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?

he thought about it, he couldn’t find closure for the

a guard and a silent observer

The Santiagos might refuse public photos,

thought had just clicked into place. "Hubby... don’t feel offended. That was the man I

eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced towards the

asked, his tone tinged with skepticism and

curt nod, rubbing her temples. Frustration bubbled up in her

I have really messed up a perfect

I have to invite Julian over to the house

if I go

she stood. "Let’s go outside. I think I need to speak to him." She took Davis’s hand, pulling him

to lead. At least now

possible situation that might instinctively

on the identity, and now seeing him in a banquet unexpectedly when the various parties involved

He shrugged subtly.

conversation but then no harm in seeing

Lady Matilda stood alone with Donald, speaking in a

did you notice a trace of the Santiagos’ bloodline on him?" she asked,

slowly. "I feel he’s the male version of

steps faltered slightly. Davis caught her instantly, his grip

herself, Jessica forced a polite smile. "Grandma, what about the

she stepped closer. With a gentle motion,

you feeling better now?" she asked. When she noticed them going back into the hall, she’d sensed something was

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

Jessica nodded faintly.

in relief.

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

her tone neutral but probing. She needed to

speech at the summit has to be

So

and Davis to hear. "A kind gesture, since he wouldn’t be here to see you. He gave it to me to

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

==========

in a car speeding toward the airport, Julian sat in the back seat, his laptop balanced on his knees, fingers moving quickly across the

reached for his phone and dialed a