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."

husband for years—he’s a

It rang a bell. She felt certain she’d had business dealings with his company, though Richard had handled it and the cooperation seems to still be

of Beauty Cosmetics?" she asked, her gaze piercing aa though to see

nodded back in

chimed in, his tone light. "Alex, you’ve had the spotlight

Then, lowering his voice, he

chuckled and nodded. Davis watched her closely, visibly relieved that she seemed to be relaxing

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

eyes turned toward the only man who hadn’t said a word since entering. He had been so quiet, it was easy to forget he was there as though he

everyone seemed more interested to watch

Alex

from his

briefly, tension building in his jaw. Jessica noticed and gently held his hand,

bother," Davis said with a

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

time. When he’s ready, he’ll come around. I don’t know

stood up slowly. Davis caught her hand, trying to stop her, but she gave him a silent nod. "I can handle this,"

Reluctantly, Davis let go.

offered her hand. "We haven’t met, and

said "there is no bad blood between them" he mused. He lifted his

much resemblance." He

He had never felt so helpless watching his wife stand alone trying