Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 278: A Welcome Gift

Jessica was led in personally by Lady Matilda. Together, they bypassed the expansive living room — typically the first stop for guests. The space screamed opulence, dressed in extravagant furnishings and state-of-the-art sophistication. It wasn’t just a room; it was a living testament to the Santiagos’ wealth, influence, and legacy.

The maids they passed smiled and greeted Jessica warmly — some overly eager, others quietly amused and others with a trace of hesitation..

A few smiled sheepishly, while others gawked at her with thinly veiled curiosity. She noticed the sideways glances, the awkward giggles, and when they thought she couldn’t hear, they whispered among themselves in hushed tones.

That strange, crawling sense of being studied... not with malice, but with the uncomfortable reverence reserved for someone important—someone unexpected.

It was subtle, but she felt it. Something was off. A strange feeling stirred in Jessica’s gut.

Their collective reactions weren’t random. They knew something she didn’t. Something they weren’t saying.

And if there was one thing Jessica had never tolerated in her life — it was being left in the dark. She never liked being the last to know with regards to any incident

Subtly, her fingers grazed her baby bump before reaching her bangle. With practiced ease, she activated the discreet tracker embedded within. She had no intention of walking into a trap.

No matter what kind of sweet poison Lady Matilda intended to serve, Jessica wouldn’t swallow it without a fight.

Lady Matilda led her through a maze of hallways, bypassing several tightly shut doors. At last, she stopped before a modest door and gently pushed it open.

A wash of golden sunlight spilled into the corridor, casting a soft amber hue against the walls. Jessica stepped in slowly and cautiously, her eyes sweeping across the room, her instincts alert for anything — any object, any placement that could pose harm.

It didn’t take long to identify the space.

A private lounge.

Lady Matilda walked toward a floor-length glass door and pushed it open to the terrace. A soft breeze stirred the air, revealing a breathtaking view: a lush field of white lilies, manicured with such precision it looked surreal.

Jessica froze. Her breath caught. Her heart tightening.

it, refusing

flowers were identical to those in her childhood garden— the same arrangement, the same tranquil beauty and the same

Matilda’s voice broke through her thoughts, animated and poised, though she neither admitted affection nor distanced herself emotionally. But now,

at home." She said as she retired to one of

a deep breath. Her gaze swept

Every movement was precise,

every gesture carrying the mark of refined elegance. The quiet image of

her quietly. Her eyes shimmered with a hidden glint of pride and admiration she tried hard to conceal.

she murmured inwardly, dabbing at the corners of her

had died young, it was clear she had done

approached,

juice, or water, ma’am?"

smiled faintly.

far too wide for such

opened her clutch and brought out her phone. A swift message was sent

a glass tray of homemade pastries. She arranged them with

dinner is

respectfully and exited, shutting the door behind her with

expression gentler now. "Welcome once again to the Santiago family

"Thank you. And, how have you been feeling?" She asked with

smiled sincerely.

arms and nodded. "Your prescription really worked wonders.

she reached beside her and pulled out a polished wooden box — carved delicately with

my honor to have you here, Jessica. Please, accept this. A simple

eyed the box warily, her breath catching in

The craftsmanship was old, rooted in tradition. And something about it screamed

a token of appreciation. You saved me at the elevator, during

it outright might seem