Jonah's pupils contracted sharply. His eyes rimmed with red from anguish.
He had thought that those painful memories had gradually been buried with his self-restraint and the passage of time. Even after
he officially got together with Julien, he hadn't touched any of the items he had treasured about that person.
But when Alyssa angrily accused him and demanded that he burn the photo to show loyalty to Julien, his heart was wracked with
pain, as if she were asking him to burn his own body.
Alyssa stared at Jonah with frustration. His sorrowful and pained expression said it all. He couldn't bear to do it. He still had
lingering affection for his ex.
Even though that person had been dead for many years, he still held a significant place in Jonah's heart. It was profound enough to
stir Jonah, who was typically calm and composed.
"Lyse... | haven't touched these things since Julien and | got together. I've let go of him. | really have."
Jonah's eyes were bloodshot. He was almost pleading as he said, "Please, don't makedo this. He was my savior..."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"But you love him. The so-called savior is just an excuse for you to keep him in your heart."
Alyssa shook her head in disbelief. "If Jasper and | were together because | resembled his ex, | wouldn't be able to accept it even if
he fell in love withlater. | can handle his indifference when he doesn't love me, but | can't tolerate having someone else's
shadow loom over our relationship.
"That's not pure love and too unfair for the person being treated as a substitute. It feels like fake love, and | can't accept it. | only
asked you to burn the photo, yet you're in so much pain. But Jonah, have you ever considered how much it would hurt Jul if he
knew you were still in pain over your ex?
"He's well and alive in front of you, yet he can't replace someone who's been gone for so many years. How can he, such a proud
person, endure such a blow?"
Each of her words was like a dagger, piercing Jonah's already faltering soul.
"Fine... I'll do it." Jonah lowered his eyelids and looked deeply at the man in the photo. "I'll burn it, and | won't think of him again."
Alyssa sighed.
Actually, it was better that the problem was discovered earlier.
There must be more things Jonah had collected about that person besides this photo. Since she could find it, Julien, who was
always by Jonah's side, would sooner or later discover them too.
When that happened, it would beca serious matter. She couldn't even begin to imagine the turmoil it would cause.
"Jonah, are you in the study?" Julien's lazy voice cfrom outside, causing the siblings to panic.
"Hide it," Alyssa urged in a low voice. She then rushed to the door and took a deep breath before opening it.
"Jul!" She smiled sweetly while standing in the doorway to block Julien's view.
"Oh... Lyse, it's you."
Julien was wearing matching pajamas with Jonah and rubbing his sleepy eyes. His open collar revealed a pair of beautiful
collarbones, marked with faint traces of hickeys. "I thought it was someone else."
Alyssa quickly averted her gaze from his neck, but her cheeks were already burning. "Uh... Jonah is inside. | cover without
notice and didn't know you guys were still asleep. Jonah got up first, so he cto chat with me."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Julien chuckled. "Why are you so nervous, like you've done something wrong?"
Alyssa's cheeks flushed even more, and her heart raced.
"Julien." Jonah walked out at this moment. His voice was incredibly gentle, but his complexion was pale.
Narrowing his eyes, Julien eagerly stepped forward to wrap his arms around Jonah's waist and seal Jonah's slightly cool lips in a
passionate kiss without a care in the world.
Julien had fully immersed himself in Mosgravia's uninhibited atmosphere after living there for so long. And with his profound
affection for Jonah, he would seize every moment they had in the morning to be passionately entwined, wishing to merge with
Jonah's body.
Jonah's long lashes trembled as he responded to his embrace and kiss.
Alyssa dared not look at them. They were too affectionate, surpassing even her and Jasper.
"What's wrong?" Julien asked, slightly breathless, after parting from Jonah's lips.
"What?" Jonah's gaze seemed distant for a moment.