Yes, Jack did love Alice, as they were depicted as being "head over heels in love" in their relationship. However, the nature of his love was deeply flawed and controlling.
The Complex Nature of Jack's Affection
While a strong affection existed between Jack and Alice, Jack's love for Alice manifested in an extremely problematic way. His actions reveal a possessive desire to control their shared reality, rather than a healthy, respectful partnership.
- Motivation for Control: Facing difficulties in providing for Alice in their true lives, Jack took drastic measures. He orchestrated their entry into the artificial world of Victory, a simulated reality where he could meticulously control every aspect of their existence.
- The Illusion of Perfection: His goal was to create what he perceived as a "picture perfect" life for them. However, this perfection was entirely on his terms and served his desires, not Alice's autonomy or well-being. He aimed to craft a life "the way he wanted it to be," highlighting the self-serving and manipulative undercurrent of his actions.
- Love as a Justification for Control: Jack's love for Alice, though seemingly genuine on some level, became a twisted justification for imprisoning her within a fabricated reality, stripping her of her agency and memories for his own comfort and perceived happiness. This ultimately showcases a love rooted in insecurity and a desire for absolute power over their shared circumstances.
Ultimately, while the initial foundation of their relationship was built on love, Jack's inability to cope with real-world challenges led him to express that love through manipulation and control, trapping Alice in a distorted reality for his own benefit.
