Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

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 tshe 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 calive 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. | want you ready in case plans change."

"Yes, ma'am," cthe 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 | get a photo to keep as a souvenir?" he asked playfully.

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

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

"How dare | 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 cimmediately "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 sthought: 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 ihe sejing sont Her

PESTS sieht commanding,

ade the staff straighten

unconsciously. She offered a polite

nod, saying nothing as one footman

gestured toward the entrance. The

content is on novelenglish.net! Read

the latest chapter there!

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 Pe! archways

etna Toward) omed ceiling

adorned with delicate gold filigree.

The scent of white peonies floated

gently through the air—subtle, yet

unforgettable. The content is on

novelenglish.net! Read the latest

chapter there!

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 hshe

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

0 (18

woman's lips, though her eyes

betrayed nothing of her ne om

IBLE, She;steppeddsi e and

eXtended a hand toward the room.

She would have preferred to pull her

into a tight hug, but as Donald had

q )

advised, she mustn't startle or

overwhelm her. The content is on

novelenglish.net! Read the latest

chapter there!

"Cin. | 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.