Chapter 232: I Love You, Only You
Soon, heart-shaped fireworks lit up the sky one after another. The scene was stunning and romantic.
Jessica watched, exclaiming, "Wow, this is so romantic! I can't imagine which girl is getting this. She's so lucky."
Her eyes sparkled with envy.
Gabriel felt a pang in his heart and hugged Jessica tightly. He wondered how badly he must have treated her for her to not even imagine such a gesture for herself.
"Why does it have to be another girl? Why can't it be you?" Gabriel asked.
"Me?" Jessica was stunned. "I don't dare to think about such things."
"Yeah, why not?" he asked.
Jessica hugged him, burying her head in his chest. "It feels too dreamy, like a fairy tale. I've never had such a confession or romance. I've always watched others being loved and cherished. Over time, I forgot I could be happy too."
Since falling in love with him, she never dared to hope for more. Even marrying him, she only sought mutual understanding and companionship, not love.
"Silly girl," Gabriel said, cupping her face. "You deserve all the best things."
He pointed to the fireworks. "Not just this year, but every year, I'll give you a beautiful fireworks display."
Jessica was astonished. "So, these are really for me? The lucky girl I envied is me?"
She was overwhelmed and burst into tears.
"Yes, you are that lucky girl," he said, wiping her tears. "Jessica, I didn't know how to cherish you before, but now you're my treasure."
"Really?" she asked.
"Yes, my one and only," Gabriel nodded.
At that moment, the final fireworks exploded, spelling out "Jessica, I love you".
Jessica covered her mouth, unable to believe it. Tears fell uncontrollably.
It was Gabriel. He had prepared this surprise for her.
She hugged Gabriel tightly, her heart full of joy. "Thank you, Gabriel."
Her heart felt warm. Then she got annoyed. "It's your fault for not letting me put on makeup. I must look so ugly now. I wanted to look beautiful for this."
"It doesn't matter," Gabriel smiled. "There will be other opportunities."
Jessica felt a bit more at ease. She grabbed his clothes and threw herself into his arms again like a child.
"What's wrong?" Gabriel asked, rubbing her head, sensing something was off.
Jessica hugged him tightly and finally said, "Gabriel, thank you. I'm so happy and touched. I used to think my love was a one-sided show, destined for sadness. But you gave me joy, romance, love, and care. I feel like the happiest woman in the world, but sometimes that happiness scares me."
"Scared of what?" he asked gently.
"Scared it's all fake, a dream. Scared I'll wake up and you won't be there. Loving you has been so hard and painful. I've wanted to give up so many times. I've been hurt, I've cried. But thinking of you kept me going. So, Gabriel, don't let me down. If I lose again, I'll be completely defeated. I won't have the courage or confidence anymore. If that day comes, I won't love you anymore."
Gabriel frowned and lifted her chin. "Jessica, I won't let you down. That day will never come. Take back what you just said and say it again."
"Which part?" Jessica asked. "'If that day comes, I won't love you anymore?'"
Gabriel found that sentence annoying. He lifted her chin and commanded, "Jessica, look at me. Say you love me."
Jessica looked up and said seriously, "Gabriel, I love you."
"Only me," Gabriel added.
Jessica's eyes were full of emotion. "Gabriel, I love you, only you."
Satisfied, Gabriel lifted her slightly and held her close.
The night deepened on campus, leaving the playground deserted except for the two of them. Gabriel grew bolder. He carried Jessica to the parallel bars and placed her on them. Then he leaned down and kissed her deeply.
In the darkness, everything was silent. The scene was so intimate that even the stars seemed to shy away. Jessica propped herself up with one hand and wrapped her other arm around his neck, responding to him while worrying about falling. Her heart pounded, but the thrilling kiss stayed with her for years. She would often replay this moment in her mind: a man holding her on the parallel bars, kissing her passionately, whispering her name.
On the way back, it started to snow. They held hands, walking slowly. Snow fell on their clothes, shoulders, and hair. Under the streetlights, the snowflakes danced like lively elves. The scene was beautiful.
Years later, Jessica often thought that if they had kept holding hands, not letting go, just walking until the snow covered their heads and turned their hair white, would they have grown old together, living happily ever after?
But the snow that night was heavy. Eventually, they got in the car. Before they got home, Gabriel's phone rang. Once, twice, three times. By the fifth call, Gabriel finally let go of her hand and left.
