Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 163

Chapter 163

Jessica’s POV

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68 Souchers

I stood before the vanity mirror, turning slightly to catch my reflection from different angles, a smile spreading across my face as confidence bloomed in my chest.

The deep blue dress hugged my figure perfectly-sleeveless with thin straps that left my shoulders bare, long slits up the sides revealing just enough leg to feel bold, the built-in cups lifting my chest in a way that made me feel feminine and powerful.

A simple diamond necklace and earrings sparkled against my skin, catching the soft light from the lamp.

My normally long straight dark hair was now wavy, falling in loc cascades with a side parting that framed my face.

1 looked… good. Really good. The kind of good that came from within, not just the outfit.

I stared at the woman in the mirror, letting my eyes trace the silouette I had spent a lifetime trying to apologize for.

I remembered the years of biting loathing, the deep-seated insecurity over my bold curves.

Back then, I hated the way my hips flared and my thighs filled out jeans, the way my body seemed to draw attention I didn’t feel brave enough to handle.

I used to hunch my shoulders in the back of those high school classrooms, trying to make myself small, trying to disappear into the beige walls.

All I did back then was pray. I prayed silently for Aaron to notice me, to really see me beneath the taunts and the sharp words he threw my way.

I’d pray for him to stop hurting me with his indifference, even while I was hopelessly drawn to him.

And then there were the nights in our shared apartment. Moments of absolute, lonely desperation where I’d hide in my room, my hand trembling as I reached for the rose toy in my drawer.

I’d lose myself to the soft buzz, muffled by the pillows, moaning his name into the dark.

I’d imagine his touch, his voice whispering my name instead of joke at my expense.

Back then, it was a fantasy I never dared to believe could actually be my life.

A chuckle escaped me, though tears stung my eyes. They were bittersweet-happy for where I was, yet aching for the girl I

used to be.

I leaned closer to the glass, a confident smile tugging at my lips.

I wasn’t that girl anymore. I was a woman who finally loved the skin she was in, and more importantly, I was loved by the man who had once broken my heart, but now spent every single lay mending it.

Checking the time-9:12 p.m.-I realized I was running late. It was Aaron’s birthday, and I’d planned a special dinner, just us, at a place I’d found online.

Grabbing my clutch, I headed downstairs, the dress swishing softly with each step, my heels clicking on the wood.

Aaron was waiting in the living room. Even from behind, in a perfectly tailored burgundy suit, his presence was magnetic.

He was talking to Meiling, who came earlier this evening and had insisted on watching Adrian so we could have the night to ourselves.

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12:27 Tue, Feb 24 M

Chapter 163

48%

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Meiling was the first to notice me. Her eyes widened, her mid-sentence chatter dying out.

The change in her expression made Aaron turn.

When his gaze landed on me, I felt a rush of heat travel from my scalp to my toes.

“Wow,” Meiling whistled, leaning back against the sofa. “Jessica, honey, if I swung that way, I’d be giving Aaron a run for his money tonight. You look delicious.” She shot me a wink.

“In fact, maybe I’ll keep you and he can stay home with the kid.”

Aaron’s jaw tightened, and he instinctively stepped closer to the stairs as I reached the bottom.

He shot Meiling a glare that could have melted steel.

“Watch it,” he rumbled, his voice dropping into that possessive register he only used when he felt challenged.

Meiling raised her hands in mock surrender, grinning.

“Calm down, Hulk. I’m not trying to steal your girl. Just appreciating the art. She turned to me.

I laughed, reaching the final step. Aaron didn’t wait. He took my hand, and pulled me flush against his chest.

His arm wound around my waist, holding me so tight I could feel the thud of his heart against my ribs.

He leaned down, his lips brushing the shell of my ear.

“You look incredible,” he whispered, his breath hot against my skin.

Then, his voice dropped even lower, purely for me. “I don’t know how I’m going to make it through dinner without taking this dress off you with my teeth.”

I shivered, my fingers curling into his lapel.

Before I could melt into the tension he’d created, Meiling cleared her throat loudly, reminding us of the fact that she was still in the room.

With the way Aaron was looking at me-eyes dark with desire-and the way I felt my own gaze mirroring his, we were just about to lose ourselves right there.

“You two may leave now,” Meiling said, waving a hand toward the door with a knowing wink.

“Seriously, if you stay here looking at each other like that for another five minutes, I’m going to have to hose you both down. Take the car and book a hotel for a week if you have to-I don’t care. I’ve got Adrian, and honestly, he’s much better company than a jealous basketball player anyway. We’ve got cartoons and snacks lined up, so get going.”

We barely heard her, too caught up in each other’s eyes. “Ready to go?” he asked.

I nodded, linking my arm with his, the touch sending a quiet thrill through me.

As we reached the threshold, Meiling shouted after us, “Try not to make another baby, okay? Wait until Adrian’s like ten and can change diapers.”

I blushed deeply, my face heating up, while Aaron shot her a glare over his shoulder. But before we left, he paused.

“And remember-no sweets after eight, bedtime story by nine, and if he asks for extra TV, it’s a firm no.”

Meiling rolled her eyes. “I’ve been here over four weeks….I know the drill. And I have a younger sibling; I can handle one night owl.”

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12:27 Tue, Feb 24 M

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