Can’t Win Me Back novel (Alyssa and Jasper) novel Chapter 1825

"I'm sure." Lauren nodded firmly.

In an unusual departure from his usual composure, Cyrus fixated on the portrait, his usually steady demeanor giving way to a tense stillness, his eyes tinged with red.

Concerned, Lauren approached him, noting the uncharacteristic reaction. "Cyrus, are you alright?"

Cyrus responded hoarsely, "I'm sorry. I need to go to the restroom. Where is it?"

Jasper raised his hand, indicating the direction. Cyrus immediately left with purposeful strides.

"Lyse, do you recognize him?" Jasper hugged Alyssa by the waist and asked with anxious urgency.

Alyssa took a deep breath, striving to quell her tumultuous emotions. "He bears a striking resemblance to my late brother, Damien, who perished in a plane crash."

Jasper and Lauren widened their eyes in disbelief.

Damien's untimely demise had left an enduring wound in the Taylor family's collective heart. Tears welled in Alyssa's eyes as she reflected on the painful memory.

"Our family refrained from discussing Damien ever since his passing, especially in the presence of Mandy and Cyrus. Not out of forgetfulness, but because his memory was too painful to confront."

Alyssa closed her eyes, inundated by memories. The ache of loss resurfaced, threatening to overwhelm her. "I can still vividly recall the day of Damien's passing. Clad in his pilot uniform and a piece of luggage in hand, he stood in the sunlit courtyard, waving goodbye with such vitality.

"We never imagined it would be our final farewell.

A fleeting goodbye transformed into an eternal parting.

Jasper's grip on Alyssa tightened, a heavy sadness settling upon him like an oppressive weight, suffocating in its intensity.

He wanted to offer solace, yet any words seemed feeble in the shadow of such profound loss.

Lauren's sudden realization jolted her, her gaze following Cyrus' departure with concern etched on her features.

"The person in the portrait doesn't only look like Damien; he is the spitting image of him!"

Alyssa's trembling fingertips tightened around the paper. "But the authorities confirmed there were no survivors from Damien's flight. It's inconceivable..."