Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 372: A consolation for her loss...

The Santiagos' estate, bathed with the golden hue of the setting sun, stood elegantly amongst the lush green grass and trees.

The flowers, with their colourful petals, danced wildly in the evening breeze, gracing the air with their sweet fragrance.

The large white gates stood wide open, welcoming the guests and their companions.

The Santiagos' security team dressed in sharp black suits were well stationed at every corner of the estate. Tiny earpieces tucked into their ears, their eyes focused as they scanned the surroundings with trained eyes they oversee the arrival of the guests as well as their comfort.

In the wide open courtyard, rows of tables and chairs had been arranged with meticulous care.

Each table was draped in crisp white linen and decorated with silver platters filled with delicate pastries, exotic fruits, and tiny finger sandwiches so artfully arranged that they looked like works of art.

The first wave of guests had already arrived, they moved in small groups, exchanging greetings, laughing, and sipping on the chilled drinks offered by waiters.

At the corner, a string quartet played a gentle melody, its notes drifting through the air like the echo of a joyful heartbeat, both welcoming and embracing.

A red carpet stretched from the courtyard to the double doors leading into the inner living area, guiding the way for honoured guests.

Inside the grand hall, the Santiagos had spared no effort in their preparations. Bathed in the chandeliers' soft light, the polished marble floor gleamed.

The hall smelled faintly of fresh flowers. Round tables were set around the room, each surrounded by high- backed chairs. The arrangement was purposeful.

With the consideration of the presence of business elites, it was arranged close enough for conversation but leaving space for easy movement.

Waiters in white shirts and black waistcoats moved gracefully between the tables, arranging glasses, pouring drinks, and making sure everything stayed perfect.

A raised stage at one end of the hall was adorned with fresh flowers and a rich velvet backdrop, clearly meant for speeches and special announcements later in the evening.

The arrangement was both grand and welcoming no matter where you choose to be...in the courtyard or inside the hall.

Outside, the low hum of conversation in the courtyard suddenly paused briefly as a sleek black car rolled into the compound stopping right beside the red carpet.

With sof the guests already in the courtyard, their heads turned, eyes narrowing in curiosity.

Murmurs erupted as they stared intently at the car while waiting for the occupants to alight.

But then it was Ethan who alighted. His charcoal suit pristine, his wristwatch catching the light of the sun as he glanced at it.

His face cold and expressionless as he stood at the side.

The murmurs began almost immediately.

"Whose family car is that?" someone whispered, leaning toward his companion.

"It looks powerful. Definitely from a top family of Country Z," another guest murmured.

"I heard the Anderson family is attending tonight," a woman said, tilting her head for a better look.

A man shook his head. "That insignia... it's not from Country Z." "It should be the Allen family's insignia," someone else suggested, his voice low but edged with excitement. "Allen family?" "Yes. And with Davis taking over, do you think he'd even have tto attend this moment?" A pause. "Isn't that Ethan stepping out? Davis's right-hand man?" "He never comes unless Davis is here too." "Then... it must be Davis." "Likely." "I heard his wife is quite beautiful. Do you think she's with him?" "Are you after his wife or the partnership?" someone teased, earning a few chuckles.

Another voice joined in. "I hope to secure a business deal with them... maybe I should grab the opportunity tonight." "That would be after the Santiagos secure theirs," cthe dry reply.

"Do you think the invitation was sent for partnership purposes?" "Otherwise?" "Or do you think... he's married to the Santiagos' granddaughter?" A scoff followed. "Married as a crippled... impossible." A guard stepped forward and opened the car door.

Davis's polished black shoe stepped down first, the leather shining under the setting sun followed by his fras he alighted.

His gaze scanned the surroundings as he buttoned his suit and adjusted it carefully.

He paused briefly, giving Jessica tto catch her breath and gather her dress. When he was sure she was ready, he held out his hand to her.

Jessica carefully placed her soft hand in his, and she stepped down from the car.

A cool breeze swept across the courtyard at that moment, lifting a strand of her hair and brushing it against her cheek in soft caress. Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment as if enjoying the gentle caress of the breeze.

It felt cool and calm on her skin, as though welcoming her home, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.

Davis, noting the slight fluttering of her eyelids, frowned lightly.

"Are you okay?" Jessica smiled lightly and gave a faint nod. "We can go in." She smirked.

Davis gave a curt nod. "Let's go." Together, they stepped on the red carpet, with Ethan following behind.

Seeing the occupants of the car alight, sof the guests' eyes lit up. One sentence echoing across their minds: "A dashing man, a beautiful woman ... perfect combo." The murmurs in the crowd grew louder now, sguests trying to whisper, others not bothering to hide their curiosity.

"It really is Davis... and his wife." "It's a pity the Santiagos banned photographs tonight. That would have made a perfect wallpaper." "They look... perfect together." "Leading the Allen Group and having a wife like that... lucky man." "Seems the Allen Group already had their eyes on the Santiagos?" "Do you think they're here for a deal with the Santiagos?" "Probably. After all, rebuilding after what Desmond did will require strong allies." "I'm taking my chance tonight." "Shere." Ignoring the chats and murmurings around them, Jessica and Davis walked towards the grand entrance of the hall.

Lady Matilda, informed of their arrival, had left her room happilym almost running despite her health. She stood anxiously at the door to welcthem. Her veins pulsed with energy, her gaze on them gentle and doting as she waited for them to approach.

She had dreamed of this moment for so long; the day her lost granddaughter would return.

Years of tears, years of wondering, years of aching for closure.

And now, here she was, alive, radiant, and... home.

Lady Matilda's smile deepened. There was no room for anything but gratitude in her heart.

Jessica spotted her grandmother and instinctively quickened her pace, but Davis's hand closed lightly around hers.

"I don't want to go hwith an injured wife," he murmured.

She gave a small laugh. "Don't worry, I won't fall. My shoes are flat... your preventive choice." He raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Lady Matilda noticed the exchange, and her lips curved upward in amusement.

She glanced at Davis with approval. In her heart, she thought, For this son-in-law, I am proud.

A quiet sigh escaped her as she looked at them thoughtfully.

A granddaughter, a grandson-in-law, and soon... a great-grandchild, m Cate Perhaps, she thought, fate had chosen to repay her for her years of loss.

When they finally reached her, Jessica stepped forward and m apped her arms around her. "Grandma," she said softly, her eyes glistening. Lady Matilda chuckled, though her own eyes were damp. "Can we not play a joke of this great occasion?" "No joke," Jessica replied with a warm smile.

Davis inclined his head respectfully. "Grandma," he greeted.