Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

In that moment, the room seemed to fall into a hushed stillness, with only the sound of Landon's heartbeat echoing in his ears.

The pages of this diary had turned yellow; Angelina must have used it for years.

With fingers wracked by tremors, Landon carefully opened the diary. Angelina's lack of formal education was evident, yet her handwriting surprised him. It was neat and firm, almost masculine, mirroring his own.

A pang of bittersweet understanding shot through him. His father had taught him to write, and Angelina, ever- present by his side, had absorbed it all. More accurately, her life revolved around him, and this unconscious mimicry was a testament to that devotion.

The diary wasn't a daily record but a collection of moments Angelina deemed precious. One entry read, "Went to Mr. Bill's funeral today with Mr. Landon. Now that he's gone, the burden of the family falls on Mr. Landon's shoulders. The road ahead won't be easy, but he doesn't have to face it alone. I'm here. Mr. Bill, rest easy. Even if the sky falls, I'll always protect Mr. Landon." Another entry spoke in a lighter mood. "Mr. Landon's been acting strangely lately. Uncharacteristically cheerful during meals. Could he be seeing someone special? I wonder who unlocked the door to his guarded heart. I'd love to meet her." One entry gushed about Lauren. "Ms. Lauren is such a charming lady. Mr. Landon has impeccable taste!" Another entry read, "Mr. Landon, this marks our 14th New Year together. I've never experienced a family reunion, but now that you have Madam Lauren, this occasion must hold special significance for you. For me, it remains the same." "Mr. Landon, the moon is particularly beautiful tonight. It reflects the love that I'll never confess to you." Landon's hands trembled as he held the diary, tears welling in his eyes, one eventually slipping between the lines of writing, staining the page with his pain.

An old newspaper clipping, dated ten years prior, caught his attention, the image blurred by tears. It depicted the Harper family visiting Bill's grave.

In the photograph, Landon exuded confidence, handsomeness, and charm as he followed behind Cornelius, bearing the air of the head of the household. Close behind him trailed Angelina, dressed in a black bodyguard uniform, her high ponytail and youthful features contrasting with Landon's mature demeanor.

Though the photo was slightly blurred, Angelina's gaze fixed on Landon's back shone with brightness and warmth.

She had watched over him day and night, a silent guardian, even though her feelings remained unreciprocated. "Today, you casually asked if I liked anyone. You said to let you know so you could check him out. Only God knows how my heart raced at that moment." "You were always worried I'd becan old spinster if I kept following you around. You asked if I ever thought about getting married. Truthfully, I have—I've been married to you in my heart all along." "Mr. Landon, I have only one wish in this life-to see you truly happy. Please don't letdown." Clutching the diary tightly, Landon sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face. What began as sobs soon escalated into heart-wrenching wails. Angelina had loved him for years, and he, a blind fool, had never noticed.

He loved Lauren deeply, so he understood the pain of unrequited love.

And yet, Angelina had endured this pain silently, standing by his side as he loved another. How could she not have felt hurt? Why would she continue to offer her unwavering loyalty despite the constant ache in her heart? Landon couldn't believe how stubborn Angelina was. What did he do to deserve someone so selfless? "If there is another life..." he choked out between sobs.

If there was an afterlife, he desperately wished Angelina could be reborn as his sister, someone he could protect and cherish.

He swore to his beloved Angelina, his voice thick with emotion, that they would meet again, somehow, sway, in a different life.

Landon managed to gather Angelina's things with Jasper and Jordan's help.

Only two boxes were filled with simple belongings, a testament to her unassuming life. Like Angelina herself, these boxes could easily disappear from his life, leaving a gaping hole in their wake.

The pink diary was the only item Landon held close, a precious link to the woman he had failed to see.

"Mr. Landon, this is Ms. Angie's phone." Jordan's voice trembled as he handed it over. "it was broken over.

initially and wouldn't start. Mr. Cyrus arranged for the technical team from the police force to repair it, even replacing the screen. Please keep it."

Landon's damp eyes fluttered as he accepted the phone. He hesitantly opened the photo album, a fresh wave of grief threatening to engulf him. He clenched his jaw, forcing back a sob. The last photo in the album was a photo of Lauren taking a picture with him in a dog suit and Angelina in a rabbit suit.

They had no proper picture together.

What a shame.

Then, Jasper's phone rang. It was Rory. "Mr. Jasper, is Mr. Landon with you?" Rory sounded anxious.

"Yes, I'm with Landon. What the matter?" "Mr. Javier cto the hospital to visit Ms. Lauren. He spoke too hastily and informed her about Angelina's passing." "What?" Jasper's eyes blazed with anger. "I've warned him countless times. How could he be so careless?" Silence enveloped the car as Landon vaguely registered Rory's voice on the phone, his heart twisting with sorrow.

"There's no use in getting angry at Mr. Javier," Rory continued. "You and Mr. Landon should cto the hospital. He's the only one who can comfort Ms. Lauren." X