Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper and Alyssa exchanged astonished looks. Cyrus, no doubt, must have been referring to Lauren.
After that, they heard Mandy's shocked gasp. "Cyrus, what are you talking about? Marrying Lauren? Since when have you caught feelings for her?
"Tell me, what role did you play in the breakup between Lauren and Landon? For heaven's sake, please don't tell me you came between them. You're only going to humiliate me. A Taylor son can be gay, but he shouldn't break up relationships!"
Cyrus, Jasper, and Alyssa stared at Mandy speechlessly.
After some silence, Cyrus explained bitterly, "I gave up on Lauren because I saw how much she and Landon were in love. Landon seemed to care for her very much, and I did not want to stir trouble. All I wanted for Lauren was a smooth sailing relationship."
Alyssa lowered her gaze and let out a quiet sigh. Cyrus and Lauren shared a similarity in that they always prioritize the needs of others before themselves. They were both empathetic and sensitive.
Frankly, Alyssa had thought over the scenario many times would Lauren be happier with Cyrus? Alas, hypothetical questions were useless in relationships.
"But she's going to marry a man she doesn't love!" Cyrus said, gripped by a pressing and intense worry from suppressing his desire for too long. "If so, Mom, I want to satisfy myself for once. I'd like to pursue Lauren. I'd like to—"
"Since the news is out, it means that Lauren's marriage to Freddy Hogdson is a done deal. What are you doing, coming between them at this time?" Mandy sighed. "Besides, as you said, Lauren and Landon were in love. Even if they have broken up... Son, you might not win Lauren's heart.
"To be honest, Landon will forever be her first love. Are you confident in spending your life with a woman whose heart belongs to another man? Are you sure you'll never feel regretful or disgruntled?
It's a tougher path than you think."
"Mom, you knew Dad loved someone else when you married him. But have you once regretted choosing him?" Cyrus directed a pointed question at Mandy.
Jasper felt Alyssa tightening her grip on his arm. He quickly turned to look at her and noticed her pale face.
Mandy replied in a low mumble, "My situation was different from yours."
"Mom, there is something we share in common. I will choose what I want. As for the rest, I do not care." Cyrus let out a deep, bitter chuckle. "My principle is to keep my loved ones happy. If I can't do that, what principles are left for me to hold on to?"
You brat-
"Mandy, Cyrus." Alyssa entered the room with Jasper at that moment.
Mandy's expression froze upon seeing them. Cyrus sprung from his seat. "Lyse, did you overhear-" Alyssa smiled. "I overheard your conversation just now. But I didn't do it on purpose."
Jasper pressed his lips softly at her remark. She certainly didn't do it on purpose, huh? He knew she had a habit of eavesdropping; she was like a walking bug.
Cyrus held his breath and stared at Alyssa earnestly. "Lyse, since you heard what we just said, I have nothing more to hide from you. I'd like to take my shot with Lauren. Do you mind?"
Mandy's face remained clouded by troubles. "Cyrus, you're my only son, not to mention you haven't dated before. Do you truly understand love?
"All you do is investigate cases in the police force. I bet you've seen more dead women than the ones alive. How can you be sure Lauren is who you want when you've only met her four times so far? What if you run into someone more suitable and capable than her? What would you do then?"
"My dad's various flaws did not stop you from falling in love with him at first sight," Cyrus retorted.
One could only wonder what Winston would think of his son's comment. Meanwhile, Mandy was annoyed and speechless at her son's remark. What a good son Cyrus was!
"Or... does Lauren's condition bother you?"
"Cyrus!" Alyssa had to jump in. "Mandy will never think of Lauren in that way. You shouldn't have asked the question in the first place."
Cyrus, realizing that he had overstepped, looked downcast. "Mom, I'm sorry."
"Well, I could tell you really love Lauren," remarked Mandy.