Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption novel Chapter 374

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?

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

Ethan stood some distance 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 I told you about."

Davis’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced towards the door. "The man you were telling me about?"

"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 I have really messed up a perfect opportunity.

When will such an opportunity come by? I guess I have to invite Julian over to the house after I have confirmed the test.

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

Without warning, she stood. "Let’s go outside. I think I 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."

"I understand," the voice cut in.

Julian ended the call, exhaling slowly. He closed his eyes for a moment, but the image of the lady being laid back into the hall resurfaced.

He exhaled slowly as mused over a few questions;

"Why does she have the same frame as my sister?"

"But then my sister wouldn’t just turn away when she noticed I 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 the time he turned, the person had looked away and he lost the opportunity of seeing the face.

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

It’s just for five days.

I will come back, and possibly by then, she will have made a decision.

She would have accepted the fact; only then will I 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 home for the summit?" Josh’s voice came through.

"On my way," Julian replied curtly.

"What about your sister? Any improvement?"

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