In an instant, Landon felt like he had been shot in the heart. The pain caused his sturdy body to tremble.
"Back in the Beckett family, Lauren had no sense of self, and she wasn't happy at all. Now that she's with you, she's become the woman you keep by your side, living life according to your arrangements and preferences. I don't think being too compliant is good for her."
Jasper lowered his eyes and took a sip of wine. "Take a few days apart from each other to calm down. It's a chance to think about the future of your relationship and how you want to proceed."
"Jasper... do you even hear what you're saying?"
Landon slammed his hands on the table, causing the wine in the glass decanter to ripple. His eyes were redder than the wine within.
"When you pursued Alyssa, I never once asked you to give up! Now, when I need advice, you don't help... and you even want me to give up?
"In the end, I'm just a worthless and irresponsible bastard in your eyes! You never wanted Lauren and me to
