Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption

Richard's response left Julian stumped. His heart lurched, and the sharp sting of disappointment gnawed at his chest.

He dared not imagine that even after today, after coming all this way, he might not be able to see her.

Let alone tell her the truth: that they shared a past, that they had a connection and are bound by blood or that she was the reason he had returned to Country Y.

He wouldn't even get the chance to tell her that their father still waited earnestly, hoping each day for her return.

He was truly disappointed. He hadn't expected this to be the case but then there is nothing to do.

Taking a deep breath, Julian rolled his shoulders back, forcing a smile to his lips. "Do you know the sort of emergency? Will she be needing any help?" he asked, his voice calm despite the flicker of worry in his eyes.

Richard shook his head. "It's a private matter. I don't know the details. But I'll find out now that the launch has finally ended," he said, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity.

Julian gave a small nod. "Please do. And if possible, kindly reschedule my meeting with her regarding the partnership."

Richard studied him for a beat longer, his gaze narrowed at him. From the outset, he'd sensed this Anderson had come with purpose. His intent seemed to extend beyond the scope of business.

Yet despite his instincts honed from years of navigating complex people, he couldn't detect any malice. No ulterior motives, just... something deeply personal.

In fact, Julian seemed like a man who had found a long-lost treasure, something precious that he once thought was gone forever. And now that he had a glimpse of it again, he was determined and vowed never to lose it again.

Richard folded his arms, his gaze probing. "Aside from the partnership, is there any other business she has with the Anderson Group?" Richard asked, his suspicion written all over his face.

"Not explicitly," Julian replied, the faintest smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But we're hopeful. In the nearest future, I believe there will be a lot."

Richard arched a brow "In the future?" He murmured to himself but remained silent.

After a long pause, he finally said, "She had actually been worried about not receiving you by herself. That's why she asked me to step in."

Julian sighed. It seemed it wasn't in vain. As long as she noticed him and had shown a little courtesy that proved he was recognized, the effort wasn't entirely useless.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder: What happened that pulled her away from the launch?

The question lingered in his mind even as they wrapped up their conversation.

After a few more pleasantries, the men parted ways as Julian with a thoughtful smile made his way back to the hotel. As for Richard, he already made a mental note already to schedule another meeting within the week.

~Davis home~

The golden wash of the setting sun bathed the compound as the large gate opened slowly, welcoming them back. The cars glided in, their windshields catching the last glow of the light, as it reflected on the glass.

Doors swung open one after the other as each of them alighted their own car. From theirs, Jessica stepped out of her vehicle, Davis right beside her, his hand gently clasping hers in quiet support.

As they approached the entrance, Jessica suddenly paused mid-step. Turning around, she faced the small group as each one of them halted in their tracks, silently watching her with curiosity and concern.

She inhaled deeply.

Though her mother's time with her had been brief and short, one lesson of hers had etched itself into her soul "Always show gratitude to the hands that lifted your burdens."

At that time she will pat the seat beside her and she beckons her to sit then comes the question "Jessy, how many persons helped you today?"

She will make mention of them. Her mother will ask her "Did you thank them?"

And if she hesitates in giving her answer, her nagging will follow

"At every point in time, show your gratefulness to the little hand stretched toward you. Say thank you because without them, you would be lonely, bearing your burden alone."

Recalling those moments, a smile tugged her lips. And now her experiences had only strengthened that truth.

The day hadn't unfolded as she had envisioned. But in its own way, it reminded her of how lucky she was, not just to have Davis, but the friends who had willingly followed them to the hospital without complaint.

"I'm sorry you ended up spending your day at the hospital instead of enjoying the show," she said with a warm smile. "Thank you for your time, your companionship. It meant a lot."

She was really grateful they had accompanied her and her husband to the hospital. If the situation had really turned dire, she was quite certain they would go a long way to assist them.

Davis's gaze softened with pride. He admired this about her. Despite the chaos, she still radiated grace, the kind born from humility and strength. She truly understood the wisdom of knowing how to abound and abase.

"My wife is right. We are grateful," he said.

"Davis, the last time I checked," Alex interjected with mock solemnity, "I was issued a challenge by your wife."

Their heads snapped toward him, their eyes taking in his serious face and then drifted to Jessica in askance.

Jessica blinked, puzzled her brow furrowed at the sentence.

She calmly analyzed the wording, running through her memories for a record of such but the nothing.

She couldn't make out any time she had challenged Alex. Not now. Not before..

Davis's gaze met his, a low smirk playing on his lips. "Did she win?" he asked. Keep us going by reading on MV_LEM_PYR.

"Why so eager to know?" Alex teased. "Trying to save face already?"

"Just preparing the victory gift," Davis shot back with a grin, drawing laughter from the group.

"Well, I haven't concluded yet," Alex continued. "According to her, Deborah's cooking is better than any five-star chef I could hire. So rather than drown me in thanks, how about we settle this the right way?"

" Rather than keep me here to thank me, why not let us finish the challenge?"

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Alex, are you still doubting Deborah's culinary genius?"

Alex crossed his arms, grinning as he nodded. "Until I taste it myself, let's hold off on the vote of thanks."

Their laughter filled the air, easing away the weight of the day.

Just then, the front door creaked open, and Deborah stepped out, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Sir, Ma'am, you're all welcome," she greeted, smiling.

"Deborah, aren't you busy inside?" Jessica asked with gentle exasperation.

"You've been standing too long. Let's go in…your legs might be sore or even swelling," Deborah replied with genuine concern.

Jessica glanced down at her legs, almost forgetting the dull ache.

"All right, let's go in and find out," she said, her voice light.

Together, they walked toward the house. As the door opened, they were instantly met with a wave of rich aromas of local spices and leaves ;ogiri, uziza na utazi. The scent wrapped around them like a warm blanket, causing stomachs to rumble in chorus.

Davis gave Alex a pointed look as he rubbed his temples. "Somebody is definitely losing a challenge tonight," he said with a smirk.

Alex shot him a mock glare. "Let's not be too sure. The palate doesn't lie."

With laughter still trailing behind them, they headed to their rooms to freshen up.