Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 374: Julian’s arrival 2

As they arrived at the main hall, Davis guided Jessica to one of the round banquet tables near the side, pulling out a chair for her. Before she could settle, a neatly dressed maid approached with a polite bow.

"Miss, your room has been cleaned according to the instructions."

"Thank you," Davis answered for her, though his eyes never left Jessica’s face. There was a crease in his brow. "Baby, what’s wrong?"

Without waiting for her answer, he reached for a bottled water on the table, unscrewed the cap, poured it into a disposable cup, and held it out to her.

Jessica accepted the cup gratefully, drinking a few quick gulps before drawing in a long, steadying breath. She closed her eyes, her lashes trembling slightly, as if willing her body to behave.

When she opened them again, her pulse was easing. "Nothing in particular... just that pregnancy is troublesome," she said with a tired smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Davis leaned in slightly, searching her face. "What happened?"

"My heart only skipped a beat, and the next moment, I was gasping for oxygen. Isn’t that ridiculous?" she murmured, half complaint, half confusion.

Inside, her thoughts were anything but calm.

How will I lose my composure at a moment like that?

How had I felt shocked seeing Julian at the scene?

Shouldn’t that be a natural occurrence since possibly I am the only one aware of his ties to the Santiagos’?

It seems even Grandma isn’t aware of his identity; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so serious and formal as she stood waiting for him.

She absently tapped her cheek in thought, while beside her, Davis stood silently, brow furrowed with his gaze still on her.

The series of events left him confused about what exactly was going on.

No matter how he tried to piece it together, nothing fit, his mind riddled with questions.

Who was that young man?

Why does he have such a disastrous effect on her?

Is there any connection or business dealing that I am not aware of?

about it, he couldn’t

of a guard and

mental note to have Ethan investigate this man. The Santiagos might refuse public

suddenly looked up at Davis, as if a thought had just clicked into place. "Hubby... don’t feel offended. That was the man I told you

eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced towards the

he asked, his tone

rubbing her

have really messed

have to invite Julian over to the house

I go out now...it can still be

go outside. I think I need to speak to him."

lead. At least now her strange

the possible situation that might instinctively trigger

now seeing him in a banquet unexpectedly when the various parties involved

He shrugged subtly.

setting for a calm conversation but then no harm in seeing who the young

Lady Matilda stood alone with Donald, speaking

did you notice a trace of the Santiagos’ bloodline on him?" she asked, her voice contemplative and almost a

nodded slowly. "I feel he’s the male version of my niece,

instantly, his grip

polite smile. "Grandma, what about the

closer. With a gentle motion, she tucked

she asked. When she noticed them going back into the hall, she’d

Davis by her side, she had assumed it was nothing serious, perhaps just dizziness from the

Jessica nodded faintly.

almost in relief. "That was

from those nearby. "He just left," Matilda added. "He said his flight was

probing. She needed to know exactly how much Matilda

opening speech at the summit has to be

in recognition. So that explained

gift for you," Matilda continued, her voice low only meant for Jessica and Davis to hear. "A kind gesture, since he wouldn’t be here to

curved faintly, and she exchanged a brief glance with Davis.

==========

toward the airport, Julian sat in the back seat, his laptop balanced on his knees, fingers moving quickly across the keyboard as

reached for his phone and dialed a secure