Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"Cyrus, what's wrong?" Lauren asked with concern when she noticed his expression.
"Nothing. Let's keep going," Cyrus replied with a forced smile.
He draped his arm over Lauren's shoulder without fully touching her as they moved forward with the crowd, all the while discreetly scanning their
surroundings like radar.
At that moment, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
Cyrus took it out and looked at the screen, only to see a text message containing just four words. "Don't panic. It's me."
His sharp eyes slightly narrowed, and his tense heart relaxed.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the crowd, Landon stood in a corner. Despite keeping a low profile, his tall and handsome figure still caught the attention of those around him.
Amidst the lively atmosphere filled with joy and laughter, Landon appeared lonely and desolate, like an elderly man in his twilight years.
His gaze followed Cyrus and Lauren closely, never leaving their backs.
The sun was lovely that day. Under the warm and radiant light, Lauren, under Cyrus' care, had a bright smile. Seeing this, Landon felt as if a flower was blooming in his heart.
Landon gazed intently as Lauren's figure gradually blurred, fading even the hint of tenderness that lingered at the corner of his eye.
Hearing footsteps, he knew it was Angelina approaching. He suppressed his strong emotions and chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Lauren always told me she wanted a normal life. I never understood what a normal life was, but I think... I understand now. But it's too late."
Angelina felt a pang in her heart and quickly reassured him, "It's not too late, Mr. Landon. It's never too late to win back Madam Lauren."
"I never took her out for a good time-like Cyrus is doing now."
Tears glistened in Landon's reddened eyes, and his voice became hoarse like a whisper. "I thought I was giving her what she wanted, but I never once asked her..."
What she wanted.
Well, he did ask before, but amidst her repeated answers of "I want to be with you", he gradually forgot to pursue her true desires.
"Mr. Landon, let's get a bit closer," Angelina suddenly suggested.
Landon pursed his lips and ultimately shook his head. "She rarely comes out. Seeing me would ruin her mood."
Angelina's eyes shimmered. Suddenly struck by an idea, she smiled and said, "If you're willing to set aside your pride and status, leave the rest to me."
Cyrus hadn't been to an amusement park for around four years. The last time he went to one was to apprehend a fugitive.
Fortunately, he had done his homework in advance. He knew which rides were fun and which food was good.
What surprised him was that Lauren, who appeared delicate and gentle, opted specifically for thrilling rides like roller coasters and turbo drops.
After a series of rides, Cyrus felt a bit dizzy, yet she seemed completely unfazed, showing no signs of exhaustion.
The age difference was quite significant. Cyrus had to acknowledge that he was getting older.
"Lauren, aren't you afraid of all these high-altitude rides?" Cyrus handed her a strawberry-flavored ice cream with a smile.
"Nope. I like standing in high places and the feeling of flying. It makes me feel free unrestrained."
Lauren licked her ice cream and revealed a satisfied smile. "It's so sweet. Thank you, Cyrus."
Cyrus suddenly felt sorry for her.