of emotions and was moved to tears. He choked, "Ms. Alyssa… She's sick. Very sick. Go on in and see her. I'm sure she will be very happy to see you and she will get better."

Promptly, Sean pushed the door open for him.

Jasper pursed his lips into a thin line. Clenching his hands into fists, he walked into the ward slowly.

Jonah and Cyrus were moved by Jasper showing up. Even so, they did their best to keep a straight face before coming up with an excuse to leave the room.

Soon enough, Alyssa and Jasper were the only ones left in the room.

As much as they used to be a sweet, intimate, and happy couple in the past, they had nothing to say to one another when they now looked into each other's eyes.

There was an inexplicable feeling of loneliness, desolation, and sorrow.

*I heard that you threw up blood."

Jasper stood stiffly by the side of Alyssa's bed and didn't even sit down. He was so distant that it made him look like he was just a visitor. "I remember that you have gastritis, but it hasn't flared up in a long time. Why did this happen all of a sudden?"

Tears welled up at the back of Alyssa's throat. She forced herself to hold back her tears as she gave him a slight, bitter smile.

She had gastritis and a pretty bad one at that. It used to flare up frequently, and it was because she started living with him that it stopped flaring up.

Each day, Jasper looked after her attentively. He learned to make remedies personally, regulated her diet, and tirelessly made nutritious and easily digestible dishes for her. He watched over her like she was a child, forbidding her from taking cold drinks and dishes. This was why her gastritis hadn't flared up in a really long time.

After he left her, her heart was in a mess, but so was her life.

She had long been pampered by him. Her decision-making skills and life skills went downhill. She had become a woman who could no longer care for herself.

Nevertheless, she was aware that she could never be a child forever. She needed to grow up once again.

"How did you know that I fell ill?" Alyssa asked in a soft voice. Her long lashes quivered slightly.

Jasper answered straightforwardly, "Dr. Lovelace was the one who told me."

"Oh, it was Jul?" She forced a smile on her face. "I'm fine. I'm much better now."

"That's good to know."

Thereafter, it was a long period of silence again.

'Mr. Beckett…

"Ms. Alyssa."

They spoke up at the same time, as if they could read each other's minds.

Alyssa shot him an unnatural smile. "You go first."

'Ms. Alyssa, if you have acute gastritis, I wish you the best of health in the future. Take good care of yourself in your daily life.

"If you ruined yourself like this because of me, I hope that you will stop with such foolish and borderline self- harming behavior moving forward."

A frigid look swirled within Jasper's clear eyes. An incomprehensible feeling surged within him. "Besides, it's not like doing this will result in any change in our relationship.

"Even if you're wanting to pursue someone, using an extreme tactic like this will only backfire and make them feel repulsed.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2262-Alyssa stared blankly at Jasper. The icy look on his face reminded her of a mountain that was covered in white snow.

She was clearly right in front of him. Yet, it was as if they were separated by the farthest distance in the world.

Although he was clearly aware that she was in love with him, he was drawing a clear and firm line in front of her, separating himself from her passionate and tumultuous love for him.

Jasper had returned to the person he was three years ago. Or, perhaps he was worse now than he was then.

Maybe he was expressing his concern for her. But he couldn't be as gentle and caring as he was. He could no longer cajole her affectionately or think of her.

All of a sudden, she was completely submerged in that overwhelming feeling of disappointment. As flustered as she was, it woke her up.

'As you're also aware, I've always had gastritis."

Alyssa looked into Jasper's dark and dull eyes. She smiled in relief. "Don't worry. From today onward, I will take good care of myself. But I think that this will be the last time that I will feel sad about you. I will not do such a foolish thing moving forward."

The last time...

Alyssa sounded like she was choking back on her tears. Hearing her voice like that made Jasper's heart quiver. "That's good to know." Jasper's throat tightened. For some reason, he felt a feeling of emptiness in his chest.

It was as if someone had removed his insides one by one, then filled him with sharp-edged rocks, weighing him down so badly that he could barely breathe. He felt so suffocated that he couldn't even express this bizarre feeling and extreme discomfort.

"Some of your belongings are still at my manor. When you're free, go and see Mrs. Rosie and take your things away." Alyssa lowered her voice as much as she could just in case she accidentally exposed her deep sorrow and reluctance to part ways.

She didn't have the guts to go home these few days because she was afraid that being there would remind her of him.

Traces of their intimacy and pleasure could be found throughout the entire house. They had gone to the supermarket together to purchase all their daily necessities. Everything had been slowly accumulated over time, and everything was in pairs.

Right now, it was all being torn apart.

How would she be able to see or face this? She had no other choice but to do all she could to avoid it.

In an emotionless voice, Jasper said, "It's alright. Just throw them away."

He wasn't a spendthrift or wasteful person. Furthermore, if he didn't want to go, he could have Rosie gather his things and Xavier to pick them up on his behalf.

It was as if he was, instinctively, also trying to run away from something that he couldn't quite specify or explain.

Tears welled up in Alyssa's eyes. Suppressing the pain that was about to crush her on the inside, she looked into his dark eyes.

'I've accepted the reality that you no longer love me. Moving forward, it will be enough for me to know that you are alive and well.

Jasper's lashes quivered slightly. Looking expressionless just like before, he responded, "Same goes for you."

"I'm tired. I'd like to rest now."

Alyssa's misty gaze scanned Jasper's grim and cold face once again. Thereafter, she slowly curled her body back under the covers, turning into a pitiful, white cocoon. Then, she turned her back on him.

"You may see yourself out."

She felt like her throat was on fire. The lump of anguish that rose at the back of her throat was painful and bitter. Jasper's pale lips parted slightly. He hesitated to speak, but remained silent in the end.

Just as he started to walk away, Alyssa's tender and weak voice came from behind him. 'Jasper.'

Jasper froze in his tracks, and his back stiffened up.

"Goodbye..."

Her gentle and fragile sob was fleeting.

Jasper held his breath. Clenching his fists so tightly that his veins were popping, he strode out of the hospital ward.

After leaving the VIP ward, Xavier tagged along closely behind Jasper. His eyes were cold, dark, and vacant. He dragged his feet forward heavily, as if they were being chained down.

"Mr. Beckett, is... Madam alright?" Xavier couldn't help but ask out of concern.

However, Jasper simply focused on walking forward and didn't seem to hear his question.

As much as Xavier was frustrated, he knew that no one could interfere when it came to relationships.

Now that Jasper had a problem with his brain, he just seemed as emotionless as a rock. This was a physiological deficiency. How was a sincere heart alone going to make this rock waver?

This time, the level of difficulty for Alyssa to pursue Jasper was formidable.

As Jasper walked forward in a daze, all he could see in his mind was that small and pitiful figure that lay on the hospital bed. Her extremely disappointed voice bidding him farewell echoed in his ear.

*Jasper, goodbye...

The void in his heart suddenly caused him to convulse. Then, he lost his balance and leaned forward.

'Mr. Beckett, watch out!"

Xavier paled in shock. He extended his arm, wanting to grab a hold of Jasper, but it was too late.

A distracted Jasper missed his footing.

As he fell three steps down, he happened to fall on his left shoulder, where he had just recovered from that gunshot injury not too long ago. He let out a painful groan. In a brief moment, his suit became soaked in his cold sweat.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2263-In a flash, two days passed, and it was Jonah's birthday.

Last night, Solana City had its first snowfall of the winter. That day, a thin blanket of white clung to the branches outside the window like newly bloomed lilacs, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.

'Dr. Lovelace, the white roses you ordered have arrived."

Julien was in the midst of studying Jasper's medical records and scans when he saw a nurse standing before him with a huge bouquet of white roses. Only then did he realize that it was time to get off work.

'Thank you. Just leave it on the tea table."

He smiled so brightly that the smile reached his eyes. His face looked far more captivating than the snowy scene out the window.

The young nurse looked at Julien, blushing. Out of curiosity, she couldn't help but ask, "Dr. Lovelace, the roses you bought are beautiful. Who are you giving them to?"

Julien stretched his back. His eyes twinkled brightly as a flush of pink came across his cheeks. "It's for my lover. It's his birthday today."

Excitement came across the nurse's face. "Is it Mr. Jonah?"

"Who else could it be?" With a smitten smile on his face, Julien answered frankly and openly. He didn't try to hide anything.

Jonah was the most handsome man in the world. He was the apple of his eye and his treasure. He wished that he could take Jonah wherever he went so that he could flaunt him to the world.

Low profile?

He had been through so much to find his dream man and the love of his life. He was certainly not going to keep a low profile.

The nurse cupped her chubby cheeks as she exclaimed, "Wow, how romantic!"

She was so excited that she was bouncing off the walls. 'Dr. Lovelace, you and Mr. Jonah have to be happy together, always!"

Jonah opened a drawer and pulled out the birthday present he had prepared. It was a branded wristwatch with their initials carved on it.

He brushed the tips of his fingers gently across the refined box packaging. With tenderness overflowing from his eyes, he said, "Thank you. We surely will."

Carrying the gift in his hand and cradling the bouquet of roses in his arms, Julien hurriedly made his way to the basement parking lot. He strutted toward the sports car.

A thunderous engine roared to life without warning, shattering the icy silence. A blinding flash of light followed, momentarily blinding him as he instinctively raised an arm to protect his eyes.

In that split second, a black vehicle lunged at him, roaring toward him like a beast in the night.

Julien panicked, wanting to jump out of the way, but it was too late.

The white roses slipped from his arms, scattering their petals on the ground.

A piercing screech echoed as the car screeched to a halt just three feet away.

Julien's chest heaved with rapid breaths, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Once the initial shock subsided, he cautiously opened his eyes.

The door of the black car swung open, and a man in dark attire stepped out. He had a well-sculpted face and an air of menace that followed him as he walked toward Julien, each step measured.

"You... You're..." Julien stuttered. He stared fixedly at this man who looked familiar to him.

The stranger stopped, stepping on a white rose petal. He bent down and picked up the greeting card that had fallen from the bouquet. With icy eyes, he glanced at the delicate handwriting on it.

It read, "Although the world holds countless beautiful things, you are the most precious. Like an eternal flame, I will love you till my last breath. Jonah, happy birthday."

The man scoffed. "What a joke. More than that, it's pathetic."

His condescending smirk made Julien's skin crawl.

"Give it back to me!" Anger surged within Julien, and his face turned completely red. He reached out to snatch it from the man, but he easily avoided him.

"Is Jonah that great? Why do you love him so much?"

"That's none of your business. Who the heck are you?" Julien gritted out.

The man smirked. "We've crossed paths before, back in Bernardia."

Julien froze. Recognition and alarm spread through him. "Who are you? Did you follow me to Solana City?" 'It's simple. Come with me if you want to know who I am. I'll fill you in then." The man's gaze lingered on Julien's striking face. "Don't worry, I promise I won't hurt you."

"No. It's Jonah's birthday tonight. Whoever you are, nothing will stop me from being with him."

Julien knelt to retrieve the bouquet of roses, gently brushing away the dust that had settled on the velvety petals.

As he turned to leave, the man spoke again, I know everything about Jonah-things about him that you'll never discover."

He cocked his head and smirked. "Dr. Lovelace, aren't you even a tad curious?'

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2264-Jonah? There was a mystery surrounding Jonah?

Every word was like a blooming poppy, drawing Julien in, tempting him to the point where it was difficult to resist. But that was only because of how deeply he loved Jonah.

And that love was the chink in Julien's armor, leaving him vulnerable to manipulation.

In the end, Julien wavered. In a heavy voice, he asked, "How long will this take? I need to go home to celebrate my lover's birthday.' "It'll be quick."

Uri Holland shut his gloomy eyes. He turned to his side and slipped a hand into his pocket. He gestured to Julien. 'Let's take my car. This way."

As the black vehicle sped through the dark winter night, colorful lights flashed past them on both sides. Seated in the passenger seat, Julien held onto that bouquet of white roses in his arms as he gazed out the window with a restless, doubtful expression.

As Uri drove, he glanced at Julien's strikingly handsome, almost ethereal face as he drove, his gaze unreadable. "What's your name?" Julien asked, trying to gather some sense of security from the man's identity. Not knowing anything left him uneasy.

Uri directed his gaze away from Julien and looked straight ahead. Tightening his grasp on the steering wheel, he answered, "My name is Uri Holland. Spelled U-R-I."

Julien mentally repeated the name. Then, he asked, "You know Jonah? How did you guys meet? Do you have a grudge against him? Or is it some kind of resentment?' Uri did not look at him again or answer any of his questions.

An hour later, the black car pulled into a deserted courtyard and stopped in front of an abandoned villa.

Despite its state of disrepair, Julien could see the villa's potential-it could be a beautiful house if cared for. Its retro Sedonian design immediately caught his eye.

Uri was quite a gentleman. He got out of the car before Julien and opened the car door for him.

In truth, Julien felt a twinge of regret, but at this point, it seemed too late to turn back.

Uri walked ahead without a word while Julien followed behind. Curious, he asked, "Where are we?"

Uri stopped briefly, his voice cold. "Didn't Jonah ever mention that he has a house here?

Julien's eyes dimmed. Shocked, he exclaimed, "Are you saying that this house is Jonah's? Why did he abandon this place then?"

Uri clenched his teeth as he pushed open the heavy door to the villa. "Because a particular incident happened, and he decided that this place no longer meant anything to him."

Inside, the furniture was draped in white cloth. The air was cold, dusty, dark, and oppressive.

As a doctor, Julien was quite particular about cleanliness. Yet, he didn't feel filthy being there. On the contrary, this place somehow evoked sorrow within him. It was as if time and space in this villa had come to a standstill, giving off an explicable feeling of dread.

Uri led Julien to a room upstairs. To Julien's surprise, it was a home theater.

Julien knew that Jonah had a hobby of watching movies.

They, too, had a home theater in their love nest in Mosgravia. Many nights had been spent on that soft sofa bed, Julien lying in Jonah's arms, both of them wrapped in contentment.

They would listen to the tender lines from Grunslandish films, holding each other close, exchanging kisses, and sharing moments of intimacy.

This room was nearly identical to the one they had in Mosgravia.

"What are you trying to tell me?"

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2265-Julien was gradually losing his patience. He glanced at his watch before snapping, "If you've got something to say, spit it out. I'm not wasting more time here."

'Do you like watching movies, Dr. Lovelace?"

Uri disregarded Julien's growing frustration and chuckled slyly. "I know Jonah does. I've got a film he'll find quite special.' As soon as he finished, the large screen came to life, casting a glow on Julien's confused face.

The surround sound system produced amorous-sounding laughter, making it an immersive experience. Julien recognized Jonah's voice quickly. But the other one-the warm, crisp, pleasant voice-belonged to a stranger.

"Jonah, do you love me?" the man in the video asked gleefully.

"I do."

Jonah's deep, raspy voice quivered slightly with emotion. "I love you. Very much. I'll love you forever." Jonah was typically so composed and restrained. Hearing this level of raw passion in his voice was jarring. "What if… I died one day?" The man's voice was gentle though laced with an undercurrent of sorrow. Jonah's breath hitched, and his voice grew thick with emotion. "Don't say that! If you die, I'll die with you." "No, Jonah. I don't want that. I want you to live on. But if that day comes, I hope you'll remember me forever." Julien suddenly felt a rush of heat in his chest, as though all the blood in his body had surged there, crashing violently within him.

With every beat, it fractured further.

His trembling hands gripped the couch, the white roses he held barely steady.

The screen showed Jonah and a striking man, their heads leaning against each other, cheeks pressed together.

Julien's eyes reddened, his gaze locked on the screen. The man looked so much like him, yet Julien knew with painful clarity that it wasn't him Jonah was kissing, cherishing, loving.

The roses slipped from his grasp, scattering across the floor.

On the screen, the pair looked like any couple deeply in love, and Julien was just a bystander, watching their happiness unfold.

The video seemed to be a vlog, shot by Jonah using a handheld camera and documenting their daily life at this villa.

They cooked together, cleaned the courtyard, shared breezy evenings on the balcony, clinked glasses, and laughed as though nothing else in the world mattered. In every frame, that man was Jonah's sole focus.

Julien had lived through those moments too. But now, the memories, once so sweet, were pure agony. The room felt like purgatory, a place where he was being mercilessly tormented.

"Dr. Lovelace, he looks very much like you, doesn't he?"

Uri's voice was hoarse, and his eyes glistened with resentment as he stared at the screen. "Let me introduce him. His name is Blake Holland. He was my younger brother, and Jonah's ex-lover. He was the love of his life."

'Lover… The love of his life…" Julien murmured in disbelief, tears rolling down his cheeks as his body began to tremble.

"But Blake and I aren't biological brothers. We met in an orphanage and grew up together. We became as close as siblings. Since he didn't know his last name, he took mine. And in his words, since my name meant light, he said he would be darkness. That's how he named himself Blake Holland."

Uri forced himself to bear with the wrenching pain in his heart. As he looked toward Julien, whose face had gone stiff and pale, a vicious smile came across his face.

He explained, "Back then, Blake was forced to bear with the pressure of being ostracized, but he chose to be with Jonah. Then, in order not to put Jonah in a tight spot, he died by Jonah's gun.

"It has only been a few years since my younger brother's passing. Yet, Jonah's already forgotten about the man he swore he'd love forever."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2266-Uri pressed on, "More than that, how absurd is it that he found a ridiculous substitute like you? Did he truly think that he was so deeply in love with Blake? Was it because his love for Blake was so unforgettable that he needed someone to ease his lovesickness?"

Substitute, substitute, substitute!

The word sliced through Julien's suffocated heart like a sharp knife.

He had never dared to hope he would be the only one Jonah ever loved. But it would be enough for him to be Jonah's last. He didn't care about the past. Yet, what he couldn't bear was that it was his face-so similar to Jonah's ex-lover-that had drawn Jonah in and made him fall in love.

Uri laughed mockingly. "If I had the chance, I'd ask Judas if he was being fair to Blake by finding a new lover. I'd want to know if he was being fair to you by making you Blake's substitute."

His laughter was so hysterical that tears streamed down his face.

In an extremely sarcastic tone, he continued, "I doubt Jonah feels he made a mistake. He's an arrogant, crazed, and heartless man, willing to do anything to get what he wants. Dr. Lovelace, Judas has been scheming against you for a long time."

He had been scheming against him for a long time?

To hell with those schemes!

Julien staggered back. His moistened eyes became bloodshot. The look in his eyes dimmed as he sank heavily to his knees.

Seconds and minutes passed, and it was well past 8:00 pm.

For Jullen's convenience, Jonah had purchased a four-story villa in a quiet, private area near the center of Solana City. This was their home and his small gift to Julien.

That night, Jonah went to buy two full bags of ingredients and a bottle of fine red wine. He then prepared dinner personally.

Even though it was his birthday, every dish he made was to Julien's preference. He never considered himself Julien was all that mattered to him.

As he served the delectable dishes to the dining table, he was filled with bliss despite being covered in sweat.

He waited and waited, but Julien still had yet to come home. He knew Julien was a workaholic, often losing track of time when busy. But tonight was special; he had promised not to work late.

Jonah couldn't help but feel worried. He pulled out his phone, wanting to call Julien, when his doorbell rang.

He walked to the entrance and opened the door, only to find Alyssa and Sean standing there, arms laden with cake and gifts.

"Jonah, happy birthday."

A warm smile spread across Alyssa's face. She was doing better mentally. Or, at the very least, she looked to be much better.

With a smile on his face, Sean gave Jonah his wishes too. "Happy birthday to you, Mr. Jonah!"

"Thank you. Come in and have a seat."

Jonah felt warmth spread in his chest, but concern quickly followed. "Lyse, you've been discharged from the hospital so soon? Are you doing okay physically?"

"I've been fine for a while now. I'm Iron Woman! Jul is at home, isn't he?"

Alyssa craned her neck and playfully peered into the house, her big, round eyes searching. "Don't worry, Jonah. Sean and I are just here to drop off your gifts. We'll leave right away. We won't third-wheel you two. Time always flies when you're having a good time. I get it…" "Julien isn't home yet."

"He's not? But it's already so late!"

"I was just about to call Julien. I'm not sure if he's being held back at the hospital."

Right at this moment, his phone rang.

Jonah looked down at the screen and saw that the call was from a number he didn't recognize. He frowned. For some reason, his chest tightened too.

He swiped on his phone to answer the call, then held the phone to his ear. In a deep voice, he said, "Hello. Who's calling?"

A man's cold and macking voice came from the other end of the line.

"Happy birthday, Judas."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2267-The night was silent and cold, and a chilling breeze suddenly swept across Jonah's face.

Judas.

That was a name he had not heard in ages. It echoed from a bloody, misty place far away, igniting a storm of turmoil in his chest. The voice that carried it felt vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place it immediately.

"Who are you? Are you an ex-Cloudtop member?" Jonah turned away from Alyssa immediately and lowered his voice as much as he could.

"Jonah.." In an instant, Alyssa sensed something was wrong when she noticed the shift in his expression.

"Judas, high status really does make one forgetful, doesn't it? Uri's icy, sinister voice pierced through Jonah's thoughts like a venomous snake. "It seems that the ever noble Judas has eyes only for Blake."

"You're.. Un Holland?"

An uncertainty clawed at Jonah, and a sharp pain shot through his heart. The night closed in around him like a crushing, mottled wall. Blake-his hidden ex-lover-haunted him still, a scar he dared not revisit. Panic surged within him, sensing something was amiss-Uri's unexpected call and Julien's tardiness.

A wave of dread washed over him as he feared the worst had happened.

Uri chuckled coldly. Judas, sorry to intrude on your romance with him."

"You're with Julien? What are you trying to do?" Jonah clenched his fists so tightly that his veins were bulging.

"I wanted Dr. Lovelace to see your true colors." Uri's laughter dripped with hatred. "Blake died unjustly because of you. I can't bear to see such a nice man like Dr. Lovelace falling for your despicable lies again.

"After all, seeing Dr. Lovelace reminds me of my younger brother who died so tragically. I just couldn't help but feel an urge to save him from the fiery pit."

Jonah's eyes became bloodshot. He snapped, "Un Holland! I know that you've hated me all these years. But just come at me if you have any grievances. Don't hurt Julien!' Uri clicked his tongue. "He's just a substitute to you. You're pretending your love for him is as deep as the sea. Don't you think it's ridiculous that you're putting on such an act in front of me?

Jonah couldn't bear to hear such cruel words. He roared, "No.. He's not a substitute. He's not!"

Alyssa and Sean were just at the door. Naturally, they heard his every word.

Sean was perplexed, but Alyssa, who knew about Jonah's past, had a sudden realization. She felt a chill wash over her.

Uri stopped laughing and bellowed, "If he's not a substitute, what was Blake to you then? You once said you would die with him. What's going on now? Have you forgotten him now that you have a new lover? Your so-called 'love' is worthless! The biggest mistake Blake ever made was to fucking fall in love with you!"

"That's enough!" A primal rage consumed Jonah, causing his body to shake uncontrollably as if a beast had been unleashed within him.

His bloodlust surged. "If you dare to call Julien a 'substitute' again, I will kill you!"

"Come and try. Since Blake's death, every day has been unbearably dull." With malice, he added, "Dr. Lovelace is at the villa in Solana City where you and Blake used to live. Hurry, Judas. I'm sure you'll have an unforgettable 32nd birthday."

With that, Uri ended the call.

Snow fell that night, bringing a sharp chill. Yet Jonah didn't stop to grab a jacket. He dashed from the villa, leaped into his black sports car, and sped away from the courtyard in a flash. "Mr. Jonah!" Sean shouted, alarmed.

Alyssa's heart sank. "Something might have happened to Jul. Let's follow Jonah, quick!

Jonah ran through all the red lights, the engine's roar shattering the night's silence. He gripped the steering wheel, knuckles turning white as he frantically called Julien.

At first, his calls went through, but Julien's phone was off by the third attempt.

"Julien… Julien… Don't scare me!" Jonah gasped, cold sweat beading on his forehead, suffocating fear rising within him.

Every brutal image flashed through his mind, and he felt like he might crumble under the weight of it all.

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2268-Jonah could not bear to think about the void that would swallow him if he lost Julien. The skies could fall and crush him, turning his life into a hopeless wreck. Gasping for breath, Jonah raced into the villa, which was cold, dark, and silent.

Suddenly, memories he had buried deep surged back, overwhelming him. He gripped the hem of his shirt, struggling to steady his breathing while anguish clawed at him. Since Blake's death, he had never returned to this place.

The man he loved had died when Jonah loved him most, and the depth of that devastation was unfathomable to anyone who had not experienced it themselves. But this was not the moment to drown in sorrow.

Jonah called out Julien's name again and again as he searched every room in the house for him.

When he reached the second floor, he spotted lights flickering in the home theater. His heart raced as he burst inside.

'Julien!

Julien sat alone on the couch, a dazed look in his eyes. Scattered around his feet were white roses. The video of Jonah and Blake's intimate moments was still playing on the screen, but it was muted. Julien was staring straight at it. Slowly, his pale lips curled up into a smile. He was mocking himself. "Julien… don't watch. Don't watch that!"

Jonah couldn't tum the screen off. He could only block Julien's view by standing in front of him. "Un's targeting me. Don't let him get to you. Don't believe what he said!"

"Even if 99% of what he said was a lie, one thing was true." Julien raised his swollen eyes to Jonah, a broken smile touching his lips. "That man was the love of your life. Not me."

Jonah's heart sank. "That's not-"

*Actually, your heart… is gone. It's gone to be with that person." Julien's voice dragged out as though he had traversed great distances, wearied by his torment. "He is the love of your life, the one you could have given everything for. As for me, I am merely a balm for your broken heart. A fleeting substitute.

"I know you thought of him during those nights when you held me close. You must feel lucky to have found someone who looks just like him.

*Coincidentally, this person also fell hard for you. But what a pity… nothing can ever compare to that one true love. The fake will always be fake. You cannot deceive yourself about your own feelings."

Tears welled in Jonah's eyes as he shook his head. The pain within him was becoming unbearable.

"I refuse to be a substitute. I would rather die than be someone else's shadow."

With that, Julien pulled a white rose from behind him. His expression turned cold and resolute as he raised the sharpened stalk to his cheek. He dragged it along his cheek, leaving a long, bloody mark.

He smiled and asked, "Look, Jonah. Do I still look like him?"

"Julien! Don't!" Jonah's eyes widened. As he reached for the rose, Julien cut himself again.

The intersecting, bloodied lines on his face mirrored the agony of his shattered heart.

Tears streamed down Jullen's face as he laughed. "Tell me. Do I… still look like him? Do you still want me?" "Don't do this… Julien, please!" Jonah dropped to his knees before him, gripping Julien's wrists. The man who once held such pride now seemed to care for none of it. He cried out, "I beg you…don't hurt yourself. You can do anything to me! Hate me, hit me… kill me! Just don't inflict pain on yourself. Please…"

His love for Julien ran deep, and nothing tormented him more than witnessing this self-inflicted suffering.

"Is your heart aching for me?" Julien laughed, tears and blood staining his cheeks. "No, your heart doesn't ache for me. You're using me to ease your guilt over losing your true love. But now that you've redeemed yourself, who can save me?"

He closed his eyes, letting the white rose slip from his grasp. "Jonah, let's end it here."

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2269-The once pristine white rose petals were now marred by the dark stain of Julien's blood.

'Let's end it here."

Julien's voice was soft, yet those four words shattered Jonah's heart into fragments.

*Julien, I will not allow you to leave me!" Every muscle in Jonah's body trembled with desperation. A ferocious rage ignited in his eyes. "I know who I love. You are not a substitute for anyone! Julien, don't leave me… I cannot let you go!"

Panic coursed through him.

He cried and pleaded, desperately trying to hold Julien back. Tom between gentleness and force, he was willing to accept any outcome as long as the man he adored stayed with him.

The first time it happened, Jonah had barely survived the emotional turmoil. If it happened again, it would drive him to the brink of insanity and death.

His breathing became ragged; his bloodshot eyes blazed with determination.

With open arms, Jonah moved to embrace Julien, who had been reduced to pieces. But just as he leaned in, a sharp pain shot through his left eye.

"Don't touch me!" In a moment of uncontrolled rage, Julien had grabbed another rose, dragging its thorny stem across Jonah's face.

Jonah was fortunate to have closed his eyes just in time; otherwise, that thom could have slashed his eyeball, leaving him blinded.

Julien stared at the bloodied cut on Jonah's face, momentarily forgetting his own pain. Dazed, his hands trembled as the instinct to care for Jonah flickered within him. Yet he fought against it, forcing out the words," Jonah, you need to go to the hospital- Jonah couldn't be bothered about himself. A drop of blood trickled down his face. Fiercely, he pulled Julien into his arms. "Promise me, then… Don't break up with me!"

*Jonah, I admit that I still love you. But now that it has come to this, I'm unable to convince myself to stay with you."

Despite allowing Jonah to hold him, Julien's eyes were vacant. All the passion that he once had in his eyes had disappeared.

"Even if I force myself to stay in this relationship, living by your side in the future will only make me feel like I'm acting as somebody else. That initial purity of your love for me is now gone. Yet, what I want, in particular, is just that bit of purity."

As he said that, he smiled. In a throaty voice, he continued, "I really envy you and him. It was thanks to him that I was able to have such an unforgettable relationship with you. Jonah, that's enough. This is it for us…"

By the time Alyssa and Sean arrived, Julien had already left.

In the expansive room, Jonah knelt, a forlorn shadow of his former self.

Alyssa's heart sank. She stumbled backward slightly. The man before her was alive but resembled an empty shell, crushed and battered.

"Ms. Alyssa, what in the world happened to Mr. Jonah and Dr. Lovelace?" Sean questioned anxiously. He had been probing her the entire journey there but was unable to get a single answer from her.

He had assisted Jonah for a few years when Jonah was KS Group's president. Yet, he had never seen him looking as devastated as this!

Alyssa took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain composed. "Sean, wait for me outside. Let me have a talk with Jonah in private."

Knitting his brows together, Sean nodded. He had no other option but to retreat and wait outside the door. Looking at Jonah's downcast expression, Alyssa welled up with tears. She walked to his side slowly, knelt down, and picked up the roses that had scattered across the floor, one at a time.

When she picked up the greeting card containing Julien's heartfelt confession, she couldn't contain herself any longer. Tears blurred her vision, smudging the elegant words.

Following that, a ball of fury exploded within her.

She was usually composed, but she could not hold back when her loved ones were suffering! Moreover, it was Jonah's birthday today.

Stirring up such a huge commotion on such an important day was the cruelest way to break a person's heart. Undoubtedly, they had rattled her cage.

*Jonah, I've mentioned this to you in the very first place. If you are both in love with one another, you have to give one another your absolute trust.

"Not only do you have to be honest with one another physically, it's the same emotionally too. You can never hide anything from one another, especially when it comes to your feelings."

Alyssa knelt right next to Jonah. In a raspy voice, she continued, "I believe you're deeply in love with Jul. But you cannot deny the fact that you were once attracted to him because of how much he resembled your ex.

"You should have been frank with him much earlier on. But Jonah, you didn't. Instead, you hid the truth from him till this day. Jul put all his trust and invested all his emotions in you. This was why this ended up being such a mighty blow to him.

"How could he take it? How could he continue to stay by your side? He's such a proud person… He's risked everything to be with you. Yet, you lied to him from the very beginning…"

*Julien isn't like Blake… Other than their locks, they're not alike at all…" Jonah's head hung low as he replied, his voice bitter and weak. "Julien isn't gentle. He's capricious, arrogant, and rebellious. At times, he's even more unreasonable than a woman…"

Can Not Win Me Back Chapter 2270-'But I just love him… I can't stop myself from loving him," Jonah said.

Alyssa blinked hard to stop herself from crying. Many a time, Julien was like the male version of herself. At the same time, Jonah's love for Julien was just like how Jasper used to love her. How could he be so affectionate and tolerant if he wasn't in love with him to the core?

"Lyse… I was wrong. I've made a grave mistake." Jonah's broad shoulders trembled violently. "It was true that I was attracted by Julien's looks. However, what I love is his soul.

'At the same time, I was afraid of Julien leaving me because of my past with Blake… So, I didn't dare to be honest with him. I was too embarrassed to tell him the truth. I wanted to give him a perfect relationship.

"I was wrong… If I had known… If I had known that it would turn out like this…

Jonah choked back his tears and couldn't bring himself to continue speaking. The thorns on that stalk of rose that he was clutching tightly onto pierced into his palm.

Alyssa kept her cool. In a soft voice, she asked, "Jonah, you received a call before you came here. Who called you?

"Uri Holland… He's an older guy whom Blake met when he was at the orphanage. They were as close as blood brothers. Both of them were my core subordinates when I was leading Cloudtop."

"Has this person always been pestering you in secret?"

Jonah shook his head. "He has never shown up ever since I disbanded Cloudtop after Blake's passing."

Alyssa frowned. A suspicion rose within her. "Of all times, he chose to wait till today? All just because he can give you an 'unforgettable' birthday?"

The more she thought about it, the more bizarre it felt.

When Jonah and Julien's relationship was revealed back then, it caused an uproar and even became a trending topic on Twitter.

Uri had probably already found out that Jonah found a lover who looked incredibly similar to his younger brother. He endured silently for a whole year and didn't take any action. Of all times, he put in so much effort to have an outburst at this time?

Was it all so that he could avenge his dead younger brother?

Alyssa kept getting the feeling that this wasn't such a simple matter.

*Jonah, let's talk in detail later on. You're hurt. Let me take you to the hospital."

Alyssa went forward to help Jonah up. Nevertheless, having just recovered from a major affliction herself, she wasn't strong enough physically to help the strong-bodied Jonah up.

"Lyse… I want Julien."

Jonah's eyes filled with tears. Even though the pain in his left eye was so intense that he couldn't keep that eye open, he gazed at Alyssa. "I don't love anyone else… Julien is the only one I love. I want him to come back…" 'Jonah, let's go to the hospital now!" Alyssa's heart wrenched at the sight of the wound on his face. "I'll talk to Jul. He loves you too. I'm sure he can't bear to leave you either!"

Jonah insisted on going with Alyssa to see Julien, but she forbade him from doing so.

For one, she was worried about Jonah's eye injury. Secondly, under a circumstance like this, it wasn't the right time for them to meet. They each needed time to cool down. Otherwise, they would just be making the situation worse.

Sean accompanied Jonah to the hospital while Alyssa tried to contact Julien, albeit to no avail.

Solana City was massive. Even if she sent people to look for him, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. More than that, she was worried about Julien doing something foolish.

Out of desperation, she contacted Axel.

An hour later, Axel got back to her. "Dr. Lovelace is in the departure hall at Solana City International Airport. He purchased a red-eye flight to Mosgravia, and the flight will be taking off in an hour's time!"

Wasting no time, Alyssa drove her sports car and sped toward the airport.

The night was cold and dark. Even with the high beam, her visibility was not as great as it was during the day. Moreover, the recent snowfall meant that the road conditions weren't ideal and speeding became extremely dangerous.

However, Alyssa didn't have the time to think of all these. For Jonah's sake, she had to stop Julien from leaving tonight no matter what!

Alyssa's heart pounded against her chest as she sped up to 110 miles per hour, or perhaps even higher, on the empty freeway.

Her driving skills were superb. Even if the road conditions weren't great, she was confident that she would be able to get to the airport before the plane took off.

She mumbled softly, "Jul, don't go… Don't leave us!"

Her chest was in a knot as she rubbed her moistened and swollen eyes.

All of a sudden, a beam of white light flashed from behind her.

Feeling confused, she looked into the rearview mirror. Nonetheless, all she saw was the freeway with no end. There was nothing else there.

At this very moment, a black vehicle came at her suddenly from her right, closing in on her from the side. Alyssa widened her eyes in shock. Immediately, she turned the steering wheel.

Bang!