Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 218: Meeting Friends 2

Jessica and Davis exchanged a glance. They had anticipated that their appearance might stir reactions, but the revelation of their marriage being the evening’s surprise caught even them off guard.

Lucas swallowed hard, struggling to collect himself. "Of course, I knew you were planning to settle down with that lady... what’s her name again?" he stammered.

"Vera Louis," Alex answered with a scowl. He had never liked Vera. When Davis once asked him why, Alex’s response had left him stumped—"She’s fake and lives fake."

At the time, Davis had found the evaluation too harsh and almost considered distancing himself from Alex. But on second thought, he decided to keep their relationship professional, after all, their business ties were long-standing.

Reflecting on that choice now, he couldn’t help but sigh. He was glad he hadn’t chosen love over loyalty. He cast a subtle glance at Jessica. His gaze shifted briefly to Jessica.

From the moment Jessica met Alex at the lobby, he had treated her with measured respect—more comfortable with her as Davis’ wife than anyone else had been and more than Davis had expected.

"Still don’t like her?" Davis asked with a low smile playing on his lips.

""I don’t," Alex said without hesitation "but I’m not petty enough to stir trouble. You probably now understand why I called her fake."

His words drew a soft chuckle from Davis.

Jessica looked between the two men, trying to piece together the meaning behind their words. A quiet sigh escaped her lips.

"Alright," Davis said, his voice calm yet commanding. "You can all introduce yourselves formally"

Alex turned to Jessica, his smile widening. "Do you still think I need to introduce myself?"

"It won’t hurt," she replied with a mischievous grin. "Besides, tonight seems like our official meeting. The previous one was just a sneak peek."

heartily. "Fair enough. I’m Alex Gando. Known your husband for years—he’s a close buddy of mine or practically call him

she chewed over the name. "Alex Gando?" It rang a bell. She felt certain she’d had business dealings with his company, though Richard had handled

Cosmetics?" she asked, her gaze piercing aa though to see him lie. Alex

nodded back in

tone light. "Alex, you’ve had the spotlight long enough.

Then, lowering his voice,

she seemed to be relaxing at least

"Matt Bruce," he said curtly. Jessica studied his features quietly

the only man who hadn’t said a word since entering. He had been so quiet,

fell into a pin drop silence as everyone seemed more interested to watch the good show

can you say something?" Alex asked, frustration evident in his

from his phone,

Jessica noticed and gently

with a cold smile.

Davis. It does matter," Alex insisted. "That incident wasn’t anyone’s fault, and after everything—especially your near-death experience—it’s time he

be," Jessica interjected softly. "Some things take time. When he’s ready, he’ll

slowly. Davis caught her hand, trying to stop her, but

Reluctantly, Davis let go.

of her dress, she walked gracefully to Luke and offered her hand. "We haven’t met, and I believe we share no animosity. My name is Jessica." Her smile was warm

the decision to accept or ignore it. But then like she had just said "there is no bad blood between them" he mused. He

much resemblance." He

fists on his thighs, wanting nothing more than to pull her back. He had never felt so helpless watching his wife stand alone trying to make peace when the other party isn’t willing