Invisible To Her Bully (Jessa and Noah) novel Chapter 190

**Hearts Written in Silent Rain by Ava Bloomfield**
**Chapter 190**

**Noah**

A mere few feet away from me, Mariah had taken hold of Jackson’s hands, practically dragging him into the rhythm of the music. He wore an expression that suggested he might protest, yet there was a softness in his eyes, and his lips betrayed him, twitching into an involuntary smile as if he were powerless to resist the infectious energy around him.

Mariah leaned in closer, her voice rising above the pulsating beats, shouting something playful into his ear.

Jackson’s reaction was instantaneous—his face morphed from surprise to amusement, and then finally settled into something warmer, something that hinted at genuine affection.

He shook his head, a gesture that seemed to convey his disbelief at her antics, yet, in a surprising turn, he surrendered to the moment and began to dance with her.

Honestly, witnessing that was the most astonishing thing I had ever seen.

Jessa, who had been observing me with a knowing look, nudged her hip against mine. “Hey. Pay attention,” she urged.

I turned my gaze back to her, feigning confusion. “On what?”

Her grin widened, mischievous and bright. “On your girlfriend.”

That word struck me like a bolt of lightning, reverberating in my chest more than it should have.

Girlfriend.

It felt so real, so legitimate. Like it was something tangible, something that wouldn’t vanish with the flick of a switch when the lights dimmed and the mundane reality of Monday crept back in.

Before I could rein in my emotions, a grin spread across my face. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good,” she replied, satisfaction dancing in her eyes. Then she spun around, a quick, twirling motion that sent her laughter echoing through the air, leaving her breathless and radiating joy.

In that moment, I found I didn’t care who was watching us.

I didn’t care about the whispers that floated around the room.

What mattered was that I wanted this moment etched in my memory forever.

After a few upbeat songs, the DJ transitioned to a slower melody. It wasn’t a traditional slow dance tune; rather, it was a chill song that enveloped everyone, prompting the crowd to sway gently. People paired off, hands finding their way to waists, heads leaning in closer, creating a tapestry of intimacy.

Jessa stepped into my space.

Her hands found their way to my chest, fingers splayed over my shirt as if testing the waters, gauging whether I might disappear at any moment.

I placed my hands on her waist, cautious and deliberate, as if I were cradling something immensely valuable. I pulled her closer, feeling the warmth radiating from her.

She looked up at me, her eyes softer than before. “This is… actually fun.”

A tightness gripped my chest. “Yeah?”

She nodded, a hint of surprise in her voice as she swallowed, as if admitting something she hadn’t expected to feel. “I didn’t think it would be.”

I leaned down slightly, closing the distance between us. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

Her smile was small yet genuine. “Me too.”

We swayed together, her head tilting closer to mine, my world narrowing down to the sensation of her presence in my arms.

And then, with a sudden exhale, she stepped back.

“I need water,” she announced, dramatically fanning herself. “I think I’m going to melt.”

I chuckled, “Come on.”

I guided her through the throng of people, my hand resting on her lower back, reluctant to let her slip away. The gym buzzed with noise near the refreshment table—people shouting, laughter ringing out, cups spilling, and snacks being snatched up as if they hadn’t eaten in days.

Finally, we reached the water station. Jessa grabbed a cup and took a long sip, her eyes fluttering shut in relief.

“Okay,” she said, wiping her mouth. “That was absolutely necessary.”

I grabbed a cup too, mostly to give my hands something to do other than pulling her back into my embrace.

She glanced at me over the rim of her cup, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You’re smiling.”

I froze, caught off guard. “Am I?”

“Yes,” she replied, as if uncovering a shocking revelation. “Like… a lot.”

I attempted to downplay it. “Maybe I’m just happy my feet aren’t getting stepped on anymore.”

She rolled her eyes, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. “Liar.”

I shrugged, but the grin refused to fade. “Fine. I’m happy.”

Her expression softened, and she looked away for a moment, as if she wasn’t accustomed to being the reason behind someone’s happiness.

“I keep thinking I’m going to wake up,” she confessed quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

My heart sank. “Jess…”

She hurried on, her voice low and earnest. “Not because of you. Just… because this feels too good. Like maybe it’s not allowed.”

Setting my cup down, I stepped closer, blocking out the chaos surrounding us.

“Hey,” I said, and she looked up, meeting my gaze. “This is allowed.”

Her throat moved as she swallowed, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “How do you know?”

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