Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"When I saw this hair clip, I really liked it and thought it would suit Ms. Alyssa," Justin said with a warm and sincere smile. "Jasper, it's just a small token of my congratulations. I hope you'll like it."

With a snap, Jasper closed the satin-lined box and pushed it back to the center of the table. His eyes darkened with an inscrutable depth. "This gift is too valuable. I can't accept it, but I'll thank you on behalf of Lyse."

Justin showed no sign of embarrassment. He still maintained his gentle smile as he met Jasper's gaze.

"What are you doing, Jasper?" Javier intervened, his displeasure evident.

"Justin has come back after so long and generously prepared gifts for the family, even considering your girlfriend. Are your standards so high that you can't even appreciate what he has given?

"Think about how Justin has treated you since childhood. Even if you don't like it, you shouldn't refuse. It's so rude!"

"Don't get worked up, Dad." Justin coughed lightly before saying gently, "It's nothing serious. We're finally all together as a family. Let's not let a small matter spoil the atmosphere."

"Jasper, just accept Justin's gift. He was just being thoughtful," Newton added, giving Jasper a meaningful glance.

He was on Jasper's side, but from his perspective, he couldn't see what was inside the box. He just wanted to smooth things over.

After all, Jasper's relationship with Javier had only recently begun to improve. There was no need to create more tension over such a trivial matter.

table, his emotions churning

would have gladly accepted it.

eyebrow imperceptibly at those

country." Jasper's voice was low and tinged with a hint of coldness. "Lyse is your sister-in-law, Justin. The gift you've chosen doesn't seem

realized what

If it were him, he would

is a man. How

sorry." Justin smiled with some embarrassment. "I've been living abroad for so long that I've forgotten

gaze deepened.

excuse and left the table to

had said it was fine, how could he

were expensive antiques. While abroad, his living environment exuded classical

significance of

tugged at his tie but still felt suffocated. Had Justin really

from the garden interrupted

over to see Barry and the helpers gathered in the pavilion by the pond, observing something with