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.
Jasper clenched his fists under the table, his emotions churning in his eyes.
"Justin, if you had given something else, I would have gladly accepted it. But you gave a hair clip. I cannot accept this."
Justin raised an eyebrow imperceptibly at those words.
"Men giving women hair clips as a symbol of love is a tradition in our 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 appropriate to me."
Newton suddenly realized what had happened.
No wonder Jasper's expression had changed so drastically earlier. If it were him, he would have exploded by now.
Javier frowned. "Jasper, are you being too sensitive? Justin is a man. How could he possibly understand women's accessories? You're being too picky."
"I'm sorry." Justin smiled with some embarrassment. "I've been living abroad for so long that I've forgotten about these customs and traditions. Please forgive me, Jasper."
Jasper's gaze deepened. "It's okay."
Feeling stifled, Jasper made an excuse and left the table to get some fresh air in the backyard.
Although he had said it was fine, how could he truly feel that way?
Most of the gifts Justin brought were expensive antiques. While abroad, his living environment exuded classical elegance, with artistic flair evident everywhere.
How could he not understand the significance of giving a hair clip to a woman?
Jasper tugged at his tie but still felt suffocated. Had Justin really forgotten about that tradition, or was he testing his boundaries?
Just then, voices from the garden interrupted his thoughts.
Jasper walked over to see Barry and the helpers gathered in the pavilion by the pond, observing something with great interest.
The two helpers greeted respectfully, "Mr. Jasper."
"What's going on in there?" Jasper asked casually.
"It's Ms. Gillis who came back with Mr. Justin. She's treating a leg injury for the doe in our yard," one of the helpers exclaimed with admiration.
"We don't know how the doe hurt its leg, but it was writhing in pain on the ground. Barry was going to call a vet, but Ms. Gillis bandaged the doe's leg herself. She's really skilled."
Jasper's indifferent
gaze fell on Sheryl.
Her beautiful face was serene as she kneeled on one knee. Her clean, white pants were stained with dirt, but she paid no attention to it. She focused only on bandaging the injured doe's leg.
Her movements were deft and skilled, indicating her professionalism.
The scene before Jasper caused his eyes to narrow slightly.
"You're alright now," Sheryl said softly, gently patting the doe's hindquarters. "Go play."
The doe stood up unsteadily and tested its injured front leg before darting out of the pavilion with a bleat. It brushed past Jasper as it went.