Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114

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Jessica’s POV

The insistent buzz of my phone vibrated through the wood of the bedside table, dragging me out of a shallow, restless sleep.

I sat up with a groan, my spine feeling like it had been fused into a question mark.

I’d spent the night slumped on a hard stool, my head resting awkwardly against the edge of the hospital bed.

The room was dimly lit by the morning light filtering through the blinds, casting long shadows across the white sheets.

I rubbed my eyes, glancing over at Aunt Lydia.

She was still unconscious, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm that was the only reassurance I had right now.

The monitors beeped softly, a constant reminder that she was alive, fighting. Thank God for that small mercy.

I fumbled for my phone, squinting at the screen through the haze of sleep. It was Ella.

My heart leaped into my throat, all traces of drowsiness vanishing in an instant as panic mode kicked in.

I swiped answer before the second ring.

“Is Adrian okay? Do I need to come over-did he sleep alright? I he-”

“Jess, Jess,” Ella interrupted gently, her tone like a soothing balm over my frayed nerves.

“Take a deep breath. Adrian is fine. He’s eating breakfast right now.”

I released a breath I didn’t even realize I’d been holding, my shoulders slumping as relief sank into my chest.

“I’m sorry, Ella. I’m just… I’m losing it. This week has been a nightmare.”

“I know, honey,” she breathed into the speaker. “But you need to go easy on yourself. If you don’t breathe, you’re going to hit a wall and shatter, and then you’re no good to anyone.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me, the motion more for my own sake.

“Thank you for everything,” I said sincerely, my voice cracking a little.

“You’re welcome, Jess. How’s your aunt?”

I flicked my glance back to Aunt Lydia, watching the subtle rise and fall of her breathing.

“She’s out of danger. The surgery went smoothly. Any moment ow, she’ll be awake.”

“That’s wonderful, Jess. Tony and I will swing by after work.” She informed me, and I thanked her again, gratitude swelling in my chest.

“How’s my baby doing?” I asked, picturing Adrian’s messy hair a bright eyes.

“About Adrian, though…” There was a brief pause, the kind that makes your stomach drop.

“What?” I sat bolt upright again. “What happened?”

“He asked questions all night. About him.”

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Chapter 114

I didn’t need to think too hard; I knew exactly what she meant.

Tears stung my eyes instantly.

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The secret was out, the seal was broken, but the hardest part was still ahead of me: explaining the last six years to a little boy who deserved the world and got a lie instead.

Aaron knew the truth, it was only a matter of time before I had to explain everything to Adrian.

But this wasn’t the moment-not with Aunt Lydia still recovering, not when I could barely hold myself together.

I just wished Aaron would be merciful enough to give me time, let me break the news gently.

“Can you just… keep stalling?” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Change the topic. Distract him. I’ll explain everything when I get back, once I know Lydia is strong enough.”

“I’ll do my best, Jess. Talk soon.”

The line went flat, leaving me in the oppressive silence of the room, punctuated only by the rhythmic beep-hiss of the life support and Aunt Lydia’s soft breathing.

A single tear tracked down my cheek, landing on my lap with a tiny, damp thud.

How do I tell a six-year-old that his dad has been out there all along, and it’s my fault he doesn’t know? The guilt twisted deeper, a knife I’d wielded against myself for years.

Just then, the door burst open with a whoosh, shattering the gloom.

Mabel sauntered in, looking remarkably refreshed for someone who had been beaten and nearly witnessed a suicide hours prior.

She’d changed into a fresh set of baggy cargo pants and a shirt three sizes too big, her hair tied back in a messy ponytail that somehow suited her tough vibe.

She was holding a brown paper bag, and the aroma of fresh toast and coffee wafted in, cutting through the antiseptic smell of the hospital.

“Mabel?” I blinked, surprised but not unhappy to see her. I didn expect she’d come back.

She flashed a wide, crooked grin.

“You seem to be best friends with tears, Jessica,” she noted, striding over and dropping a brown paper bag onto my lap.

“Here. Eat. You look like a ghost,”

“Thank you,” I whispered, staring at it for a moment before looking up.

Her eyes were watching me intensely, like she could see right though to the mess inside.

“One thing I learned from my foster father, Master Chen,” she sd, leaning against the bedrail, “was that no matter how fucked up life gets, you have to choose optimism. It’s a muscle, ss. Flex it. It makes the oxygen taste better.”

My lips cracked into a faint smile, though it was forced.

“That’s easy for you to say,” I mumbled, and she burst into laughter, the sound bright and unfiltered.

“Trust me, Jess, I’m the least person who should be giving such vice. With everything life put me through? I’m supposed to be working side by side with the devil to cause pain to humanhy.”

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Chapter 114

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Her voice dropped an octave, sending a chill skittering up my spine. But as quickly as the darkness appeared, it vanished, replaced by that bubbly, arrogant smile I was starting to admire.

“But here I am-playing delivery girl for a stranger I got my face smashed in for.”

1 blinked, tearing my gaze away. I really did envy people like her who could remain optimistic despite how dark their world

had been.

“I guess you’re right.” I whispered, my gaze fixed on my knees.

“Eat. I’m starving, and your stomach is growling loud enough to wake the dead.”

She plopped down on the sofa in the corner, ungracefully tearing open her own paper bag to retrieve a steaming muffin and coffee.

I followed suit, the simple act of biting into the toast grounding me, the buttery warmth a brief escape from the emotional whirlwind

We ate in a strange, companionable silence until a soft knock sounded at the door.

We glanced at each other, Mabel mid-bite with a raised eyebrow

“Are you expecting someone?” she asked, crumbs on her lips.

I shook my head, narrowing my eyes in thought.

Aaron was too mad to come visit right now. Ella had said she’d swing by later; if plans changed, she’d call.

And doctors usually barged in without knocking, unless it was some personal visit. Maybe a couple checking on a loved one. They’d expect intimacy.

I mean, it used to be one of my quiet fantasies back then: I fall sick, Aaron shows up, worry written all over his face, and the visit turns into a mind blowing sex session.

My world revolved around him-I was dangerously close to obsession.

Why hadn’t I fought for us? Why hadn’t I been brave enough to rust him, to confront him?

I started to stand, but Mabel waved me down.

“I’ll go see,” she said, hopping up with her usual energy and heading to the door.

She opened it slightly, and peeked outside like a cautious guard.

“Is Jess in there?” A familiar voice floated in, deep and concerned

“Uhm, yes, why?” Mabel replied, her tone wary.

“Mabel, let him in,” I called, recognizing it instantly.

She turned to me, then back at the door, opening it wide and stepping aside.

David stood there, his face etched with a grim look that didn’t st him at all.

I noticed the bruise at the corner of his lips immediately; a pure bloom that made my stomach twist with worry.

“Dave.” I stood with the speed of light, crossing the room in a blu

He offered me a smile, but it was dim, lacking his usual infectious energy. In a short stride, he met me halfway, and we

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Chapter 114

engulfed each other in a hug.

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His arms were strong, familiar, like a brother’s embrace I’d missed more than I realized.

In his hold, I let the tears roll freely, soaking into his shirt as sob shook me.

We held onto each other for a while, the world narrowing to tha moment of comfort.

He pulled back first, his hands on my shoulders as he looked me over.

“You look…” He began, trailing off with a sympathetic wince.

I laughed tiredly, the sound watery.

“Like hell? I know.” I wiped my nose, pointing at his face. “And you? What happened? Did you get into a fight?”

David half-smiled and exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.

He glanced over his shoulder at Mabel, who was watching us with narrowed, curious eyes.

Sensing the need for privacy, Mabel gave a mock-dramatic bow and slipped out into the hall.

“He found out,” David said quietly, staring at the floor.

“He found out I helped you get away six years ago. He was… feral Jess. He hit me. It’s the first time he’s ever laid a hand on me like that. But honestly? I get it. I’d have hit me too.”

All this while, my focus had been centered on one singular angle of my actions-the pain I’d caused Aaron, the secrets I’d kept from Adrian. I’d totally forgotten about this part.

David had helped me run away. I remembered that day vividly: him pleading with me to talk things out, to confront Aaron, but I was stubborn, hell-bent on believing what I’d seen, on protecting my shattered heart.

Now, his beautiful relationship with his cousin was fractured, and it was all my fault.

A heavy sob spilled from my lips, and I clamped my hands together.

“I’m sorry, Dave,” I cried, the words tumbling out. “I’m so sorry. ruined everything.”

He just pulled me into his embrace again, his chin resting on my head.

“I won’t deny that I’m not mad, Jess,” he admitted softly, “but it’s ine. I know why you had to do it.”

He ran his fingers through my hair as I cried harder, the sobs wicking my body.

The tears I’d shed in the last couple of hours were enough to fillhe entire earth’s oceans-endless, salty waves of regret

He gently pulled away, wiping my eyes with his thumbs.

“He’ll come around,” David whispered, trying to convince both us. “He’ll forgive us. It may take time, but he needs it. After all-everything is a lot to take in.”

I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips despite the guilt gnawing at me.

He was right; time was the only balm for wounds this deep.

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