Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Jessica’s POV

20 ouns

We kept going, passing the closed bakery where I’d slaved away after school, scrubbing counters for pennies

The sign was peeling now, but I could still smell the phantom yeast and sugar. “That place taught me how to hustle.” I said, a wry smile on my face.

The park came next, its benches empty under the streetlights, the swings moving subtly, creaking in the cool breeze.

We’d spent stolen moments here as kids-me tucked away, reading alone, him with his crew causing loud, unapologetic trouble.

And then, just beyond, was Aaron’s old family house: a grand, forgotten mansion. It still bled luxury, but now it was veiled in neglect.

Ivy climbed aggressively over the wrought-iron gates, and the once-manicured lawns had gone wild, making the place feel like a beautiful, silent mausoleum.

I glanced at Aaron to find him staring at it, his face unreadable.

“Why did you guys ever move? Was I… a primary reason? Did you really dislike me that much?”

I asked, the pain clogging my throat, making my voice rough.

Aaron chuckled, a sound devoid of humor, and shook his head.

“I was only sixteen when we moved out, Jess. What influence could a sixteen-year-old possibly have on his parents’ big decision?”

He still wasn’t looking at me, his gaze distant.

We walked on, the familiar streets of his old neighborhood unfolding like a map of our shared history.

“Remember how I used to chase you with my bike down this hill?” he said suddenly, nodding toward a steep incline. “You’d pedal like mad, swearing under your breath, but I’d catch up anyway, just to scare you off.”

I laughed, the sound lightening the air. “And remember the time you ‘accidentally’ pushed me into the puddle during that rainstorm? I was soaked for hours.”

He grinned, sheepish. “Yeah, well… remember how you always used to wear mismatched socks to school? You thought no one noticed, but everyone did-especially the blue one you had with the broken elastic band?”

I giggled, hitting his arm. “Hey! I had to walk three miles to get here; I was just glad to have socks!”

“And remember the school talent show? Where you sang that off-key ballad because of anxiety, and I booed from the back… loudest in the room.”

“God, I wanted to die,” I admitted, but we both cracked up, the memory softened by time.

“Or the cafeteria food fight? You started it, pelting mashed potatoes at everyone, but somehow I ended up blamed.”

“Your face was priceless-covered in gravy.” His laughter faded into a fond smile. “We were kids, Jess. Dumb kids.”

We stopped at an ice cream shop, its neon sign flickering ‘Closed’ but stirring the memory anyway.

“This is where you first stood up for me,” I said, nudging him. “That jerk, Billy, from math class was harassing me, and you

13:13 Mon, Jan 12.

Chapter 39

shoved him away, growling. She’s mine to mess withTM

He snorted. “It worked, didn’t it?” he said, raising his hands in defense.

We laughed until our sides hurt, the sound echoing off the quiet streets. When it died down. I grew serious.

“Why did you bully me so much?” I asked, the smile slipping from my face.

He went silent, the humor draining from his face. Then he sighed, a look of profound displeasure and regret in his eyes.

60

“I have no excuse, Jess. I was just an ass. I was confused, popular, and terrified of being soft. I took it out on the easiest target the one person I actually cared about.” His words held sincerity, tinged with self-loathing.

“I can’t erase the past, but I can try to replace the memories, if you’d let me.”

His confession was the most honest, raw thing I’d ever heard him say. My chest felt impossibly light, as if a decade’s worth of poison had just been flushed out.

I felt an overwhelming wave of relief, understanding, and immense love for the flawed, honest man standing before me.

We stared at each other for a long moment, then continued walking, his hand still firmly clasped in mine.

The path led to the beautiful woods on the city’s edge; a hidden gem I’d escape to when life got too heavy.

Towering oaks draped in Spanish moss, fireflies flickering like living stars, the ground soft with fallen leaves.

Aaron paused at the treeline.

“I used to follow you here, you know. When I figured out this was your spot.

I stopped dead in my tracks.

“You what?” I stammered, completely shocked. I never knew anyone knew about this place, considering it was off-limits and I always snuck in through a tiny, hidden gap in the fence.

He half-smiled, and pulled me further into the shadowed entrance.

“Yes. You heard me.”

We walked until we reached a secluded spot near a massive old coconut tree surrounded by withered flowers and tall grasses. It was the exact spot where I used to sit and pour my feelings into my diaries.

We sat against the trunk, the earth cool beneath us. The air was thick with emotion, fireflies dancing around like silent witnesses. Aaron turned to me, his eyes earnest.

“I need you to know,” he said, turning to face me, his hands gently framing my face.

“I am so damn sorry for everything I put you through. I’m asking for a chance, Jess. A chance to truly make you happy, to give you the life you deserve, and to prove that the Aaron you know now is the only one who matters.”

The sincere apology, delivered here in my most private place, broke me. I ended up sobbing, but the tears tasted sweet. mixed with relief and possibility.

I nodded, unable to speak, but the smile finally returned through the tears. I squeezed his hands. I agreed to let Aaron in, and I forgave him.

He closed the distance, kissing me deeply and completely, sealing the forgiveness and the promise.

When he pulled back, his eyes searching mine, he whispered, “Happy Birthday, Jess.”

13:13 Mon, Jan 12

Chapter 39

20

My eyes widened in surprise; I had completely forgotten. He reached into his pocket and brought out a small velvet box.

Inside was a beautiful, delicate gold bracelet. He took my wrist and fastened it securely.

“This is for you. A reminder of today.”

I threw my arms around him in a tight hug that felt like it lasted hours. When I finally pulled back, he cupped my cheeks, his thumb stroking my skin.

“Let’s leave before we’re haunted by a ghost or a serial killer hiding in here.”

I giggled, the sound light and free. He swiftly scooped me up onto his back.

“Hold tight, flower.”

He tapped my leg playfully as he walked out, the woods fading behind us like the past we were leaving.

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