Afterwards, Davis gently released her. She took a shaky step back, her clothes slightly ruffled, her face flushed with a soft blush that crept across her cheeks and down to her lips.
She lowered her gaze in embarrassment, the weight of the moment lingering in the air between them.
She hadn’t expected to fall for his teasing again—not after what happened earlier. Yet here she was, caught in his warmth, her heart racing like a wild drum in her chest.
His calm, confident gaze still held a trace of amusement, as if he had known exactly how she would react.
She took a quick glance at her phone. Her eyes widened slightly. "One hour left," she murmured under her breath. She had a meeting to attend, and she couldn’t afford to be late—especially not now. Straightening her clothes a bit, Jessica made her way toward the bathroom.
"I need a quick bath again, it’s all your fault." she said, mostly to herself but last part she said to him with a glare. She could still feel the remnants of his touch, the heat of their moment clinging to her skin like an invisible fragrance.
"Care if I join you?" Davis’s voice came from behind, laced with a mischievous smirk.
Jessica paused and turned slightly, giving him a pointed look with one raised brow. Her intuition instantly kicked in, blaring sirens in her head. He was definitely up to no good.
"I’ll pass. You don’t worry—I’ll finish quickly, then you can take yours." Her voice was firm but not cold. There was still a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"You don’t have to worry. I won’t stop you again," he replied in a more serious tone, his eyes locking with hers.
Jessica hesitated for a second before shrugging. "Suit yourself," she said and slipped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Davis let out a low sigh. He paused for a moment, then turned his attention to the closet, he needed to get her a conservative wear.
His hands sifted through her clothes carefully, his eyes narrowing as he searched for something that could help cover the light red marks now tracing her delicate skin.
He knew she had to appear polished and composed, especially in front of business partners. After selecting a few options, he retrieved a set of clothes for her before he moved toward the bathroom to clean up and get ready himself.
In less than an hour, they were both dressed and ready to head out.
Jessica stood in front of the full-length mirror, her eyes scanning her reflection slowly. She sighed deeply, unsure of how to feel. A part of her felt anxious, the other uncertain.
"Seems like I’m losing value," she whispered to herself, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Becoming more... worthless and dependent by the day."
Her voice trailed off, soft and filled with self-doubt. But the gleam in her eyes betrayed her next words as she observed the set of clothes on the bed. I didn’t think of this outfit. He did a good job."
Davis had taken the liberty of switching her clothes while she was in the bathroom. Instead of her original casual outfit, he had chosen a high-collared, long-sleeved blouse paired with a sleek short skirt that stopped just a few inches above her knees.
It was smart, professional, and modest—perfect for the meeting. On her feet, a pair of low-heeled stilettos completed the look.
She turned slightly, admiring how the outfit complimented her figure. The elegance of it made her appear not just like a businesswoman—but like a woman in control. But deep within, a tiny sadness tugged at her chest.
Her eyes drifted to Davis, seated in his chair, casually adjusting his sleeves.
"How I wish..." she whispered in her thoughts, "How I wish he was on his feet. If only he could stand beside me in a tailored suit, joining me for this meeting. It would have been nice—walking in with him by my side."
She didn’t say those words aloud, but the longing in her eyes was enough for Davis to notice. His sharp gaze caught the fleeting flicker of sorrow in her expression. He didn’t speak immediately, but his heart clenched. He understood her concern.
He felt her silent wish, her buried fears, and her unspoken hopes. And he made a vow to himself in that moment—a silent promise only his heart could hear.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption