Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Chapter 338
Zoe blushed instantly, feeling awkward.
“She hasn’t used those silverware yet, Jasper. Don’t worry about saliva.” Landon frowned, defending his
sister.
“I’m sorry, Jasper. I’ll use a clean fork.”
Zoe then used a new fork to serve Jasper the seafood paella, but Jasper stopped her once again. “I can help myself.”
That made Zoe pout. “We used to be inseparable, Jasper. Have a few years apart really changed our
bond? Remember how we used to share the same ice cream?”
“We were children then. Now, none of us are.” Jasper looked away, scooping some stir-fried garlic green beans into his plate
before eating them.
Zoe bit her lip and silently ate her helping of paella, expression upset.
Jasper gazed at the spread of food on the table and remembered how Alyssa used to cook these for him,
too.
These dishes took a long time to prepare. Alyssa usually spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen making
them until oil and vapor stained her skin. Yet, he never once thanked her for them.
Even as they were cooked masterfully, on par with some of the renowned chefs in the country, Jasper still
never admitted or acted on the urge to have second helpings.
He remembered how Alyssa would gaze at him with hopeful expectation, waiting for words of
encouragement or praise, but more often than not, end up with disappointment and sadness.
For some reason, Jasper’s heart always hurt a little when he saw her like that.

But Alyssa would always regain her spirits and beam at him, saying, “That’s okay. I’ll do better next time!”
With Alyssa’s words resonating in his thoughts, Jasper found himself uncertain if there would ever be
another opportunity.
The food in his mouth started tasting more like wax than anything.
“Jasper, is it true that your company is competing with KS World Hotel to organize Ada Kingsley’s
wedding? I heard it from Betty,” Zoe asked curiously.
Zoe continued, “I heard she’s coming to Solana City in the next few days. Are you planning to host a
12
Landon couldn’t help but quip, “So goddamned sour.”
“Landon!”
“Fuck you, I was talking about the orange!”
Jasper followed Landon to his family home in the evening for dinner. He had known Landon’s mother,
Penelope Miller since he was a child.
Despite their familiarity, he remained courteous and brought several presents for her benefit, from aged wines to gold pendants.
Penelope was just as generous and kind to Jasper. She had prepared a feast for dinner, including many of
his favorites.
“You’re biased, Mom!” Landon huffed. “You didn’t even make one favorite of mine. I knew bringing Jasper
over those years ago was a bad idea!”
“Unlike Jasper here, you’ve eaten my cooking for over 20 years. Of course I have to treat him right this
once. You just be quiet and enjoy the meal.”

Penelope was quite fond of Jasper, having treated him like a son for years. “Try some of this. I remember
you told me you liked it after school one time.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Harper,” Jasper smiled, thanking his godmother.
“Eat up, Jasper!” Zoe sat beside him and scooped some paella into his plate. “Here, I made this just for
you. Try it!”
But before the rice could reach Jasper’s plate, Jasper stopped her. “Thank you, but I can help myself.”