Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 147: Results 1

~At the Hospital~

Donald and Lady Matilda Santiago both sighed in relief when Jessica agreed to take on the case—though it would be on her own terms, they are grateful for the opportunity.

Hearing her speak so calmly and with such confidence even when their name was mentioned, they were quietly impressed. She wasn’t someone that could be easily intimidate, and that surprised them.

"She’s very serious," Lady Matilda whispered to her son as they walked out of the office.

Donald nodded, then turned back to the dean. "Can we get a copy of her schedule once she sets it up? We don’t want the appointments to be too close together, but not too far apart either."

The dean nodded quickly. He understood their concern—and more importantly, he understood who they were. The Santiagos were not people to argue with. If this request made things go more smoothly, he was more than willing to comply.

"I’ll inform you once she finalizes her schedule," the dean assured.

After a few more minutes of discussion, the Santiagos thanked him and left the hospital, their guards following behind.

The dean slumped back into his chair the moment they were gone, he rubbed his forehead. He was already exhausted by this arrangement—and it hadn’t even started yet.

~Back at Jessica’s Mansion~

The late afternoon sun gently made its way to the west, painting the sky in warm gold and soft orange casting a rare beauty over the estate, touching the walls and windows of Jessica’s mansion with soft light. The day was slowly coming to an end.

Inside the gates, extra security measures were put in place. Jessica had called for an urgent family dinner, and the guards had been alerted.

The entrance was strictly monitored. CCTV cameras were adjusted to cover a wider area, making sure everyone coming in was safe and no one was followed.

on the edge of the couch in her bedroom, her laptop resting on her thighs as she

a book in hand while he watches her work seriously. It is said a man working seriously is handsome but for Davis watching Jessica work seriously is beautiful

the sudden dinner?" Davis asked, breaking the silence. "With an urgent

up at once. Instead, she gave a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Isn’t it nice to have everyone around

wonderful to expand this family. You know, have these young men find

not convinced. Davis as perceptive as ever, knew there was more behind her words. Her eyes betrayed her.

you know that is not the reason?" He

In truth, her hands trembled slightly where they rested on the

was praying—silently but desperately—that the decision she had made would be accepted. That everything would go smoothly.

a half hours until dinner, and Bella expected in less than one, Jessica knew she had to speak up now. She couldn’t delay any longer. There were two people who needed to hear the truth first—Davis, and her

her phone and typed out a short

do me a favor and come to

before gently setting her phone aside. Her eyes lifted slowly, settling on Davis again. He hadn’t moved, but she could feel the tension in

tell him? How do I make this sound simple? What if he gets angry? What if he thinks I’ve done something behind his back?

in her hands during surgery, had faced pain, pressure, and intense

a lot since his accident; pulling away from responsibilities, hiding behind

wheeled closer. "Babe," he said gently, but firmly. "What’s really

but the words stuck in her throat. Air felt thin, her lungs squeezing tight. Her heart was thudding so loudly she could almost hear it echo.

She cleared her throat, trying to find the right words. "Actually... it’s not that terrible,

the door. Relief flooded her as she looked toward it. She didn’t need

God, she thought. That knock had saved her. If it hadn’t come just then, she feared Davis’s eyes would have pierced through her and exposed every thought she

but didn’t speak. Jessica quickly walked