Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-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?"

Becky’s voice brought her back. "Jessica, please put on your dress. The car has arrived."

Jessica stared at her, dazed. "When did you find out?"

Becky shrugged lightly. "A few months back, just after the proposal. To be precise, it was this gown that delayed the wedding."

Jessica stumbled backward, her mind reeling. "A few months back?"

"Mm-hm." Becky’s smile widened knowingly.

The realization struck hard. She had to admit, she had lost the whole time. All this while, Davis had been steps ahead.

He had planned everything carefully, discreetly, without needing her to lift a finger. The thought left her breathless.

With Becky’s help, Jessica slipped into the gown. The zipper slid up smoothly, sealing her into a vision she could hardly recognize.

Jessica gasped at how perfect the gown had looked. Though she had designed the gown herself, she still felt breathless as she stared at it and wearing it felt surreal, almost like stepping into a dream.

The gown was breathtaking, designed to be unforgettable. Instead of a classic silk finish, it was made from layers of glittering satin and tulle, creating a soft glow with every movement.

The bodice was hand-stitched with tiny diamond beads in swirl patterns, forming a design like falling snowflakes.

Each gem caught the light in a gentle sparkle, making the entire top of the gown glisten as if dusted with stars.

The neckline was an off-shoulder style, leaving her collarbones bare while the diamond embroidery framed her shoulders like jewelry.

From the waist, the gown flared into a flowing ball skirt, full and dramatic, with diamonds scattered more lightly, like a night sky fading into dawn.

Her veil was long and soft, edged with lace and dotted with tiny diamonds. When it fell over her face, it gave her a glowing, almost dreamlike look.

~Hours later~

Jessica sat quietly in a sleek black car. A smile tugged at her lips, though her eyes still shimmered with unfallen tears.

Several other cars trailed ahead, forming a convoy as they made their way toward the venue.

Beside her, Bella chatted endlessly, her own joy bubbling over, but Jessica’s thoughts were far away. Anticipation, curiosity, and something unnamed churned within her chest.

Slowly, the car pulled into the venue, the blinding lights of the reporters announcing her arrival.

The door swung open. Julian stood there, tall and composed, a warm smile softening his features. "Baby sister," he said gently, extending his hand, "may I have the honor of leading you to your husband?"

Jessica’s throat tightened. She placed her hand in his, stepping out carefully.

"You’re beautiful," Julian teased softly.

Her eyes burned with tears. "Brother... you knew? All this time?" Her voice cracked.

"You deserved it." Julian muttered, his lips curved faintly as he led her slowly towards the wide decorated hall brimming with guests.

As soon as she stepped into the hall, Jessica’s step faltered, her breath coming in gasps.

The hall was bathed in the warm glow of the large golden chandeliers hanging from above, its golden color casting a beautiful streak of light.

The guests sat in rows, the chairs covered in white satin, carefully tied with a golden bow glittering under the light.

Every member of her family sat quietly, their eyes brimming with anticipation and expectation. Lady Matilda’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

Jessica’s eyes followed the long white aisle stretching out before her. Rose petals were scattered carefully along the edges, adding a gentle touch of romance.

On the stage were several vases of flowers carefully arranged in a dazzling form that set the stage.

Davis stood on the stage in his pristine charcoal suit, his face cold though his gaze was unconcealably soft and gentle.

Seeing her arrive, the soft whispers ceased, everyone’s gaze trained on the door. It felt like the entire hall was waiting, holding its breath for her.

Jessica’s heart raced, her gaze locked on Davis, the man who had chosen to surprise her in ways she hadn’t expected.

"Let’s go." Julian said softly. Together they stepped into the hall, footsteps in sync, a soft smile on their lips. Bella, holding her gown, followed behind as Jessica’s maid of honor.

Julian felt relieved, finally finding his sister and being able to walk her down the aisle.

Arriving on the stage, Julian carefully placed her hand into his. "You take care of her." he said, his voice edged with warning.

Just as Davis wanted to respond, the officiating minister took the stage. "Let’s begin," he said.

He guided them to say their vows. The vows were exchanged, their voices strong though their hearts raced.

"I do," Jessica whispered, her eyes never leaving Davis’s.

"I do," Davis replied, his tone calm yet heavy with unspoken promises.

The ring was brought forward by Ethan, who had been Davis’ best man, and it was exchanged.

The officiant raised his hands. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

~End~