Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Justin saved Jasper at the cost of destroying his almost perfectly healthy body. If he had done so just to put on a show in front of him, what was his purpose for doing so?
Meanwhile, at Crescent Bay, today marked the day Cyrus and Lauren had planned to visit the amusement park for some fun. Cyrus got ready and came over to Crescent Bay early so that he could pick Lauren up.
Much to his surprise, Mandy insisted on coming along with him. She wanted to come and dote on her future daughter-in-law.
It was rare for Mandy and Cyrus to visit Crescent Bay. Thus, Newton came out in person to welcome them. It was his way of showing them his respect.
"Are you Cyrus? You are one fine-looking man!"
Newton couldn't stop beaming when he saw Cyrus. He laughed, "Mrs. Taylor, your son looked exactly like Winston when he was young! I would've recognized him as Winston's son even if you didn't say a word!"
"Jonah, Silas, and Lyse bear even more resemblance to Winston." Mandy smiled warmly.
"My Dad's genes are too strong," Cyrus joked.
"Nice one! I like this chap! He's not reserved at all, just like Winston."
Newton patted Cyrus on the shoulder. He then looked at Ben. "Ben, let Lauren know that Cyrus is here."
"I'm here, Grandpa."
Lauren trudged down the stairs with her teddy bear in her arms. She greeted Mandy and Cyrus politely, "Hi, Mrs. Taylor. Hi, Cyrus."
She was well-mannered, reflecting the good upbringing that she had as a daughter of a plutocrat.
Mandy rushed forward to hold Lauren's hand. She looked at her adoringly.
No matter how humiliating the rumors were and how much they hurt her, she was unaffected by them. She had the mental clarity to distinguish and the eyes to see that she was a rare treasure. It was the other people who were blind.
Suddenly, Mandy froze. She noticed that Lauren had nothing on her wrists. She hadn't worn the bracelet that she'd given her.
Mandy couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed.
Lauren was observant. She quickly explained, "Uh... I wanted to wear it initially. But it was too expensive. I was afraid that I'd break it." "No worries, my dear."
Deep down, Mandy panicked for a moment. Then, she caressed Lauren's hand gently, "Since I've already gifted it to you, it's yours. It's up to you if you want to wear it or otherwise. It's alright with me."
Lauren nodded shyly.
Cyrus had remained standing behind Mandy. His eyes were fixed on Lauren. His breathing quickened, and his heart started beating faster.
He saw that she had smiled. He unwittingly mirrored her and smiled too.
"Look at Cyrus' expression, Ben. Does he look more like a human now?" Newton nudged Ben, who was standing beside him.
"Mr. Beckett Senior, of course Cyrus looks like a human." Ben was amused.
Newton clicked his tongue. "Hey! Looking for trouble, aren't you?"
He rolled his eyes at him. Then, he chuckled, "He looks exactly like Jasper when he gawks at Lauren!
Jasper has that exact same foolish look on his face when he stares at Lyse. How adorable!"
Ben coughed softly. He couldn't help but grin. "It's Ms. Lauren who's outstanding enough. That was how she caught his attention."
"Mr. Beckett Senior, Cyrus came over to bring Lauren out for some fun today."
Mandy smiled. "Cyrus has never taken a woman out on a date on his own. He felt shy and decided to bring me along as his confidence boost."
"Mom, when did I ever. Oof!"
Cyrus was defending himself when Mandy stepped on his foot mid-sentence. He swallowed back his words.
Lauren watched all these happen. She smiled slightly. There was a glimmer in her eyes.
Newton laughed. "That's great! It's good to go out and have some fun. She'll be bored staying with me all the time.
"Go ahead, Lauren. Have a fun day with Cyrus. You don't have to rush back home."
As this was something that they had planned in advance, Lauren didn't hesitate. She simply responded, "I'll get going then, Grandpa. Take care, and remember to take your medications."
"Don't worry about me. Off you go, now!" Newton waved them off.
Right at that moment, a roaring voice interrupted the light-hearted atmosphere.
"Don't leave! Stay right here!"