Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 198: Desmond’s visits the hospital

~At Jessica’s Mansion~

Jessica nodded lightly at Davis’s suggestion, mentally noting to send a message to her the Santiagos’ later in the day.

The buzz and noise surrounding the fashion week had already disrupted their morning, so rather than return to bed, she decided to get up and make productive use of the time.

She headed to the walk-in closet and began sorting their luggage in preparation for Davis’s upcoming business trip. It was expected to last a week, and she preferred having everything ready ahead of time.

Midway through her packing, Jessica paused and picked up her phone again. She scrolled to the contact of one of her trusted subordinates—someone she had placed in charge of watching over Elder Allen at the hospital. She dialed the number, and after a few rings, the young lady picked up the call.

"How is he doing?" Jessica asked in a calm, low voice, mindful not to disturb Davis.

"He’s awake now," the young woman replied quietly, trying to avoid attracting attention from others. "Still weak, but stable. Alfred went home to prepare his meal."

Jessica exhaled softly, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Good. Keep me updated."

She ended the call and put her phone aside. Then, without wasting time, she returned to organizing the clothes and essentials for the trip.

~At the hospital~

After ending the call, Linda placed her phone back into her pocket and returned to Elder Allen’s ward. She opened the door gently and found the old man wide awake, his eyes slowly following her movements.

"You’re awake?" she asked gently, walking over to his bedside. Her voice carried genuine concern.

She moved closer to check his vitals. After confirming everything was within a normal range, she sighed in relief and adjusted the nutrient drip connected to his arm.

Elder Allen opened his dry mouth to speak, but his voice was hoarse and strained. Seeing this, Linda quickly reached for a glass of water and helped him take a few sips.

ask after swallowing, his

went home to get your meal," she replied softly. "He’ll be

gave a tired sigh. "Have Davis and Jessica returned?"

be worrying so much," Linda said, pulling the chair beside his bed and sitting down. "Your

she worked in

in during the early days of her marriage, instructing her to stay undercover as a maid. Alfred had attempted to look into her background but found nothing suspicious—her profile revealed

he was kind and humble. Unlike many of the arrogant members of the Allen family, he treated even the lowest staff with dignity. Watching him now, so helpless and vulnerable, stirred a sense of guilt

about Desmond?" Elder Allen

stepped inside holding a stainless-steel food flask. His face bore a faint smile, but

asked casually, walking over to set the flask on the table

immediately. He simply stared at his son, his gaze unreadable. Something about Desmond felt different—darker. The aura around him was no longer the same

Desmond asked again, smirking.

He wasn’t going to give Desmond the satisfaction of knowing how troubled he felt. Still, his

Linda asked, turning to Elder Allen but

Elder Allen felt his pulse quicken. Could he trust Linda? Was she

Elder Allen stammered, forcing the words out

to eat

with a tempting aroma. Under different circumstances, Elder Allen might have been eager to eat—but

gave Linda a mock-polite nod. "Go on. Feed him.

into a small

that didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m sure it would mean a

to the ground with a loud clatter. In the confusion, Linda stepped backward, accidentally knocking over the

The room fell silent.

girl!" he barked, stepping forward with his hand

at the scene before him. Linda quickly rushed to him, hiding