Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Jasper suddenly stiffened, as if held in place by an invisible force.
"What did you say? Justin is back?" Javier's eyes sparkled with joy. His delight was evident. "Where is he now?"
"He's in the basement parking lot. I ran into him when I came back from running errands," Rory replied.
"Why didn't he tell us that he was coming back?" Javier complained with a smile on his face.
"I've exchanged a few words with him. He knew that if he informed you in
advance, you would prepare extensively. He didn't want to cause you any trouble, so he kept it a secret."
"He's really considerate."
Javier quickly instructed Jasper, "Jasper, go inform your grandpa. I'll go down to see Justin first."
As Jasper watched their retreating figures, his hand clenched into a fist.
When the Becketts arrived at the parking lot, Justin was sitting calmly in a wheelchair, wearing a gentle smile.
"Justin!" Javier called out joyfully and hurried over to him.
Not far behind him, Jasper and Alyssa were supporting Newton. So, they were walking rather slowly.
"Grandpa, Dad, Jasper, you're all here."
Justin gently smiled, and his tender gaze finally rested on Alyssa's calm face. "And Ms. Alyssa too. You didn't have to come all the way here."
"It's nothing. You're Jasper's brother, so you're my brother too. I should show you respect, of course," Alyssa responded with a polite smile but was secretly scrutinizing Justin.
She had thought about this day before; she just hadn't expected it to arrive so
soon.
Before meeting him, she had always demonized him, considering him a hidden enemy who could return at any time to challenge Jasper.
But upon meeting Justin today, she couldn't find a trace of hostility in him. His clear and gentle eyes were devoid of any contention. Even his friendly smile seemed to effortlessly bridge the gap between him and others, emanating an air of humility and elegance that befitted a true gentleman.
"Welcome back, Justin," Jasper said warmly. However, there was an
indiscernible frown, hinting at his conflicted emotions; he didn't know what was wrong with him.
Justin was merely greeting Alyssa, yet Jasper's chest suddenly tightened, and he felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
Supporting Newton, Alyssa felt a scalding heat on the back of her hand.
Alyssa glanced down. Jasper had secretly slipped his hand into hers, his fingers lacing with hers as they both supported Newton.
Their fingers were tightly pressed together, causing her to feel numb.
Alyssa cast a surprised glance at Jasper. But Jasper's gaze remained fixed ahead; his expression appeared serene, yet the tense set of his jaw hinted at the emotions he was holding back.
"Justin, why didn't you tell me and your dad in advance that you're coming back? We could have prepared something to welcome you. This is too abrupt." Newton smiled kindly.
"We're all family, Grandpa. There's no need for any preparation. Or do you see me as an outsider because I've been away for so long?" Justin's smile deepened gradually.