Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 264 Perfect Score

"Have you ever seen anyone go to their ex's birthday party? Lucy, I don't go back to my exes."

...

Lucy seemed hurt by Jasper's words and remained silent.

After Jasper finished his cigarette, he stubbed it out in the snow on the flower bed and threw it into the trash can, ready to head back inside.

Lucy finally turned to ask, "Jasper, I've always wondered what kind of girl you're looking for. What does a perfect score look like to you?" She wondered how she could get that perfect score.

Jasper's gaze momentarily froze, his dark eyes partially hidden by his long lashes. He paused, a vague figure forming in his mind.

But it quickly vanished.

Lucy kept watching him. Jasper had dated many girls, treating each one well while they were together. But once they broke up, he became as cold as if he had never known them. When they were together, Lucy felt warmth from Jasper and thought she was loved.

But after the breakup, she realized how heartless someone could be. She didn't even know what she had done wrong to deserve the breakup.

She couldn't figure it out, not even after a year.

Even now, she still didn't understand.

Lucy considered herself quite a catch, with plenty of suitors.

If she wasn't good enough, then what kind of girl would be?

Jasper turned a slight smirk on his lips. "There's no such thing as a perfect person. You're great, but we're just not right for each other."

"Then what is 'right'?"

Lucy's emotions flared slightly.

Jasper looked at her calmly. "I don't know, that's why I'm still looking. Maybe I'll never replace it, who knows?"

Lucy didn't quite understand what Jasper meant.

"Then why did you get together with me in the first place?"

"Because you only know if it's right by trying. I'm sorry, but you weren't the one."

Jasper paused and then added, "I never meant to hurt you. Remember, we agreed to a mutual breakup."

Mutual breakup?

Hah.

Jasper thought every breakup was mutual.

But he never considered how the other person felt.

Lucy lowered her gaze, clenched her fists, and asked, "Then why did you break up with me? What did I do wrong?"

"No, you were more than enough. I liked you."

"Then why..."

"I just couldn't fall in love with you."

I like you, but I don't love you.

This sentence cut deep, leaving Lucy's heart aching.

Jasper continued, "If I can't fall in love with you, aren't we just wasting each other's time? Breaking up sooner is better for both of us."

So, this was Jasper's reason for breaking up.

His standards for choosing girlfriends were high, every one of them beautiful and charming.

These girls were liked by everyone, but liking wasn't enough; he couldn't love them.

The issue that had troubled Lucy for so long was finally answered today. She had spent a lot of time questioning if she had done

something wrong, reflecting on net

herself, but Jasper's answer was simply that he couldn't fall in love with her.

This answer was more brutal than anything she had imagined.

Maybe it was time for her to let go.

Jasper went back to his poker game, while Lucy left in silence.

However, playing poker all afternoon got a bit dull. Around three in the afternoon, the group decided to go skiing.

Anton and Irene had once given Violeta a ski resort as a gift.

Violeta had never been, so she decided to take everyone there this time.

It was winter, and the ski resort was bustling with business.

The ski resort Anton had gifted Violeta was named Bellis Ski Resort. It was a well-known mid-to-high-end resort in Quinston, even ranking nationally. It had hosted numerous ski competitions in the past.

When they arrived, many people were buying tickets at the entrance.

The manager, knowing they were coming, had been waiting for them inside.

After putting on their ski suits, helmets, and goggles, they were ready and headed to the slopes.

Looking down from the top, the

resort was bustling as it was the peak season for skiing. Clearing the slopes required prior notice, and since their visit was impromptu, there were still many people skiing.

The crowd added to the lively atmosphere.

Niall asked, "Vio, do you know how to ski?"

"Yes!"

Zoren teased, "Is there anything she can't do? She won the most at poker today. After skiing, she's treating us to dinner."

Violeta kicked some snow at Zoren.

"I won't let you go hungry."

Zoren brushed off the snow and pointed to a tree in the distance. "That tree over there is the finish line. Whoever gets there first decides what we eat for dinner." "Fine by me."

"Let's do it!"

Niall watched them, amused. "Ah, youth is wonderful!"

Elaine, adjusting her gear, heard Niall and said, "Yes, we're all young here. You're the only old one!"