Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 368: Meeting 1

~The Palace Restaurant~

Jessica’s car pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot, her hand resting gently on her belly.

A tangle of emotions coursed through her; anticipation, apprehension and a hint of resentment but her face remained perfectly unreadable.

From the driver’s seat, the man glanced at her through the rearview mirror, noticing her faraway stare. "Ma’am," he said carefully, "we are here."

Jessica nodded. Her gaze lifted towards the tall, large building of the restaurant. The restaurant’s frontage was warm and inviting, with tall glass windows framed by dark wood panels and soft uplighting that gave it a golden glow.

At its entrance was a well-crafted nameplate in elegant lettering, proudly displaying its name like a proud king: "The Palace."

A glance towards the glass doors revealed a uniformed doorman standing ready to welcome guests, his bearing humble and his smile warm and welcoming.

Potted plants flanked the doorway, adding a touch of greenery to the refined setting. A water fountain stood at the centre, water flowing from its carved lion’s head.

Jessica pulled open the door and stepped down, her phone in hand as she walked towards the glass door, the doorman welcoming her warmly.

Inside the restaurant, the space was warm and sophisticated. The tables, neatly set, were covered in white tablecloths.

A simple flower vase arranged in the middle gave a faint scent of fresh flowers, lending the air a calm and inviting vibe.

Soft lighting hung from the chandeliers, casting a gentle glow over the arrangement, making it cozy and elegant. Soft music played in the background.

With the rush hour past and morning diners reduced, the restaurant was basically empty.

Jessica chose a seat by the window, she walked over and settled down. Her gaze drifting through the window.

Placing her bag on her lap and her hands on the table, her chin rested on them.

A waiter approached her, placed a bottle of water on the table, and bowed slightly. "Any orders?"

lightly. "I’m waiting for someone; we’ll

he

out her phone to call but halted when she

for a while and in spite of herself she silently compared his features to the fading fragments she

eyes just like

when he arrived at her side. "Sister?" he called softly, his voice low

eyes settling anywhere but on Julian. "You are here?" she

opposite her and sat down. "How are you doing?" he

"I’m doing great," she muttered. Her words were

at this man claiming to be her brother, Jessica was at a loss

only willed herself to accept this meeting. While she was lost in thought, Julian beckoned to

arrived, and after they ordered, he returned inside to

right?" she

Julian nodded.

do you know

you calm down? Let’s have our meal

meal is yet to be served," she said, her tone firm "can

relented "Alright, what do

how are

him the benefit of the doubt, the

forward slightly. "Explaining everything would take hours. But..." He slid an envelope across the table. "The details here might be of help

and placed it on the table beside

their orders, placing them before them. Jessica picked up

she needed

her for a while. "I was taken away from our mother immediately

"Though Dad was not aware, it was a plan orchestrated

this, at this moment he preferred to tell her

at birth? Who was the baby buried in the Brown family cemetery?" she

have no idea." Lifting his hand, he plucked a few strands of his hair and pulled out a sachet. Carefully placing it inside, he