Jessica refused to let Anneliese contort herself for anyone, not even her grandma, or live in opposition to her own desires.
They''d endured enough bitterness in their upbringing; it was time to prioritize themselves and embrace self-love.
That was the essence of it.
Grasping Anneliese''s hand, Jessica looked into her eyes. Anneliese met her gaze, then shook her head slowly. "I never resented him," she whispered. "My dad was just doing his duty back then. Saving him was his responsibility."
Her father had died a hero.
She believed that wherever he rested, he wouldn''t want her to blindly harbor resentment toward Jonathan, yet she could also empathize with her grandma.
Back then, their family had been eagerly awaiting the birth of her baby brother, lives brimming with joy and hope.
Then everything had fallen apart-home broken, hopes destroyed. For a parent to bury her children...
Even decadester, that sorrow had never really let go.
Though her adoptive mother and brother''s deaths were idental, Nishay''s pain and fury demanded an outlet. Without it, she could have spiraled into madness.
At that time, Nishay wouldn''t allow the Fullbusters near Anneliese''s adoptive parents'' graves. She refused them even a nce. Any offerings or money they sent were thrown away.
Her hatred ran deep, so at the sight of Anneliese now with Jonathan, it was no surprise that Nishay couldn''t ept it.
Fortunately, Nishay hadn''t lost control this time. Otherwise, Anneliese didn''t dare imagine the consequences.
Jessica said, "If Ms. Morris can''te around, that''s on Jonathan. What matters is that you figure out what you want. That''s all that counts."
Anneliese lowered her head, her energy weighed down, tangled in frustration and hesitation.
Jessica leaned forward, lifted Anneliese''s chin, held her gaze, and asked directly, "Just say it—do you love Jonathan?"
That was the heart of the matter.
Anneliese''sshes fluttered, lips moving without producing words. She wanted to deny it, to argue, yet nothing escaped her throat.
Seeing this, Jessica understood instantly.
She pinched Anneliese''s cheek. "There it is. Stop frowning. You love him. He loves you. Can''t you both handle one stubborn olddy?"
Hearing that, Anneliese felt some tension loosen inside her, though not entirely. Her gaze dropped to Jessica''s belly. "And how about you? Since you''re keeping the baby, when with you tell Zane?"
Jessica went silent.
It had hit hard-easy to judge others, far more difficult to make her own choice. cing her hands over her stomach, Jessica flopped back and exhaled. "Don''t mock me. I''ll tell him when hees back for New Year''s."
Anneliese let out a softugh. "I''ll be watching. Don''t chicken out."
Jessica rubbed her belly. "Chicken out? I didn''t trap him. He had his fun, got me pregnant, and now he''d better step up. I''m not raising this kid alone."
Anneliese squeezed her hand, silently offering support.
They fell into quiet contemtion, each absorbed in her own thoughts.
Then, Jessica''s eyes lit up. She turned abruptly toward Anneliese. "Wait. Didn''t Zane mention Jonathan''s long-time, unreachable first love? Are you that first love?"
Anneliese recalled Jonathan''s words-if he ever had a first love, it was only ever her. Her expression shifted.
Seeing her pause, Jessica shot upright.
"No way! Anne, Jonathan''s had you in his heart for over ten years? No wonder he slid in when Zacharias faltered. He''s been nning this forever Listen this guy is a keeper. Don''t let him go!"
Anneliese stared, dumbfounded at Jessica''s over-the-top excitement. "Did he bribe you or something?"
It almost felt as if Jessica had beenpletely bought over.
"He treats you well. He loves you with everything he has. That''s the only kind of bribe that matters," Jessica said, cupping Anneliese''s face raising her brows and giving a yful Wink.
Anneliese froze for a moment.
She''d always known Jonathan''s devotion was real.