CHAPTER 452: JACQUES’ ASSURANCE

Jacques approached Coco, still giggling, and encircled her in a warm embrace, but the giggling continued as she clarified the reason for her earlier laughter.

"I’m not laughing at you for having feelings for them." The giggling pink haired woman said, her words filled with genuine joy. "In fact, I’m laughing because I’m so happy for you!"

She held Coco tightly, the laughter slowly subsiding before she expressed her heartfelt happiness for her friend’s unexpected realization of her feelings.

Then Jacques gently pulled back from the embrace, a genuine smile gracing her lips as she looked into Coco’s eyes with sincerity while she spoke.

"You’ve shouldered so much on your own, taking on so many responsibilities and troubles." She said softly. "And all I wish is for you to find someone who will share those hardships with you."

Her words were dripping with unmistakable affection and understanding, reflecting a deep desire to see her friend find the support and companionship she wholeheartedly deserved.

Coco was taken aback at Jacques’ heartfelt words, her body growing weak while the feelings of being loved washed over her— her eyes widened slightly and a lump formed in her throat as she struggled to find her voice.

The weight of Jacques’ words sank in and Coco’s heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and disbelief.

She had carried the burden of her responsibilities for so long and now, to hear such sincere wishes for her happiness from a friend she had made left her momentarily speechless.

Jacques leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Coco’s forehead causing Coco to flinch from the unexpected display of love, and as Jacques pulled back, her gaze filled with both pride and concern clashed with Coco’s confused ones.

"You’re so strong, Coco." She murmured, her voice soft but firm. "I’m happy that you’re strong, but it also worries me because I fear you might not want to share your burdens with anyone."

Her words carried a heavy worry, a reflection of her concern for her friend’s tendency to shoulder everything on her own, which, while admirable, could leave her feeling isolated and overwhelmed in the long run.

Coco bit the inside of her cheek as she listened intently to Jacques’ words.

The memory of their previous conversation about her true identity lingered in the air and with Jacques still speaking, Coco quietly absorbed Jacques’ continued thoughts.

"When you first told me about who you really are, I was both confused and concerned." She began, her tone contemplative. "You are a different person, and you probably don’t know how this world completely works, but then.."

Jacques paused, the memory of Coco showing up at the butcher shop’s doorsteps with a smile.

".. I recall how bravely you faced everything on your own." Jacques’ voice softened, the worry in her eyes giving way to a subtle glimmer of admiration.

There was a sense of awe in her recollection, a realization of the strength and bravery that Coco had displayed, but despite the challenges of unfamiliarity and uncertainty, Coco had confronted everything head-on, displaying a courage that made Jacques feel both concerned and proud.

Tears began to well up in Coco’s eyes, her heart brimming with emotions as she absorbed Jacques’ words.

However, Jacques wasn’t done and continued speaking, her voice filled with genuine happiness. "You’re so strong, Coco,"

The woman smiled softly. "And when you confessed that you had found someone who can stand by your side during hardships and support you, I couldn’t hold it in, and I ended up laughing."

Her laughter had not been mockery, but rather a burst of joy for her friend’s newfound connection and the promise of shared burdens.

Jacques tenderly wiped the tears from Coco’s cheeks, her expression softening into a small, warm smile.

With sincerity in her voice, she murmured. "You have been my friend since the start and I didn’t care if I was putting myself or my husband’s life on the line. I wanted to get to know you, and I’m very content that I did so.. Because you have proven yourself to be a wonderful person."

Jacques’ words were a declaration of the bond they had built, a reflection to the value she placed on their friendship and the sacrifices she had made to nurture it.

Coco’s brow furrowed with a frown, her worry seeping through because she understood fully the risk Jacques had mentioned and the potential danger it posed— all because of Coco Hughes’ mother.

However, her determination flared within her, and she reassured herself.

Nothing will happen to them as long as I keep an eye out. Coco thought to herself, her resolve firming in her mind.

She feels determined to protect Jacques and her husband as well as soon to be husband, believing that her watchful eye would ensure their safety.

Wordlessly, Coco enveloped Jacques in a warm embrace, burying her face in the crook of her shoulder and spoke, her voice quivering with emotion, gratitude lacing her words.

"Thank you for looking out for me." Coco murmured, her voice slightly muffled against Jacques’ shoulder, her arms tightened around her friend, expressing the depth of her appreciation and the comfort she found in their friendship.

Jacques chuckled softly and hugged Coco back tightly, her embrace radiating warmth.

"Don’t thank me." Jacques replied softly, her voice gentle and filled with sincerity. "I am your friend, after all, and this is what friends do."

The hug they shared expressed a blend of comfort and support, a physical affirmation of their friendship’s strength and Coco couldn’t help, but let herself melt in Jacques arms because she felt safe.

"Yeah, it’s what friends do.." Coco agreed, her voice a touch lighter now, the weight of her worries easing a bit.

Coco giggled and the sound that escaped her expressed a mixture of relief and gratitude, their connection bringing her a sense of reassurance and comfort.

"But still, thank you for choosing me." Coco whispered, hugging Jacques tighter.

"I’ll choose you every single time, Coco."