Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption

With the dining hall beautifully arranged, the table was exquisitely furnished, showcasing a carefully curated selection of dishes.

Side by side, local and continental delicacies competed for attention. There was Agbugbu (Fiofio) na ji, steaming bowls of the nsala, and the richly flavored ofe onugbu, accompanied by tender ọkpa ehi agwọro agwọ.

On the continental side were tender steak, golden fried rice, and creamy mac and cheese and a coleslaw as dessert, each dish meticulously arranged giving a testament to Deborah's culinary expertise

Several bottles of assorted wines and juices were thoughtfully placed, giving the entire spread an aromatic, colorful, and enticing atmosphere.

One after another, they took their seats in a natural order that subtly reflected their positions and status. Davis, gently holding Jessica's hand, descended the staircase in his usual relaxed manner.

Upon reaching the dining table, he pulled out a chair for Jessica with care and, once she had settled in, took his place at the head of the table.

His gaze swept across the array of vibrant, aromatic colourful dishes, thoughtfully prepared with a balance of local and international tastes.

It was as though Deborah had offered them a culinary spectrum of choice, allowing each guest to indulge according to their tastes.

"Alex," Davis said, leaning slightly forward, "what do you think? What caught your eye?" A smile playing on his lips.

Alex chuckled. "Davis, the real question is what hasn't caught my eye. But since you asked… then let's say I'm trying everything. At least a taste of each."

"So greedy," Ethan muttered under his breath with a teasing grin.

"Davis, your assistant needs a leash," Alex quipped, casting a playful glance Ethan's way.

"Assistant?" Davis raised an eyebrow. "I don't have one at the moment. I'm already putting out a notice for one, unless you've got someone to recommend?"

Ethan's smile faltered, his hand froze slightly, his fingers curling briefly but he released it immediately taking breath. His eyes locked with Davis's, who merely shrugged, his expression unreadable.

Ethan's gaze flicked toward Jessica, but she remained silent. His heartbeat quickened. Bella, sitting beside him, lightly patted his arm, urging him to remain calm.

They couldn't quite make sense of what Davis and Jessica were up to. The words were measured and with no expression on their face, it became an impossible feat.

Alex tilted his head, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Ethan. "Is there a problem? Or have you been falling short in your responsibilities?" he asked, his tone more curious than accusing.

Ethan didn't have an answer. Truthfully, no one could decipher what was going on in Davis's mind lately. His actions had turned unpredictable.

But for now, he made a decision—eat first, worry later. After all, Davis was the type of man who delivered clarity at the right moment. Until then, fretting wouldn't change anything.

Taking a deep breath, he focused back on the food. Just then, Davis glanced at Jessica, who gave a subtle nod of approval.

"Before we begin the meal," Davis started, his eyes moving slowly across the table, "we have a few things to share with you."

A quiet hush fell across the room as everyone turned their attention to him.

"These are some of the best friends we've had through thick and thin," he said sincerely. "And that's why this is important for us to share."

"Officially, I'd like to let you know that my wife and I are expecting a baby."

For a moment, silence hung in the air for a moment then the realization dawned. Their eyes shifted to Jessica, taking in the subtle signs they had missed.

Applause erupted, rippling through the room along with waves of congratulatory cheers.

Alex and Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, while the women exchanged knowing glances, soft smirks curling at their lips.

Deborah, who had been standing quietly nearby, let out a silent breath of relief, grateful she hadn't spoiled the surprise earlier.

As the excitement settled, Davis continued, "Ethan, don't feel offended that I said you're no longer my assistant."

He paused as eyes turned toward Ethan again.

"Even before now, you've always been more than that. But starting tomorrow, you will officially take over the position of Chief Operating Officer of the group and all its subsidiaries. I think you should find me a new assistant," he added with a smile.

Ethan blinked, stunned. That role had always remained within the Allen family. It had never been offered to anyone else.

His eyes drifted toward Jessica. As a few thought crossed his mind.

Was this her decision?

And what about Aaron?

As if reading his thoughts, Jessica spoke, "It wasn't my decision. It was your boss's. And besides, you earned it."

"When Davis was down, you didn't walk away, even when Desmond almost cost you your life. You stayed.

Even when your salary was cut and you were suspended, you never turned your back on him. We are truly grateful. But there is one condition," she added.

Ethan's eyes burned, rimmed red with emotion. Still, his heart pounded at what might come next.

"I'm listening," he said quietly. At this point, he had no other option, he had always stood with them. Fulfilling one more request wouldn't change that.

"You have to sever ties with your adopted family," Jessica stated calmly.

Her word fell like a thunderclap, totally unexpected.

"From the reports I've seen, they never treated you with the respect and dignity you deserve." Tеxt асquirеd frоm М|V|LЕМР&YR.

She paused, then added firmly, "You deserve happiness. Cutting ties with them is a step toward that."

Ethan's voice cracked. "I don't have another family…"

"That's not a problem," Davis interjected gently.

"You can take any name you choose, and we'll have it legally established and registered. Besides… who knows? You might find your biological family one day."

Bella exhaled, visibly relieved. "Sis, thank you for helping him."

She had witnessed firsthand how they had used and degraded Ethan. She had tried to talk to him, to make him leave, but he had clung to them.

Bound by loyalty, guilt, or maybe hope. But now, with this decision, maybe he could finally take a stand.

Ethan inhaled slowly and, after a long pause, nodded.

Over the years, he had endured everything one can think of emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and rejection. His savings were gone, all poured into placating them. Yet they were never satisfied.

But tonight, maybe that cycle could finally end.

With Davis's announcement done, he raised his glass. "Let's toast—to a more peaceful life, health, and success."

"Cheers," Alex echoed.

They clinked glasses, the tension of the day melting away. Even Bella began chatting non-stop, her cheerful energy filling the room as they tucked into their meal.

After the meal, one by one, the guests retired to their rooms. Jessica and Davis returned to theirs.

She slipped into the bed with a sigh, exhaustion wrapping around her like a blanket. Just as she settled in, her phone buzzed.

"Grandma," she answered.

"My good granddaughter," Lady Santiago's warm voice came through the speaker.

"How are you doing, Grandma?" Jessica asked, guilt briefly pinching her chest. She hadn't visited lately, but now that the show had ended, life was finally beginning to return to normal maybe she could drop by later.

"Just the old bones acting up, nothing worth worrying about," the older woman replied with a soft chuckle.

Jessica smiled, but a ripple of unease still passed through her.

Then, without warning, Lady Matilda dropped the bombshell;

"The banquet to acknowledge you as the Santiago family's granddaughter has been scheduled. It will be held in five days."

"Huh?" Jessica gasped, eyes wide as they met Davis's. He had clearly heard their discussion as the phone was on speaker.

He gave her a reassuring nod.

She sighed deeply "All right," she said slowly. "I'll attend… but I might arrive a bit late."

"That's perfectly fine," Lady Matilda replied, her voice filled with quiet satisfaction.

They chatted for a while longer before ending the call. Jessica lay still for a few moments, staring at the ceiling.

"Santiagos'?" She murmured.