Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-Chapter 278: A Welcome Gift

Jessica was led in personally by Lady Matilda. Together, they bypassed the expansive living room — typically the first stop for guests. The space screamed opulence, dressed in extravagant furnishings and state-of-the-art sophistication. It wasn’t just a room; it was a living testament to the Santiagos’ wealth, influence, and legacy.

The maids they passed smiled and greeted Jessica warmly — some overly eager, others quietly amused and others with a trace of hesitation..

A few smiled sheepishly, while others gawked at her with thinly veiled curiosity. She noticed the sideways glances, the awkward giggles, and when they thought she couldn’t hear, they whispered among themselves in hushed tones.

That strange, crawling sense of being studied... not with malice, but with the uncomfortable reverence reserved for someone important—someone unexpected.

It was subtle, but she felt it. Something was off. A strange feeling stirred in Jessica’s gut.

Their collective reactions weren’t random. They knew something she didn’t. Something they weren’t saying.

And if there was one thing Jessica had never tolerated in her life — it was being left in the dark. She never liked being the last to know with regards to any incident

Subtly, her fingers grazed her baby bump before reaching her bangle. With practiced ease, she activated the discreet tracker embedded within. She had no intention of walking into a trap.

No matter what kind of sweet poison Lady Matilda intended to serve, Jessica wouldn’t swallow it without a fight.

Lady Matilda led her through a maze of hallways, bypassing several tightly shut doors. At last, she stopped before a modest door and gently pushed it open.

A wash of golden sunlight spilled into the corridor, casting a soft amber hue against the walls. Jessica stepped in slowly and cautiously, her eyes sweeping across the room, her instincts alert for anything — any object, any placement that could pose harm.

It didn’t take long to identify the space.

A private lounge.

Lady Matilda walked toward a floor-length glass door and pushed it open to the terrace. A soft breeze stirred the air, revealing a breathtaking view: a lush field of white lilies, manicured with such precision it looked surreal.

Jessica froze. Her breath caught. Her heart tightening.

A wave of heat flushed through her chest, and for a moment, pain gripped her stomach. She suppressed it, refusing to betray a flicker of emotion as her gaze locked on the terrace as she stared at the flowers.

It wasn’t just the flowers. It was the memory they carried. The flowers were identical to those in her childhood garden— the same arrangement, the same tranquil beauty and the same variety. Her mother’s favorite.

But Lady Matilda’s voice broke through her thoughts, animated and poised, though she neither admitted affection nor distanced herself emotionally. But now, that’s not what she is bothered about.

Lady Matilda gestured toward a plush settee. "Please feel at home." She said as she retired to one of the setter opposite her.

Jessica offered a silent nod and took a deep breath. Her gaze swept the room once more before she gracefully lowered herself onto the plush cushion.

Every movement was precise,

Her movements were elegant, poised, cautious, every gesture carrying the mark of refined elegance. The quiet image of a woman in control, even when everything inside her whispered otherwise.

Lady Matilda observed her quietly. Her eyes shimmered with a hidden glint of pride and admiration she tried hard to conceal. Her breath caught slightly.

"Nora raised her well," she murmured inwardly, dabbing at the corners of her eyes where moisture threatened to betray her emotions.

She hadn’t known of Jessica’s existence until recently, and though her mother, Nora, had died young, it was clear she had done an extraordinary job raising her. That alone stirred a rare gratitude within Matilda.

A maid approached, curtsying lightly.

"Tea, juice, or water, ma’am?" she asked politely.

Jessica smiled faintly. "Water, please."

The maid’s eyes lit up with a smile far too wide for such a simple request. She bowed and disappeared.

Jessica opened her clutch and brought out her phone. A swift message was sent to Davis. Short and discreet.

The maid soon returned, carrying a crystal jug and a glass tray of homemade pastries. She arranged them with care and turned to leave.

"Inform us when dinner is ready," Lady Matilda instructed.

The maid nodded respectfully and exited, shutting the door behind her with a soft thud.

Lady Matilda turned to Jessica, her expression gentler now. "Welcome once again to the Santiago family home."

Jessica nodded. "Thank you. And, how have you been feeling?" She asked with genuine concern.

Matilda smiled sincerely. "Very good."

She flexed her arms and nodded. "Your prescription really worked wonders. I haven’t felt this strong in years."

Taking a calming breath, she reached beside her and pulled out a polished wooden box — carved delicately with intricate floral patterns. She held it out.

"It’s my honor to have you here, Jessica. Please, accept this. A simple welcome gift."

Jessica’s heart skipped. She eyed the box warily, her breath catching in her throat.

The carvings were delicate — too delicate. Familiar. The craftsmanship was old, rooted in tradition. And something about it screamed personal.

"Dr. Jessica," Matilda said, her voice warm. "You don’t have to feel burdened. This is simply a token of appreciation. You saved me at the elevator, during diagnosis, and the surgery. This is the least I can do."

Jessica hesitated. Rejecting it outright might seem rude.

She nodded lightly and reached for the box, her fingers curling around its edges.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

"Madam, dinner is ready," a maid called.

Matilda responded, "Set the table."

Jessica glanced at the box in her hand. It was heavier than it looked. Something wasn’t right.

Her gut churned. She didn’t like unopened secrets especially when delicately wrapped. She needed to know.

"Can I open this?" she asked, her fingers tightening slightly.

Matilda nodded. "The gift has been given. Whatever you decide to do with it is entirely up to you."

Her voice remained soft, but her eyes had a mix of emotion swirling in it —hope, fear, and longing all at once.

She didn’t want to push Jessica. She didn’t want to break her spirit. She wanted her to belong, to accept not just the gift, but the truth.

This night meant more than any other.

Matilda had spent years playing political games in social circles and business halls, but nothing made her more anxious than this quiet moment. She feared Jessica’s judgment. Her rejection.

Jessica studied her closely. But no matter how long she stared, Matilda’s face gave nothing away. Just a warm smile and that same gentle gaze.

No shadows. No deceit. No tells.

She’d always prided herself in reading people. But tonight had humbled her instincts.

Taking a breath, Jessica gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

Her hand tightening at the edge of the box as she pulled it, Click.

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