Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 221

Weeds are Persistent

Weeds are Persistent

Daphne’s POV

“It’s really not that terrible, David. Just have a bite.” I pushed my plate toward him.

He stared at my creation, frowning at the plate like it had personally offended him.

I had taken grilled pineapple rings from the buffet, topped them with thin slices of smoked salmon, a

scattering of fresh mango, a few pickled radishes, and just a touch of chili flakes for heat.

It was sweet, savory, smoky, and a little spicy; the kind of weird fusion only I would think worked for breakfast.

“I’m not eating that, Daphne. It’s an affront to breakfast.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” I teased, picking up my fork and holding it toward his lips. “Just one bite. If you hate it, I’ll never suggest it again.”

He grunted, his eyes narrowing, but he leaned in, his mouth opening with a reluctant sigh.

He took a bite, chewed slowly, and maintained a face of absolute, icy neutrality.

I watched him, waiting for the crack in his armor, but he simply swallowed and looked back at his magazine, his expression unchanged.

“It isn’t good,” he said, his voice flat.

I rolled my eyes and playfully smacked his arm.

“Now you’re lying,” I teased, shaking my head. “You have terrible taste, and honestly? You’re just not creative with food.”

I took a large bite, closing my eyes in a display of mock bliss.

“This is delicious, David. You’re just too high-brow to appreciate the classics.”

He looked at me with a mixture of disbelief and amusement, shaking his head before focusing on his magazine again.

We were sitting on the open deck for breakfast, the morning sun warm on our skin.

The sea stretched out calm and glittering around us, the ship moving gently.

A few other guests were scattered at nearby tables, talking softly, but our little corner felt peaceful and cozy.

I was still smiling at my food mix when David suddenly straightened in his chair. He tilted his head, listening to something behind me.

One of his cousins was talking excitedly a few tables away about a new game release they’d just heard about. David’s eyes lit up the way they did whenever something tech-related caught his interest.

He looked at me, that rare boyish grin breaking across his face. I smiled back and nodded.

“Go. Have fun. I’ll be fine by myself.”

He didn’t look entirely convinced, his eyes lingering on me for a second longer. I gave him a brighter smile and gently shooed him with my hand.

“Seriously, go. I’ll enjoy the quiet for a bit.”

He leaned over and pressed a quick, warm kiss to my temple. “I’ll be quick.”

I watched him walk over to join the small group of cousins.

I stayed at the table, finishing the last of my breakfast and enjoying the peaceful morning.

The breeze lifted my hair gently, and for a moment everything felt almost normal.

Then a voice interrupted the peace.

“It seems like he really likes you.”

The words were meant to sound sweet, but I caught the sharp edges hidden beneath them.

1/2

Weeds are Persistent

I turned slowly over my shoulder.

Julie stood a few feet away, smiling. It was the most unsettling smile I’d ever seen.

I forced myself to smile back. “Good morning, Julie.”

She took that as an invitation and slid into the chair David had just left, crossing her legs elegantly.

“You did a big one snagging a Tyrone-David, too.”

I kept my eyes fixed on the horizon, refusing to meet her gaze.

“I guess so,” I replied, my voice steady even though my stomach tightened.

“It’s fascinating, really,” she murmured, tracing the rim of her glass while looking out at the deck.

“How quickly a garden can change. How easily a gardener might clear out a patch of weeds just to make room for something a bit more… ornamental. Something that belongs in a display.”

I kept my expression pleasant, even though I could feel the undercurrent.

“Funny you say that,” I replied, matching her thin, fake smile.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify