Chapter 248: How Much Love?
“Emily…” Jack murmured, his voice low and tender — a sound that sent a shiver straight through Alison’s heart.
She froze, unsure how to face him or what to feel.
She couldn’t accept being anyone’s stand-in. She only wanted to be herself — Alison.
“Jack, wake up,” she urged, shaking him lightly.
“Emily, don’t bother me…” he mumbled, tightening his grip around her. She struggled, but he wouldn’t let go.
Her chest tightened. She couldn’t bear hearing another woman’s name on his lips.
Leaning close, she shouted against his ear, “Jack! Open your eyes and look at me — I’m not Emily, I’m Alison!”
Her voice startled him awake. He blinked hard, rubbed his eyes — and still, instinctively, whispered, “Emily…”
Alison’s eyes hardened. “I’m Alison,” she said coldly. “Not Emily.”
“Alison?” Jack repeated, blinking as clarity returned.
His hand fell to her hair, the silky strands brushing his cheek.
He exhaled. “Alison, I’m sorry. I was dreaming… What are you doing here?”
“I came for the safe key — the client’s already here,” she said briskly, trying to pull him back to reality.
“Ah. Did you get it?” He reached into his pocket — and froze when he found the key already there.
His expression darkened. “I’m sorry… I forgot. Is it too late to deliver the documents?”
“The client’s gone,” Alison replied flatly, brushing grass from her hands. “You can explain it to Aidan yourself.”
“Sorry to disturb your nap. I should go.” She turned to leave.
“Alison, wait—don’t go,” Jack said, staggering upright and reaching for her.
She sidestepped sharply. “Don’t touch me! I’m not Emily.”
But he ignored her protest and lunged forward, pulling her into his arms. Her back hit his chest; his breath was warm against her hair and neck.
“Alison, I’m sorry,” he murmured into her hair. “I was dreaming.”
The tenderness in his tone melted the anger that had just flared.
“Jack… what’s really going on with you?”
“Nothing,” he said softly. “I’m just tired — not myself lately.”
“You haven’t been sleeping well?” she asked, concern creeping in despite herself.
“Alison,” he whispered, voice unsteady, “come back to the apartment tonight. I… I miss you.” His arms tightened, pleading.
The apartment again? Why not the house? Why always the place that held Emily’s shadow?
For a moment she wanted to pull away, to demand answers — but she swallowed the urge. She needed to know more about Emily first.
“Fine. Tonight,” she said quietly. “Now please — let go.”
“Alison, what’s wrong?” he asked, turning her toward him, confusion clouding his eyes.
“Nothing,” she lied, forcing a smile.
He tilted her chin upward. “You’re jealous, aren’t you?”
“No.” Her answer came too quickly.
“Good.” He grinned faintly and slipped an arm around her waist. “Let me drive you back to the hospital.”
“No need. I’ll grab a taxi. You should stay and work — Aidan’s already worried enough. Oh, I forgot to call him.” She reached for her phone.
He caught her wrist playfully, mischief flickering in his eyes.
Knowing that look all too well, she darted away.
“Alison, slow down! Watch your step!” he called after her, still unsteady from the wine.
“Alison, stop! I’ll catch you — I’m never letting you go again!” he shouted.
He stumbled after her, laughter mixing with breathless determination.
In her mid-heels, she couldn’t outrun him for long.
He caught her in a shaft of sunlight, both of them breathless.
Then her stomach lurched violently — she doubled over, nearly retching.
Jack steadied her, alarm flashing in his eyes. “Alison, what’s wrong?”