Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 369: I'm confused...

"Jessica, Dad is really sorry for you. He wished he had known earlier... he regrets not being able to find you after she was buried." Julian's voice cut through the fog in her mind, drawing her back from the swirl of thoughts. Only then did she realize a warm tear had slid down her cheek.

She quickly brushed it away with the back of her hand, lifting her eyes to meet his. Her gaze was calm on the surface, but there was a brittle edge beneath.

"Julian, you may never know... but she suffered. She was hurt, she was destroyed. Even at her lowest, she fought, she endured-and yet in the end..." Her voice wavered. "...he was unable to..." Julian's eyes reddened, and his voice broke. "Jessica, there's no doubt it was painful. But I know...if Mom was given another chance...she would have made the schoice, over and over again." Jessica stared at him for a brief moment in resignation. Knowing how stubborn her mother could be, Julian wasn't lying.

She had always wondered why Nora never spoke of her regrets, why she carried her burdens in silence. Now, the answer seemed clearer.

There's no doubt she would have made that sdecision, that schoice.

If Nora hadn't been so certain in her choice, she wouldn't have told Jessica to return to the Anderson family.

She wouldn't have given her the Anderson nagain at the slightest insult from George Brown.

She wouldn't have been confident of Anderson willing to receive her back if she had not trusted him with her life. "Julian," Jessica called, lifting the satchel up. "I will choose to verify this truth with this last option." Julian nodded. As long as she is willing to give this opportunity, there is definitely hope.

Jessica picked up the serviette, dabbing her lips lightly, she thanked him for the meal and rose from her seat. Julian's eyes flicked to her plate. "You haven't eaten. Why not take a few bites?" His tone was laced with guilt. Maybe if he had insisted on them finishing the meal, she wouldn't have lost her appetite.

Jessica shook her head in rejection. "You don't have to blyourself, II just don't feel like eating." "Should I have them pack something for you?" he asked, already signaling the waiter.

Jessica shook her head. "That won't be necessary. I have an evening engagement... I need to get hand prepare." She glanced at her watch.

Julian nodded, and she spun on her heels to leave the restaurant.

"Jessica," Julian called after her. She paused mid-step before she slowly turned around to face him.

He extended a file toward her. "The first twe met was... unexpected. Please accept this, my gift to you as your brother." His tone was calm, but his heartbeat thundered in his chest.

Will she accept it? Or will she reject it? Jessica's eyes lingered on him, unreadable, before she reached out and took the envelope without checking its contents. "Thank you, brother." A light flickered in Julian's eyes. Without another word, she turned and walked away.

The drive back hwas quiet, yet her mind was restless as she was lost in thought, with Julian volunteering his hair to be tested and confirmed leaving her skeptical.

Arriving at Davis estate, the driver stopped the car at the doorstep. Jessica's rattled mood seemed not to improve as she walked into the house expressionless.

Even when Deborah was welcoming her, she only nodded at her in silence...an action that left Deborah puzzled and in contemplation.

Taking the steps to the bedroom, she sat down on the bed, her head held in her hand. The envelope, the satchel, and her bag lay beside her on the bed.

With every countdown to the tof the banquet, Jessica felt her heart thumping hard in her chest.

She felt reluctant yet willing to go on with it. Maybe, I should take a trip out of the country immediately after this banquet.

It seems I will have to talk to Davis to letgo with him. Taking a deep sigh, she decided to catch ssleep since it might be a long night.

Too tired to take care of anything, she laid down with the items she returned with placed beside her on the bed and drifted to sleep.

~Two Hours later~ Davis returned hwith a few top-class stylists in tow, letting them settle in the living room.

Deborah stepped in to attend to the guests; he glanced briefly at her. "Is she back?" he asked.

"She has been back for a while but hasn't stepped out. When I sent in lunch she refused, and her mood seems to be off." Davis's brow furrowed. "Off?" he asked for confirmation.

Deborah nodded in affirmation. She wouldn't have said anything since it's not in her place, but she had been worried.

"Alright. You attend to them while I check on her," he said.

Turning around, he went up the stairs, pausing briefly midway. "Deborah, what about the old man?" Setting the glass in her hand on the side table, she turned around to meet his gaze.

"In his room," she said.

Davis nodded and continued his ascent, stopping at the door of the tightly shut bedroom.

He took a deep breath, not knowing what to expect on its opening. He pushed the door open, pausing briefly at the door as he took in the scene in the room.

Jessica lay with her leg stretched outward and her head towards the wall. Studying the posture briefly, he concluded she must have been seated for a while before she laid down. He shook his head helplessly as he stepped inside the room and the door shut behind him.

He walked over to the bed and sat down, his gaze furrowed as it trailed over the items on the bed...her bag, an envelope, a satchel which, at first glance, seemed empty. He slowly picked up the satchel, holding it up against the light. He noticed its content...few strands of hair.

He glanced at the lady sleeping before he placed it back. "Babe, Jessica," he called, patting her gently.

Jessica stirred briefly, her nose picking up on the familiar scent She opened her eyes, lifted herself from the bed, and drew closer into his embrace. "You are back?" Davis patted her back gently. "What is going on? You didn't eat and have been moody. What is the problem?" Jessica took a deep breath. "I'm confused," she muttered, barely audible.

Davis's brow furrowed. "Confused? About what?"