Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption novel Chapter 444

Chapter 444: Husband and wife...

Jessica stared at her, dumbfounded. She was totally at a loss for what answer to give. She did not dare say yes when she wasn’t sure of what she was about to see or what might be waiting for her.

And to say no? She couldn’t bring herself to disappoint Bella, not when her sister-in-law’s eyes sparkled with such enthusiasm about whatever was behind the door.

Left with no other choice, she decided on silence.

"Sister-in-law, don’t tell me you’re scared?" Bella teased, her tone mischievous, her brows arched in mock challenge.

Jessica lifted her chin. "What’s there to be scared of..."

"That settles it," Bella interrupted briskly, as if Jessica’s half-hearted defense had sealed her fate.

With a swift twist of the doorknob, the door swung open. But instead of a bright, welcoming room, Jessica found herself tugged into pitch darkness.

"Bella, what’s going on?" she asked, her voice tight as she strained her eyes against the shadows, waiting for them to adjust.

Bella’s smirk could be heard even in the dark. "Sister-in-law, make a guess...what do you think you’ll find in this room?"

Jessica’s pulse quickened. For the first time in her life, she realized she was the one being led along, tricked at every step.

Usually, it was her setting the stage to tease others, but since twilight, both Davis and Bella had managed to keep her dancing to their tune.

"Bella, you know guesswork was never my forte. And in this darkness, in an unfamiliar place, do you think I’d get it right?"

Bella sighed dramatically. "Sister-in-law, you’re no fun at all."

Paah!

Light flooded the room. Jessica shut her eyes instinctively, then blinked them open, slowly adjusting.

Her breath caught. Standing inside were faces she recognized—several friends who had walked beside her in different stages of her life.

By the large dressing table, her personal stylist stood poised, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"Lady Bright," the stylist said warmly, "it’s your day. Come, sit down, let’s make you beautiful."

Jessica blinked at her in confusion. Her day?

Her mind spun. It wasn’t her birthday, nor was she launching a product. She hadn’t received any award either. What could possibly be my day? she wondered.

With no answer coming, she turned to face them. "What day are you talking about?" she asked hesitantly.

The women around her exchanged knowing looks before bursting into laughter. Jessica flushed. Embarrassment prickled her skin. Are they making fun of me? she thought, her jaw tightening. She swore she would find a way to deal with them later for this stunt.

"Sis, do you really not know?" Bella asked, her voice laced with both amusement and exasperation.

"I don’t," Jessica admitted plainly.

The women sighed together.

"Alright," Becky, the stylist, said with a sly smirk. "Sit down. Let’s make you beautiful. Then, we’ll tell you what day it is, our dear lady."

Clearly relishing the rare chance to tease Jessica, Becky wouldn’t let go of the moment so easily.

Jessica rubbed her temple, debating whether to call Davis and demand an explanation.

But then, reconsidering, she smirked faintly. Since they want to play, why not play along? Besides, I have nothing better to do.

She murmured the thought under her breath and settled carefully into the chair. Becky began her work—fingers deftly styling her hair, brushes sweeping across her face, her body adorned piece by piece.

Minutes stretched into an hour, and at last Becky stepped back with a proud smile. "Done."

Jessica arched a brow, leaning closer to the mirror. Her reflection was radiant, though she was still puzzled over the reason for all this preparation.

"Bring it over," Becky said softly to her assistant.

Jessica turned just as the assistant disappeared into another room and returned carrying a carefully sealed package. She handed it reverently to Becky.

Jessica’s gaze locked on the bundle in the mirror. A strange sense of familiarity coursed through her veins as Becky unwrapped it with deliberate care.

But while she was still caught in the trance of the gown, she tore the seal, unveiling the sealed gown.

The next moment, her hands flew to her mouth in shock. With slow, trembling steps, Jessica stood up and walked towards the dress before her.

Becky’s smile was warm, almost maternal. "Congratulations on your wedding," she said softly.

The word hit Jessica like a thunderclap. Wedding. Wedding. It echoed in her mind, refusing to fade.

Her lips parted, trembling, yet no words escaped. Tears rimmed her eyes. It was the same wedding dress she had designed, the same dress she had admired and envied in silence, her thoughts raced wildly.

Bella’s eyes glistened as well. "Sister, you deserve the best of surprises."

Jessica’s voice cracked. "Surprises?"

"Yes, a surprise," Bella said gently. "Besides, it’s your wedding. Can you not cry? My brother will think I made you cry."

Jessica’s voice quavered as her hand brushed the gown’s intricate fabric. "Wedding? He... Davis... was the mysterious owner?"

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