While they were chatting, a maid approached with a tray of drinks. Each of them picked a glass when the maid suddenly spoke up.
"Miss, your father just arrived."
Jessica’s head snapped toward the garden entrance. "Are you serious?" she asked, her brows knitting together as she turned to the maid, who gave a quick curtsy.
Before she could say another word, Old Elliot Raven stepped into the garden. He was dressed in a simple tracksuit and canvas shoes, exuding the energy of a much younger man. Despite his age, his presence carried a powerful aura—one that demanded respect.
Jessica immediately sprang to her feet, her emotions stirring at the sight of the one person who had always been her pillar. As she rushed toward him, they embraced warmly.
At that moment, the walls Jessica had built around herself crumbled. Everything she had endured, every wrong she had suffered, came rushing back, choking her with emotion. Her nose stung as she fought back tears.
Old Elliot patted her back gently, his voice low and soothing, meant for her ears alone.
"Why feel aggrieved when you have the Raven name at your disposal?"
"Why let them be when you’re unhappy with the outcome?"
"Alright, don’t cry. I’ll settle the score later for you, okay?"
Jessica nodded against his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of the only father figure she had ever truly acknowledged. "You don’t have to waste your time on them. I’ll be fine," she murmured.
She knew better than to make such a request. If Elliot Raven took action, it would not end with just a warning. The consequences would be severe—perhaps even catastrophic. The world was well aware that crossing the Ravens meant courting destruction.
After a moment, Jessica pulled away, composing herself. From a distance, Richard approached them. His usually calm expression held a hint of nervousness.
"Sir Raven," Richard greeted with a respectful nod.
Elliot turned to him, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "You’ve been by her side, yet you still allowed her to get hurt?" His tone was laced with quiet disapproval.
Richard swallowed hard, his spine straightening instinctively. He knew the gravity of Elliot Raven’s words. If he truly lost his temper, the consequences wouldn’t be easy to handle.
Sensing the tension, Jessica quickly stepped in, leading Elliot toward Davis.
Davis sat watching, his fingers unconsciously clenching as he took in the scene before him.
He had always known Jessica to be strong—someone who carried herself with confidence and rarely showed vulnerability. But now, seeing her openly expressing her pain to this man... it struck a chord deep within him.
He exhaled softly, his thoughts swirling. He dared not admit it aloud, but the truth was clear.
"I love her," he mused internally. "And I never want to see her hurt."
Elliot, still holding Jessica’s hand, finally turned his attention to Davis. He studied him for a moment before speaking.
"I presume you are Davis Allen?" His voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable tremor in it—one he quickly masked.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption