Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-Chapter 277: Visiting the Santiagos’

Jessica remained in the study, working on the final details of the fashion week. The day felt different—maybe she had been too busy, or perhaps it was another hormonal shift but she didn’t feel sleepy.

By the time she stretched her back and glanced at the wall clock, it was already a few minutes to five in the evening.

The sun had begun its slow descent, casting long golden shadows across the mansion grounds.

A calm hush settled in the air, the earlier warmth replaced by a mellow breeze. Slowly, she stood up and made her way to the bedroom, hoping to get ready.

Taking a deep breath, she walked over to the tall window of her bedroom, gazing out in silence. She could feel it in her chest—the tightening, the subtle anticipation of an encounter long overdue.

It wasn’t just any visit. It felt like crossing a threshold, stepping into something unknown yet oddly familiar. She dreaded the outcome, yet backing out wasn’t an option.

After a brief pause, she turned and walked toward the bathroom, where she took a warm bath to calm her nerves.

Out of the bathroom, she passed into her walk-in closet. As she stepped inside, the lights came alive in her presence, casting a warm glow over rows of carefully arranged designer pieces.

Her fingers brushed past velvet, satin, and lace until they paused before a classic, floor-length gown in a deep wine shade. Elegant, composed, and commanding—it reflected exactly how she needed to feel. Just like Davis said: she had to carefully choose what to wear in preparation for whoever she was meeting.

She slipped into it slowly, the fabric clinging softly to her form and accentuating her figure. The draped bodice cleverly concealed the subtle roundness of her baby bump. The sweetheart neckline rested gracefully on her shoulders, complemented by long sleeves that flared subtly at the wrists.

She turned to face the mirror, adjusting the gown slightly before reaching for a pair of delicate diamond studs and a slender bracelet both simple and striking in appearance.

At the vanity, she applied her makeup with slow, careful strokes. Soft tones for the eyes, a muted boldness to the lips subtly showcasing her grace and strength with poise. Her hair was styled in a sleek low bun, a few curled tendrils brushing the sides of her face.

When she finally emerged from the closet, the room had taken on an amber hue, basking in the last touch of sunlight.

She picked up a black clutch with gold detailing and paused for a breath. Carefully, she slid her feet into low-heeled stilettos. With one last glance in the mirror, she nodded. She was ready.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Ma’am," one of the house staff called softly, "the driver sent by the Santiagos has arrived."

"Thank you," she responded.

Before leaving, she made a quick call to her personal driver. "Stay close. Keep your distance, but don’t leave the area unless instructed. I want you ready in case plans change."

"Yes, ma’am," came the prompt response.

She also placed a call to Davis, and he picked up on the first ring. "Ready?" he asked.

"Yes, ready. Their driver has arrived," she replied.

"All right. Can I get a photo to keep as a souvenir?" he asked playfully.

He would have returned home to see her off, but with so much left to do, he could only ask for a photo.

Jessica smiled lightly. "Are you thinking I might embarrass you and you’re spot-checking?" she teased.

"How dare I spot-check an international designer? I’m just a husband asking for a photo of his wife. Is that too much to ask?" he replied, his low chuckle heard over the phone.

Jessica agreed. Without ending the call, she switched on her front camera, giving a full view of her face. After the call ended, she captured a full selfie and sent it to him.

His response came immediately "Beautiful" with a heart emoji bringing smiles on her face. Sliding the phone into her clutch.

She took graceful steps toward the hallway.

Outside, the black luxury vehicle with the Santiago crest shimmered faintly in the evening light.

The chauffeur, immaculately dressed in grey and black livery, stepped forward and respectfully opened the rear door just as Jessica stepped out of the front entrance.

Slowly, she walked out of the mansion, the hem of her gown swaying gently with each step. A few staff members watched her in awe not just because of how she looked, but because of the aura she carried.

Many of them murmured the same thought: Sir and Madam are truly a match made in heaven.

She settled into the car, her expression unreadable. The door closed quietly behind her, and the vehicle pulled away from the driveway.

As the city lights bloomed around her, Jessica leaned her head slightly against the headrest, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

The car glided smoothly through the streets, its engine humming softly. The driver remained alert, careful to avoid any mishaps. He had received clear instructions before the trip: Protect her at all costs.

Outside the windows, the city unfolded in glowing hues as street lights flickered to life, casting golden reflections on glass and stone. Jessica remained composed, her hands folded neatly on her lap, her gaze distant, thoughts swirling behind her calm expression.

As they pulled into the quiet hills where the Santiago estate was nestled, the landscape changed—refined, reserved, and deeply elegant.

Twisting iron gates opened silently at their approach, revealing a long cobblestone driveway lined with perfectly trimmed hedges and vintage lanterns.

The house stood tall and regal—a fusion of old-world aristocracy and modern luxury. Its windows reflected the fading sun like burning mirrors.

The vehicle slowed at the main entrance, where two footmen were already waiting. The chauffeur exited promptly, rounding the car and opening the door with practiced grace.

Jessica stepped out.

The evening air whispered around her soft and cool. Her gown caught the golden traces of the setting sun. Her presence, silent but commanding, made the staff straighten unconsciously. She offered a polite nod, saying nothing as one footman gestured toward the entrance.

A butler in his late fifties greeted her at the door, his gaze respectful. "Lady Jessica, welcome. Lady Matilda is expecting you."

Jessica’s lips curved slightly. "Thank you."

She was led through the grand foyer, where marble floors gleamed beneath her heels and tall archways stretched toward a domed ceiling adorned with delicate gold filigree. The scent of white peonies floated gently through the air—subtle, yet unforgettable.

Her footsteps echoed softly as the butler guided her toward a sitting room bathed in warm lighting. Just as they reached the door, it opened quietly from the inside.

There stood Lady Matilda Santiago—dignified in an ivory silk gown that matched the grace of the home she presided over. Her expression was unreadable, but her sharp, discerning eyes held Jessica’s gaze with quiet intensity.

"Jessica," she said in a voice as smooth as velvet but heavy with implication. "You look radiant."

Jessica’s posture remained poised, her expression serene but alert. "Thank you, Lady Matilda. You look stunning as well."

A faint smile touched the older woman’s lips, though her eyes betrayed nothing of her true thoughts. She stepped aside and extended a hand toward the room. She would have preferred to pull her into a tight hug, but as Donald had advised, she mustn’t startle or overwhelm her.

"Come in. I believe we have much to discuss... and not just the usual pleasantries."

Jessica’s heart thudded once, but she showed no sign of hesitation. With graceful steps, she crossed the threshold and entered the room.

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