Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 369: I’m confused...

"Jessica, Dad is really sorry for you. He wished he had known earlier... he regrets not being able to find you after she was buried."

Julian’s voice cut through the fog in her mind, drawing her back from the swirl of thoughts. Only then did she realize a warm tear had slid down her cheek.

She quickly brushed it away with the back of her hand, lifting her eyes to meet his. Her gaze was calm on the surface, but there was a brittle edge beneath.

"Julian, you may never know... but she suffered. She was hurt, she was destroyed. Even at her lowest, she fought, she endured—and yet in the end..." Her voice wavered. "...he was unable to..."

Julian’s eyes reddened, and his voice broke. "Jessica, there’s no doubt it was painful. But I know...if Mom was given another chance...she would have made the same choice, over and over again."

Jessica stared at him for a brief moment in resignation. Knowing how stubborn her mother could be, Julian wasn’t lying.

She had always wondered why Nora never spoke of her regrets, why she carried her burdens in silence. Now, the answer seemed clearer.

There’s no doubt she would have made that same decision, that same choice.

If Nora hadn’t been so certain in her choice, she wouldn’t have told Jessica to return to the Anderson family.

She wouldn’t have given her the Anderson name again at the slightest insult from George Brown.

She wouldn’t have been confident of Anderson willing to receive her back if she had not trusted him with her life.

"Julian," Jessica called, lifting the satchel up. "I will choose to verify this truth with this last option."

Julian nodded. As long as she is willing to give this opportunity, there is definitely hope.

Jessica picked up the serviette, dabbing her lips lightly, she thanked him for the meal and rose from her seat.

eyes flicked to her plate. "You haven’t eaten. Why not take a few bites?" His

finishing the meal, she wouldn’t have lost her

have to blame

I have them pack something for you?" he asked, already signaling

evening engagement... I need to

she spun on her heels to leave

after her. She paused mid-step before she slowly turned around to face

was... unexpected. Please accept this, my gift to you as your brother." His tone was calm, but his heartbeat thundered in his

Or will

eyes lingered on him, unreadable, before she reached out and took the envelope without checking

flickered in Julian’s eyes. Without another word, she turned

she was lost in thought, with Julian volunteering his

the doorstep. Jessica’s rattled mood seemed not to improve as she walked into the

her

in her hand. The envelope, the satchel, and her bag lay

countdown to the time of the banquet, Jessica felt her heart thumping hard in

I should take a trip

seems I will have to talk to Davis to let me go with him. Taking

with the items she

~Two Hours later~

stylists in tow, letting them settle in

the guests; he glanced briefly at her.

hasn’t stepped out. When I sent in lunch she refused, and her mood seems to be

brow furrowed. "Off?"

anything since it’s not in