Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 1077

Zada’s eyes lit up. “The boat’s here!”

Sierra froze. A boat? She hadn’t actually expected one to show up.

The phone call earlier hadn’t even gone through–she had just been talking to herself. So this boat definitely wasn’t here for Zada.

But if Zada got on that boat and left, that would ruin everything.

After all her careful planning, Sierra had still missed something. She was speechless.

Zada turned to her with a bright smile. “Thank you so much, Sierra. The boat’s here. I’m getting on now–I’m finally leaving this place.”

Sierra panicked. “Wait! You didn’t bring any luggage or money, did you? You don’t even know anyone out there! Just wait a second. I’ll grab you some cash!”

She was trying to stall Zada, to trap her with an excuse.

But Zada caught her hand. “No, it’s fine. I’ve got some money on me, and it’s enough to get by. What matters right now is getting on that boat!”

Sierra’s heart started to race.

Zada brought her own money? Then what excuse could she use to stop Zada? One way or another, she couldn’t let Zada leave.

Where the hell was Shaun? And how did this boat just happen to show up right now?

A chill ran down Sierra’s spine. Something about tonight felt wrong. She could sense that trouble was about to hit.

She said quickly, “I just remembered that Emerson never sent me the ticket info!”

Zada froze. “What? He didn’t send it? But the boat’s already here! How am I supposed to get on without a ticket?

“I don’t know what’s wrong with that guy,” Sierra said, pretending to sound annoyed.

“Then call him!” Zada urged. “Please, call Emerson right now! I have to get out of here. Mr. Lane’s people are after me. If they catch me, I’m done for! And I’ll never find out who killed Halsey!”

Sierra put on a sympathetic face. “I know, I know. I’m worried too. I’ll call him right now.”

She pulled out her phone and dialed a fake number.

Zada leaned in. “Did he pick up?”

Sierra frowned. “Not yet. Come on, Emerson, where are you? Pick up, damn it!”

Zada grew more anxious. “Try again! Please!”

1/3

“He’s not answering,” Sierra said, feigning frustration. “He’s probably busy. Let’s just wait a bit.”

Zada frowned. “Are you sure this Emerson guy’s reliable?”

“Of course he is,” Sierra lied smoothly. “Let me try again. Just stay calm.”

She dialed the same empty number once more, knowing no one would ever answer. She only needed to buy time until Shaun got here.

Phone in one hand, she scanned the horizon, silently begging for Shaun to appear.

Normally, he was lightning–fast, especially when it came to anything involving Halsey. He’d practically fly over if needed. But tonight, he was taking forever.

No matter how hard she stared, he never showed.

When Sierra finally turned back, her heart skipped a beat–Zada was gone.

She looked toward the dock and saw Zada standing by the boat, talking to the captain. From their gestures, it looked like she was asking questions. The man nodded.

Then Zada came running back, grinning from ear to ear. “Sierra! No need to wait! You don’t have to call Emerson anymore!”Chapter 421 421: Meeting the twins...

After a few hours at Jessica's mansion, they both left the house. Jessica felt frustrated about the situation.

She had actually doubted the fact she was married, but after this visit and with several photos and videos of her and Davis together, her doubt had been cleared.

And now it was replaced with worry, and her thoughts couldn't help but race with trepidation and fear.

"How would I lose such a memory?"

"What exactly happened?"

"Though I might be able to build new ones, the old is certainly needed."

"I really have to jog up this memory in one way or another?"

Beside her, Davis caught her troubled expression and shook his head, resigning himself to her silence, letting her be with her thoughts.

The visit had at least given him a stepping stone, a chance to reintroduce himself, to explain fragments of their life together. It was progress, though far from enough.

As they approached his estate, Davis slowed at the gate and glanced at her. His voice was gentle, deliberate. "Babe, we are home."

Jessica froze, her eyes fixed on the gate. She understood what he meant as the weight of his words sank deep.

Several emotions swirled in her heart…confusion, fear, a flicker of longing. For the first time since leaving the hospital, she felt cornered by a decision only she could make.

She looked at Davis. It was clear what he meant. She remembered the pain that flashed on his face days ago when she refused to return here.

Now, by asking again, Davis was giving her the chance to refuse once more.

But instinctively she found herself feeling reluctant to refuse, she hoped he could always accompany her, but staring at the gate she had her fears, yet she couldn't voice them out.

She inhaled deeply, forcing her courage as she met his gaze "How long have we been married?" she asked.

"For two years," he answered, though uncertainty tugged at his tone; he didn't know why she asked and no matter the reason, it's definitely not important.

.

Jessica nodded, then turned to him, her voice quiet but firm. "Davis, I don't remember you… or whatever it is we had. But I need you to understand me."

His chest tightened, his heart slamming against his ribs. His hand gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles whitened. His eyes reddened while his houghts raced.

At the moment, he felt lost, tired, and worn out. He had hoped that their visit would be enough that she would finally accept their life together, that she would stay.

That she would give them an opportunity to start anew.

That she would no longer insist on living outside his home.

Who would have thought… yet he didn't want to force her. He wouldn't.

He didn't want to hurt her. She had paid a lot, and above all, he didn't want to lose her, not to anyone or for anything.

While his thoughts dangled from one point to another, Jessica shook her head. She was certain he had misunderstood her.

She exhaled deeply and unbuckled her seat belt, turning to him. His blurry eyes made her heart ache. Gently, she touched his cheek. "Aren't we going in?" she asked softly.

Davis stared at her, his eyes narrowed with shock, relief, and confusion swirling in them. His lips parted but he couldn't form any word.

Jessica chuckled faintly. "You misunderstood me. I'm only asking you… to cope with me."

His voice cracked when he finally spoke. "So… you're not leaving anymore?"

She nodded. "If I was able to stay married to you for two years, give it another two years… let me see if I really did. Just that…"

Relief broke over him like sunlight after rain. "Don't worry about the memories," he whispered, pulling her close. "We can build new ones together."

Jessica let him hold her for a heartbeat, then pulled away but not without sparing him a glance.

Davis blinked rapidly, swiping at his damp eyes with the back of his palm. He lacked words to express how he felt at the moment.

Davis turned on the ignition. With the gate already open, waiting for them, he drove into the compound in one swift motion.

Outside the main door, a small group of waited eagerly. Jessica glanced at Davis. "You told them..?"

Davis shrugged. "The doctor had already declared you fit for discharge. There's no need keeping it hidden."

Jessica rubbed her temples. In her memory, she never had a family waiting for her to return or expecting her presence.

To put more clearly, aside her grandmother, others had always been her subordinate.

Seeing this group, her eyes stung. "Have they always been this way for the past two years?"

Davis nodded. "Yes, they had, most especially Deborah, who had to nag… packing up snacks, food, and even drinks for you whenever you are going out."

Jessica's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of a familiar figure amongst the group, but as she wanted to ask, Davis turned off the ignition.

"Let's go down; there are some you have not met because they aren't in town," he said as he unclasped her seat belt.

Davis alighted from the car, came over, and opened the door for her. Jessica sat back briefly to steady her nerves.

She didn't know why, but she had mixed feelings about this meeting. "Are you sure about this?"

Davis nodded as he helped her step down. Holding her hand in his, he led her to the group.

Deborah stepped forward and pulled her into her embrace, her eyes glistening with tears threatening to fall. "Thank God you made it through," she whispered amidst tears.

One by one, Davis introduced everyone. With the notes Richard had prepared earlier, Jessica managed to keep up, surprising herself with how naturally she connected.

The group were both relieved and happy as they ushered them inside.

Inside the living room, Jessica felt the familiarity, and the feeling that she had once been there poked at her heart.

"Come meet the twins," Davis said.

"Twins?" she asked, confused.

"Mm," he murmured. "When you met them the first time you hadn't woken up, but now that you are awake, you have to see them."

Jessica glanced back and found Deborah standing behind her with a warm, disarming smile.

"Alright, you lead the way." She said though her heart raced with both expectations and fear.

Deborah hurriedly took the stairs leading them towards the nursery. She stopped at a closed door and stepped aside.

"You can go in," she said with a smile.

Davis nodded while Jessica stood transfixed staring at the closed door.

Davis slowly took her hand. "You expended so much energy to keep them safe during the accident…by the time they were brought out, you were already in a coma."

Jessica's throat tightened. Davis pushed the door open, gently he held her hand and led her into the room.

Jessica felt her breath catch in her throat as she took in the sight of the twins nursery. There's no doubt Davis had taken out his time to plan for the kids even when she wasn't there.

The nursery was bright and airy, painted in a soft neutral tone of cream with gentle touches of sky blue and pink to balance both little ones.

in cozy bedding; one with star patterns, the

edge of the wall, a wide dresser doubled as a changing table, neatly stocked

playful wall decals of clouds, moons, and animals added a

cuddles, with a small bookshelf nearby holding colorful storybooks and soft

in their bosoms. Seeing them, they stood up. Their gazes

to steady her fraying nerves, legs trembled as

settled down with the children in her

stood some distance away, lingering in silence. "Don't worry about them," he said softly, his gaze sliding back to the little trio before

"Do you mind if I help you carry one of

the two babies, their distinct features that marked them apart from the other tugged at her

her, her chest tightened,

catching. "Though I never knew they were the reason…I felt lost." Her voice cracked but

his head. "Don't you think I have also missed and neglected them myself?" his tone

beside her had left him with just a

them. At some point, they had became his only confidants, his silent comfort, his little "garbage bag" for everything he couldn't

spend the brief moment he had with them telling them how much

see her lying

he was powerless and couldn't do

there, watching the fragile

had always been riddled with pain, frustration,

as God's gift, to see them as two miracles accompanying him in his wait while clinging to the hope

the chance to bother about what they look like or to appreciate them as God's gift

above them, not like he

had only shrunk further becoming less and less

routine; arriving from the hospital at seven, slipping into the nursery to spend thirty minutes with

would be waiting at the door with his breakfast packed in a thermo, and soon

babies seemed to adapt to his rhythm and

their tiny hands, and their familiar

standing here and with a glance backwards, Davis felt a

truly be present for them. Failed to appreciate them for being strong. The guilt pressed heavier than ever,

you have spent more time with them than I did." She smirked faintly, though

lowering himself beside her. His gaze softened as it settled on the two little

to his tummy, bore every imprint of his father; deep eyes, a straight nose, sharp jawline, and a startlingly cold expression, as if the

mother's mirror, a replica of Jessica…onyx

far easier to say they had been carved from

let me hold her," Davis murmured after a

her?

smirk. "I am. But I'm more concerned

lips quirked. "I guess you have an

of their son. In many families, boys were prized above all, but here

he has a major role in protecting his baby sister," Davis retorted

in agreement with Davis' words, the little

the twins, they talked and laughed together, the atmosphere of the nursery was warm with

as they found warmth and

of four, casting a picture of rare serenity and peace…enough to

gaze, their eyes meeting and locking for a heartbeat before she looked away as her

pause, his voice low. His gaze was fixed on the

as she stared down

for a long time," she murmured, but the next moment she

word as her thoughts raced. It had escaped

a mother

out, Davis' lips curled up with amusement. He had glanced at her the moment she spoke but when no panic followed he let out a relieved

her instinctively accept the children naturally was enough for him and had raised his hope of a better day closeby. "You don't have to be surprised," he reassured gently. "You've always talked to them, even before they

trying to picture how beautiful

kick

Did she laugh?

heart swell

but then her resolve to recover her memory burned brighter. She would recover them, piece by piece, no matter how long

always talked to them, was

she had whispered a name

shook his head. "Actually, you never knew they were two, you are supposed to repeat the ultrasound scan before the encounter,"

named, Davis and Jessica's smiles

face. It was as though a long, unanswered prayer, one he feared Heaven had forgotten

the case with Jessica because att the sound of Davis' chosen word, "Jasmine," her gaze had flickered to

their child had momentarily masked it, but now, as silence settled in,

Her fingers smoothed the baby's tiny blanket, and her eyes narrowed as she lifted them to Davis. "Why

Allen princess and heiress, but never did she expect Davis to

think he had carefully

her dazzling features that constantly reminded him

to pull him from despair, left no stone unturned to see him stand

had made him a proud father, a soft smile curled

is beautiful, just like the name," he whispered, his voice

the subtle shifts in his expression: the gentleness, the gratitude, the love that seemed etched into every

peacefully, his head pressed against her chest, his small hand searching

stay in the hospital had robbed her of the chance to give

whispers, no chance to comfort them as only a mother could. Now, with them warm in her arms, the reality weighed heavily on

of sadness and pain clouding Jessica's features. His chest tightened.

another story, one she couldn't mask no matter how much she tried, it remained as glaring as the

unwilling to accept her dismissal. "Baby," he coaxed softly, "you know it wouldn't be a burden if you let us share the problem…as we've always

his words. As we've always done. The phrase echoed in her

her voice fragile, hopeful yet aching for the loss of

her gaze back to the twins, blinking against the sting in her eyes. "I'm worried… will they always

soft smile that lingered on Davis' lips faded instantly. Concern

she was right, the babies had been on preterm formula since the NICU, and afterward, the feeding had continued at home. In truth, he hadn't given it much thought. Survival had been

said quietly, lowering his eyes,

when I was unconscious," she countered quickly, her voice firmer now. "I'm asking

it's too much. It's not like we

to give his children the best of all he could afford, he wasn't ready

to soothe,

don't want to be that kind of mother," she whispered. "I want to bond with them naturally.

spent six weeks in the hospital," he reminded her gently.

entirely impossible. It will just

feared making her feel bad and inadequate. The thought of her straining herself pained him, yet her determination stirred

relactation can solve this," Jessica muttered, brows furrowed in

reached for her hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. "You don't have to

her eyes. Still, she made a mental note to contact a doctor once

mind, however, was quick

do I have my own space, or do we share a

What about now?

Her chest tightened.

share the same

the kids until I adjust… but will

on her. Davis

baby in her arms, as if Damian's tiny movements could shield her

it go with a small

424: To a

the dining hall for dinner, Jessica reluctantly allowed Davis to lead her out of the

estate, but since their first visit to the nursery had taken over the whole day, it had to

you care for a bath before the meal?" Davis asked her midway down the

direction of the living room and shook her head. "So many people

smirked as he glanced towards the sitting

have you never been taught to be polite and filial to

taught me that once, but she later sent her elder to

gaze narrowed,

glanced at her playfully, "You

asked, her face

with a shrug, "Too bad. Then he must have done something wrong, I am

head in resignation. He couldn't help but laugh at the glaring truth before him; though Jessica might have lost her

shook her head lightly. "Have dinner and then a bath."

resolve, they continued their descent, and Davis gently took her hand in his. Jessica glanced at him lightly

took a calming breath and stepped forward into the sitting room with Davis's hand loosening around her wrist, but just as she looked up to talk to him,

her breath hitch as she halted mid-step, but just as she was trying to understand what was happening, the resounding voices of so

room as she

sitting room had been transformed as it now carried a gentle

were hung loosely across the corners, and a handful of colourful balloons were tied together and set

sign, handwritten and decorated with bright markers, hung proudly around every corner of the sitting room, giving the

together, covered with soft silky throws that added to the touch of the

of the coffee tables, a mix of light snacks and pastries, juice, fruit cups, and finger foods were neatly arranged on trays, ready for anyone who

setting a calm and

wafted into the room, making everyone's tummy grumble for a fill. Her eyes stung as she stared at

form a proper word of thanks. Davis stepped forward with a large, beautiful bouquet of her favourite white

smile, his lips parted softly.

in her heart… with no recollection of how they had lived, what they might have experienced together, Jessica felt

so much for making it through the empty void, for coming back

She winced, her

didn't dare to imagine how she could learn to appreciate the present if she didn't recall how beautiful, painful, or heartbreaking

for us both… while we build new memories, free from stress, pain, and void of plots, is

her hand, leading her into the sitting room where both familiar and unfamiliar

with a small plate of carefully picked snacks and a glass of juice. "Sister-in-law," she

to throw away a sister and grab a sister-in-law."

the same person." She retorted, earning a chuckle

"Welcome home, sis." she said in a

a bright, warm

hum of

glowed with soft lighting spilling from the chandeliers hung above, bathing the room in a soft ambience, its light reflecting on

and roses, their fragrance mingling with the savory aroma of the dishes laid out…bowls of rich soup, plates of vibrant

Davis guided Jessica to her seat with quiet care as he pulled out

425:

she spent it with Damian and Jasmine, yet the thought of night unsettled her with no idea what to expect. She couldn't

would it look

she supposed to

an end, her mind drifted again, circling

about it, but it

tried to adjust to the reality of being married to Davis, her memory stubbornly and constantly

yet, the truth was undeniable—she was his wife. Whether her heart accepted it or

tried, just for a moment, to dig into her memory, searching for a trace of how

in her own mansion

Davis' soft voice cut through her

blinked, shaking her head quickly, hiding behind a sharp exhale as she concealed the emotions

current business trends. Dessert was brought in by the maids under Deborah

quietly beside her, his hand occasionally

other

spoke with calm patience, hoping she will keep up with the discussion

his wrist. "I guess she has to retire for the night. We beg to be excused," he said

was still recovering, and rest was necessary. So it

and pulling her gently to her feet. After issuing a few instructions to Deborah, he led her

bedroom door, he

him to open the door. Instead, his voice sliced through the still hallway.

widened, her heart drumming hard against her chest. A few questions crossed her mind hoping to be answered but before she could

smile gracing his lips, though his heart raced beneath his

this room. Whether it was

each passing day,