Chapter 54
Alyssa wasn’t in the mood to go to the hotel. She decided to head home. Sean remained silent for a long time. Finally, he asked, “Ms. Alyssa, does Jasper still not know that you are the heiress of the Taylor family?”
“Yeah,” Alyssa replied softly, looking melancholic.
Sean understood. No wonder she asked for a stand–in when Jasper visited her last time.
“Sean, I didn’t mean to keep it from you …”
“I understand.” Sean interrupted.
Alyssa raised her brows in astonishment.
“Who wants to dredge up heartache? Naturally, I prefer to keep it locked away, never to be touched again. I was just concerned about you. I worried Mr. Taylor would feel heartbroken and upset if he ever found out,” Sean continued. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as his eyes glistened with moisture.
Alyssa was the center of the family’s universe, beloved by all. But to her dismay, she had been mistreated by that despicable scoundrel, Jasper. If Winston were to find out, he’d probably be so furious that he’d wield a fifty–meter–long sword in his rage.
“I guess keeping it a secret was just a momentary decision. Besides, after a failed marriage, I only want to focus on myself. I have no intention of marrying again,” Alyssa said as she closed her eyes.
Alyssa couldn’t shake off Jasper’s cutting words from her mind. With a wistful smile, she uttered, “It’s meaningless.”
Sean stated firmly, “I won’t marry unless you do.”
Alyssa hastily protested, “No, no, no. You should. You’re my secretary, not joining a convent. I don’t want rumors suggesting people work for me out of virtuous devotion. That would tarnish my reputation.”
Sean managed a sheepish smile. His heart filled with bitterness. He knew he wasn’t worthy, but he was willing to protect the flame in his heart.
“Ms. Alyssa, why did you choose to marry Jasper?” Sean asked. His eyes narrowed with curiosity and a hint of melancholy. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry…”
Alyssa’s expression turned sorrowful. A whirlwind of emotions rushed through her. “It’s alright, Sean. I don’t mind sharing,” she replied.
“When I was eleven, I participated in a school mountain–climbing activity. My mother had left me a precious heirloom. It was a sapphire pendant, which I accidentally lost on the mountain. Despite the teacher’s warnings, I ventured into the dark, determined to find it.
“Not only did I get lost, but I also encountered a powerful typhoon. I was trapped deep in the mountains with no cellphone signal. It was a harrowing experience, and I almost faced death.
“Jasper was a forest ranger in the national park for the summer break. He didn’t hesitate to lead a team when he heard about my predicament. He braved the extreme weather to search for me on the mountain.
Alyssa continued, “I opened my eyes and saw Jasper in his mountaineering attire. His handsome face was drenched from the rain, and his beautiful eyes shone brightly. He outshone the vast expanse of stars, and I can’t even begin to describe how charming he looked …”
“Fantastic! Don’t worry. I’ll carry you down the mountain!” Their first encounter was enchanted. It left a lasting impression on Alyssa’s heart that she couldn’t shake off.
“On our way back, he carried me all the way. He made sure I didn’t fall asleep. He kept telling me the lamest jokes. His sense of humor was dreadful.” Alyssa recalled with a peaceful expression. She smiled.
“Young lady, what might be your name? Not telling? Well then, I’ll call you Little One. Little person, little mouth, little nose…”
“You only need to tell me that, young lady. Don’t go sharing it with other boys.”
+15 BONOS
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