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, | 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 | felt shocked seeing Julian at the scene?

Shouldn't that be a natural occurrence since possibly | 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 | am not aware of?

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't find closure for the matter.

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Ethan stood sdistance away, first serving the purpose of a guard and a silent observer while leaving them to

privacy.

He made a mental note to have Ethan investigate this man. The Santiagos might refuse public photos, but they

wouldn't deny a direct inquiry from him

Jessica suddenly looked up at Davis, as if a thought had just clicked into place. "Hubby... don’t feel offended. That

was the man | told you about."

Davis's eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced towards the door. "The man you were tellingabout?"

"Your twin brother?" he asked, his tone tinged with skepticism and disbelief.

Jessica gave a curt nod, rubbing her temples. Frustration bubbled up in her chest.

Seems | have really messed up a perfect opportunity.

When will such an opportunity cby? | guess | have to invite Julian over to the house after | have confirmed

the test.

But he shouldn't have left; maybe if | go out now...it can still be salvaged.

Without warning, she stood. "Let’s go outside. | think | need to speak to him." She took Davis's hand, pulling him

gently toward the hall's entrance.

Davis exhaled quietly but allowed her to lead. At least now her strange reaction made sense.

He objectively analyzed the possible situation that might instinctively trigger her reactions.

No conclusive matter on the identity, and now seeing him in a banquet unexpectedly when the various parties

involved haven't been cleared...

He shrugged subtly.

Not exactly the ideal setting for a calm conversation but then no harm in seeing who the young man is..

They reached the doorway just as Lady Matilda stood alone with Donald, speaking in a low, almost private tone.

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

almost a whisper.

Donald nodded slowly. "I feel he’s the male version of my niece, Jessica. The resemblance is uncanny."

Jessica's steps faltered slightly. Davis caught her instantly, his grip steady though his brow tightened again.

Quickly composing herself, Jessica forced a polite smile. "Grandma, what about the guest?"."

Lady Matilda turned, her gaze softening as she stepped closer. With a gentle motion, she tucked a loose strand

of hair from Jessica's face.

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

something was wrong.

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

Jessica nodded faintly.

Lady Matilda exhaled, almost in relief. "That was Julian Anderson."

Gasps cfrom those nearby. "He just left," Matilda added. "He said his flight was in an hour because of the

summit."

"So?" Jessica asked, keeping her tone neutral but probing. She needed to know exactly how much Matilda knew

and how much Julian had revealed.

"He's Julian Anderson," Matilda repeated. "The opening speech at the summit has to be given by him."

Jessica's eyes flickered in recognition. So that explained his short visit.

"He brought a 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 see you. He gave it toto pass along."

Jessica's lips curved faintly, and she exchanged a brief glance with Davis. Relief quietly loosened the tight knot in

her chest

Meanwhile, in a car speeding toward the airport, Julian sat in the back seat, his laptop balanced on his knees,

fingers moving quickly across the keyboard as he handled urgent tasks.

He reached for his phone and dialed a secure number.

"Hello, Boss," a cold male voice answered.

"I'm heading for the summit. You

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"Yes, Boss."

"And make no mistakes," Julian’s tone sharpened. "She is not to be harmed in any way. Otherwise..."

"I understand," the voice cut in.

Julian ended the call, exhaling slowly.

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He exhaled slowly as mused over a few questions;

"Why does she have the sfras my sister?"

"But then my sister wouldn't just turn away when she noticed | am the one.

"Who was the lady and that gaze from the man?"

While approaching the hall earlier, he had felt a sharp, assessing gaze on him which is quite odd.

Most eyes on him had been curious or polite; this one was different. It was Challenging.

He had tried to find the source, but by

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He sighed as he recalled the series of questions that will be waiting for him on arrival.

It's just for five days.

| will cback, and possibly by then, she will have made a decision.

She would have accepted the fact; only then will | inform Dad.

The phone in his hand buzzed. He glanced at the caller ID, a faint sigh escaping. "Speak of the devil."

He answered.

"Aren't you coming hfor the summit?" Josh's voice cthrough.

"On my way," Julian replied curtly.

"What about your sister? Any improvement?"

"Give her time," Julian said evenly. "Don’t be too anxious."