Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 245: If she is married...

By the time the gala ended, it was already several minutes past midnight. The news of the launch dominated every tabloid and trended across all social media platforms in Noveria.

Families discussed the products over late dinner, considering them perfect gifts for their loved ones.

Lovers, intrigued by the romantic line, pre-ordered matching sets.

Friends browsed online stores, couples shared their excitement, and even children had something to look forward to as samples of the new skincare candy packaging was rolled out.

It was safe to say that every living soul in Noveria had been considered in the creation of the J&D product line.

Lady Bright, ever elusive, slipped away from the event without a trace. By the time investors turned to schedule meetings with her, she was nowhere in sight and had vanished as always.

Alex, having experienced this disappearing act of hers several times at similar functions, resolved that tonight would be different. After all, she had stepped into his territory and surely, that had to count for something. He took it as a sign that his prayers were finally being answered.

Before the guests began dispersing, he hurried out to catch up with her. Davis, noticing his friend’s anxious movements, sighed quietly, torn between telling him the truth or letting him chase a fantasy.

Outside the hotel, Alex spun around repeatedly, scanning every vehicle for signs of the one she had taken but it was a futile effort.

As the hotel was under his name, he quickly turned to the surveillance system to locate her exit. Yet even the 3D surveillance footage showed no sign of her departure. He reviewed every exit point, every timestamp. Nothing. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.

Frustration gripped him. He marveled at her skill in evading detection, her tactics far beyond what one would expect of a mere designer.

"She’s more than just a designer," he muttered to himself, returning to the hall with a storm cloud on his face, as if the whole world owed him something. Davis, seeing his friend’s expression, already knew what had happened — or rather, what hadn’t.

"She’s gone," Alex said, his voice low and bitter. "I even left early to find her, but somehow she disappeared. It’s like she dissolved into the night..."

Davis took a deep breath. He wanted to steer Alex away from this path, but doubts crept in. Was he doing the right thing by staying silent? Jessica’s presence in his life felt threatened, especially with Alex’s growing interest in her and for this only light in his life, he wouldn’t let go.

He decided to test the waters.

"Alex... have you fallen in love with her?" Davis asked, his gaze fixed intently on his friend’s face.

a jolt. Alex’s hand trembled briefly, his breath hitched and a flicker of mixed emotion coursed through his eyes before he steadied himself, but these

Davis added, smirking, a mix of amusement and unease crossing

asked, his voice cracking as he imagined the

the ring on her middle finger," he replied calmly, though his heart surged with quiet pride and happiness. He hadn’t expected Jessica to wear the ring to public events—yet

few moments, his gaze distant. He couldn’t afford to make

she’s married... then I’ll let go," he finally

lips, a dull ache settled in his chest. It was a truth too painful to

The tension between them was

and muttered, "I don’t know what’s happening to

gave a dry

knew exactly what was happening. And it terrified

it wasn’t just Alex

better than a long one," he thought. Perhaps it was better to tell him the

like this. It had to be a conversation

~ Davis’s Bungalow ~

the gate opened smoothly, Deborah stepped out of the house to welcome them home. Her eyes

watched the launch’s live broadcast until the very end. After the whirlwind of scandals and rumors, she hadn’t expected it

Jessica. She gripped the car door for support as she stepped down, her

support her, wrapping an

had clearly burned through whatever energy the nutritional drink had provided

of her pale face and trembling steps, rushed forward. She didn’t need anyone to tell her that Jessica had

You shouldn’t have stayed that long. Come, let’s get you upstairs. I made something light for you. Just a few bites, then

nodded,a faint smile touching her lips. There it was again—that warm presence she

comforting presence these past few days, quietly filling

said the same thing? Would she have fussed

gently, straightening herself. "I can manage.

pounded, her veins pulsed erratically, and her legs threatened to give way but she held on and walked

step was a test of her will but she made it through the door with a quiet grace that