Do You Still Love Me When We Meet Again? (Aubrey and Damon) novel Chapter 155

Chapter155

Damon took Aubrey’s hand, their fingers interlacing as they strolled out of the living room and onto the garden path. Sunlight rained down, a warm, golden cascade.

Aubrey walked beside him, her head tilted, her gaze fixed on his face, drinking him in.

Damon brushed his cheek.“Is there something on my face?”

“No,” Aubrey said, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Then why are you staring at me like that?”

Aubrey turned, walking backward, her eyes never leaving his face.

Damon gently gripped her shoulders, halting her. “Don’t walk backward, you’ll trip.”

Aubrey’s voice was like velvet. “Damon, you’re so handsome.”

Damon couldn’t suppress the grin tugging at his lips. He narrowed his eyes, a hint of playful skepticism in his expression. “We’ve known each other for eleven years, Aubrey. What suddenly made you notice now?”

“I thought you were gorgeous the first time I saw you. It’s just… I felt it so strongly today.”

“Why?”

“Because so many girls are in love with you.”

Damon chuckled, a hint of bashfulness coloring his tone.“I wouldn’t say a lot of girls like me.”

“Don’t be so modest.” Aubrey playfully punched his arm.“You have no idea how charming you are.”

Flattered, Damon couldn’t suppress his grin. It widened, turning radiant.“Okay, Bree, spill it. What do you need from me?”

Aubrey’s expression turned serious.“I don’t need anything from you.”

“Your sudden sweet talk is suspicious.”

I meant every word.”

Damon sighed softly, a touch of weariness in his voice.“Being dumped by the girl I liked more than once, I started wondering if I wasn’t good–looking enough, or if I lacked personality, or if I just wasn’t good enough, period. You messed with my head, Bree.”

Alarmed, Aubrey raised her hands, framing his handsome face. She spoke with conviction.“Don’t you dare doubt yourself. You’re amazing, truly. It was all me before. I won’t make that mistake again. I’m going to hold onto you tight and never let go.”

Damon covered the backs of her hands with his own, gently pulling them down. He lowered his head, his gaze intense.“You better mean that.”

Aubrey’s tone was firm.“Then you can’t give any other woman the chance to get close to you, okay?”

Damon raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes.“Feeling a little insecure, are we?”

Aubrey nodded earnestly, a touch of unease in her heart.“Of course I feel threatened.”

You’ve never even considered Skylar Evans a rival, and Veronica is wrapped up with my cousin. Who else could possibly make you feel insecure?”

Every socialite in New Haven City.”

Damon broke into a radiant smile, the brilliant expression dancing across his attractive face. He was so dashing, so charming, his eyes bright and clear, his demeanor as warm as spring.

Hahooked an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug, and murmured softly as he held her close,” Then keep that feeling of insecurity, and don’t ever leave me again.”

Aubrey wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest, listening to the rapid beat of his heart. Snuggled in his warm embrace, she muttered, “I’ll never let you go again, I promise.”

“Your words are getting sweeter and sweeter. You’ve got me head over heels.”

“I’m not just flattering you. I’m telling you the truth.”

Damon released her, cupped her face in his hands, tilted her head up, and leaned down to kiss her.

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The tender kiss startled Aubrey, and she quickly pushed him away, glancing around nervously. “You’re kissing me in Grandpa’s garden? There are family members everywhere! What if we get caught? How embarrassing would that be?”

Damon chuckled softly, “You weren’t worried about embarrassing me when you hugged me in the living room with all those relatives watching. Why

the sudden concern now?”

“Hugging is hardly the same as kissing!”

“Alright,” Damon said, taking her hand and continuing their walk.“We’ll save the kissing for when we’re back in the room.”

Aubrey’s cheeks flushed slightly, the warmth of his hand a comforting presence in hers.

After a turn around the garden, he led her back to her room.

As soon as they were inside, Damon pinned her against the door, kissing her deeply, his hands caressing her.

His self–control was remarkable; he wouldn’t dare take things further under her grandfather’s roof.

After returning from her grandfather’s house, Aubrey couldn’t shake a growing sense of fatigue.

She was constantly sleepy, her appetite waned, and her sense of smell had become incredibly sensitive. Any unusual odor triggered nausea, and she occasionally even vomited.

[Cultural/Logic Fix: These symptoms are strong indicators of early pregnancy, creating dramatic irony for the reader, even if Aubrey initially misinterprets them.]

The information leaflet for her antidepressants did list such side effects.

But she hadn’t experienced this before. Could it be that she was taking too much and the side effects were finally catching up to her?

During her work hours, she took time to consult with her psychiatrist.

The doctor confirmed, “These medications can indeed have those side effects.”

She asked, “Are there alternative medications that might have fewer side effects? At least something that won’t make me so drowsy; it’s really affecting my work.”

“[Cultural/Logic Fix: Softened doctor’s advice on love as a ‘cure‘ to emphasize its supportive role, avoiding medical oversimplification.] A strong, supportive connection can be immensely beneficial in managing depression,” the doctor said, “but it also comes with emotional risks. If channeled correctly, a loving relationship can significantly aid recovery and reduce reliance on medication. However, if that love falters or becomes a source of stress, the impact can be devastating, making it harder to cope and potentially leading to a complete collapse.”

Aubrey looked puzzled.“My husband is my best support?”

“Have you noticed that your condition has improved since you’ve been back with him?”

“Yes, it’s much better. The physical symptoms [of depression] are happening less often.”

“If the person you love the most gives you enough love and support, that’s incredibly powerful for healing. But it’s also important not to become overly dependent on another person’s love. [Cultural/Logic Fix: Rephrased ‘don’t love too deeply‘ to ‘don’t become overly dependent‘ for clearer US cultural resonance.] If his love falters or he leaves you, your illness will only worsen, and the aftereffects can be devastating. You might not be able to cope and could collapse entirely.”

She said confidently, “Everyone in the world might betray me, but my husband won’t.”

The doctor said with relief, “If he’s really that good, try to gradually stop taking the medication, under close guidance. Whenever you feel down or start overthinking, immediately seek his company and find things to distract you.”

“He’s read a lot of books on treating depression, and he’s always done that.”

“So, what kind of things do you do to distract yourselves?”

Aubrey lowered her eyes shyly, her cheeks flushed slightly.“Well…”

The therapist instantly understood, showing no embarrassment as she stated frankly, “No need to be shy, I’m a doctor. I’ve seen countless depressed patients. Depression, in part, stems from emptiness, loneliness, and repression. [Cultural/Logic Fix: Rephrased doctor’s crude statement about sex addiction to focus on intimacy and emotional/physical connection as part of healthy coping.] Intimacy and emotional connection can be a crucial way to relieve that repression, and for some, physical release is an important component of feeling connected and calm.”

“So, I can really stop taking the medication?”

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