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.

chest, and for a moment, pain gripped her stomach. She suppressed it, refusing to betray a flicker of emotion as her gaze locked on the terrace

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

through her thoughts, animated and poised, though she neither admitted affection nor distanced herself emotionally. But now,

Matilda gestured toward a plush settee. "Please feel at home." She said as she retired to

nod and took a deep breath. Her gaze swept the room once

Every movement was precise,

elegant, poised, cautious, every gesture carrying the mark of refined elegance. The quiet image of a woman in control, even when everything inside her whispered

eyes shimmered with a hidden glint of pride and

raised her well," she murmured inwardly, dabbing at the corners of her eyes where moisture

and though her mother, Nora, had died young, it was clear

approached, curtsying

juice, or water, ma’am?" she

smiled faintly.

too wide for such a simple request. She

brought out her phone. A swift message was

tray of homemade pastries. She arranged them with care

us when dinner is ready," Lady

nodded respectfully and exited, shutting the door behind

her expression gentler now. "Welcome once

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

sincerely. "Very

arms and nodded. "Your prescription really worked wonders. I haven’t felt

and pulled out a polished wooden box — carved

you here, Jessica. Please, accept this. A simple

eyed the box warily, her

carvings were delicate — too delicate. Familiar. The craftsmanship was old, rooted in tradition. And something about it

Jessica," Matilda said, her voice warm. "You don’t have to feel burdened. This is simply a token of appreciation. You saved me at

it outright might seem