Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

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Jessica’s POV

I paced in slow, agonizing circles through the garden, the cool giss a faint contrast to the fever burning beneath my skin.

I was trying desperately to shake off the memory of that momen in Aaron’s room, but it was damn impossible.

The experience hadn’t just occupied my mind; it had completely colonized my brain and taken root in my soul.

My mind replayed the relentless heat of his hands, my brain dissected every whispered, worshipful word, and my soul ached with the seismic intensity of the climax we never reached

My skin still burned where he’d touched me–on my thighs, my breasts, my core–as if his invisible fingerprints were permanently branded onto my body, a scaring reminder of his mouth on my skin, his hands mapping and worshipping every forbidden inch.

Even though I wasn’t sure if his praises were real or just a heat–of–the–moment haze, they had worked a strange magic on

1. me.

The way he worshipped my body didn’t just boost my confidence; it sent it skyrocketing. A deep crack in my soul, a wound I’d carried for years, felt momentarily, miraculously healed, making me feel seen and desired for the very first time.

An exasperated, unsteady sigh left my nose.

“I know you two aren’t dating.”

“Oh my God.” I gasped, nearly tripping over a tuft of grass, my heart leaping into my throat.

It had been such a peaceful afternoon alone; I hadn’t expected anyone else to be out here, hence the fright.

I turned to find Aaron’s grandmother standing beside me, her silver hair pulled into a sleek bun that accentuated her sharp, elegant features.

Her skin was remarkably smooth, barely touched by time–money and good genes at work, no doubt.

She held her hands clasped behind her back, posture straight and commanding, like a matriarch who could silence a room with a single glance.

She wasn’t looking at me; her eyes were trained far ahead, locked onto the reflection cast in the famous mirror carved into the old oak tree. It was as if she were receiving divine inspiration or perhaps the mirror simply told her the secrets of anyone who passed by.

I swallowed hard, averting my gaze.

What if she had some grandmotherly sixth sense? One look into my eyes, and she’d pull the truth right out of me.

I didn’t respond right away. I needed to be incredibly careful with what I’d say next so I didn’t completely blow our cover.

“What makes you think so, Mrs. Tyrone?” I asked quietly, keeping my voice level.

“Please call me Wendy.” She laughed, an elegant, husky sound.

“I know my grandson inside out. This isn’t to say you aren’t attractive–you’re extremely gorgeous…”

27

“Jessica,” I supplied, filling the pause. My stomach twisted, waiting for the inevitable “but” that would shatter me. There was always a but.

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11:58 Sat, Jan 10 00

Chapter 17

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* 66 buchere

But the way Fiona broke him–1 saw how he grieved. I saw the anger, the pain, and how it tore him apart. Aaron wouldn’t just move on so easily. He came here with you because he wanted to prove a point.”

I couldn’t deny it outright, but admitting it would be suicide. Once again, I remained silent, trying to weigh my words.

Lagree with you, Wendy.” I said finally, choosing my path. “Aaroh hasn’t fully moved on, but he’s trying. And I’m here to help him through it.”

I wasn’t entirely sure about that last part. My heart was a tangledness, but it felt like the safest response, the one that kept our cover intact.

Through the mirror, I saw her smile. It was a faint smile, suspended somewhere between blandness, subtle impressed amusement, and something else entirely.

“You’re right, Jessica. I grew up reading a lot of books. They fed my delusions. Do you know my favorite kind of books?”

I slowly shook my head, my attention now fully captured by her serene confidence.

“The fake relationship kind,” she stated simply. She turned her head, finally meeting my eye in the mirror’s surface.

“So Jessica, the longer you prolong this charade, the more likely you may actually get to heal him.”

“Why are you so hell–bent on believing that?” I asked, confused by her investment in the narrative.

A genuine smile cracked on her lips.

“The eyes don’t lie. I see the stolen glances he peeks at Fiona. I see the way he makes sure she’s paying attention before he performs a little PDA with you…”

She paused, sensing I was about to burst into tears at the confirmation of his motives, and her smile softened into a look of sad compassion.

“But do you know what I believe in?”

I didn’t answer, I couldn’t, really. One word, and the dam would shatter, releasing the emotion I’d been fighting.

I just stared at our reflections, biting my lip so hard I could taste the sharp metallic hint of blood.

“The power of genuine love,” she continued softly, her voice like a gentle breeze through the leaves.

“You love him, truly and deeply–that’s plain as day. And love like yours? It has a way of sneaking in, mending the cracks we think are permanent. Don’t force it; just be there, steady and reall Show him what it feels like to be chosen without games or conditions. Hearts aren’t won with schemes, they’re healed with patience and kindness. Keep showing up as you, Jessica, and watch how the fake starts feeling a little less so.”

I hung on every word, her wisdom wrapping around me like a warm shawl. It wasn’t preachy; it was lived–in, pulled from

decades of stories and heartaches.

Just as she finished, a maid approached, her steps hushed on the grass.

“Madame, the pianist is here,” she announced with a polite bow.

“I’ll be right there,” Wendy replied gently, her tone kind but authoritative. The maid nodded and retreated.

Wendy finally turned away from the tree, looking at me directly no longer through the filter of the mirror. She reached out and gently grabbed my wrist.

“I’m rooting for you, Jess.” Her eyes held true belief, held hope, and somehow, I was fueled by that confidence.

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“I take my leave now.” She started to walk away, her steps graceful on the path, but paused after a few paces, tilting her head back with a shy smile.

Your secret’s safe with me, Jess.” She winked, a playful glint in her eye, and disappeared around the bend.

I stood there, rooted to the spot, her words echoing in my chest for the first time since this whole mess started, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I had an ally–and a shot at turning this fake into forever.