Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption novel Chapter 368

Chapter 368: Meeting 1

~The Palace Restaurant~

Jessica’s car pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot, her hand resting gently on her belly.

A tangle of emotions coursed through her; anticipation, apprehension and a hint of resentment but her face remained perfectly unreadable.

From the driver’s seat, the man glanced at her through the rearview mirror, noticing her faraway stare. "Ma’am," he said carefully, "we are here."

Jessica nodded. Her gaze lifted towards the tall, large building of the restaurant. The restaurant’s frontage was warm and inviting, with tall glass windows framed by dark wood panels and soft uplighting that gave it a golden glow.

At its entrance was a well-crafted nameplate in elegant lettering, proudly displaying its name like a proud king: "The Palace."

A glance towards the glass doors revealed a uniformed doorman standing ready to welcome guests, his bearing humble and his smile warm and welcoming.

Potted plants flanked the doorway, adding a touch of greenery to the refined setting. A water fountain stood at the centre, water flowing from its carved lion’s head.

Jessica pulled open the door and stepped down, her phone in hand as she walked towards the glass door, the doorman welcoming her warmly.

Inside the restaurant, the space was warm and sophisticated. The tables, neatly set, were covered in white tablecloths.

A simple flower vase arranged in the middle gave a faint scent of fresh flowers, lending the air a calm and inviting vibe.

Soft lighting hung from the chandeliers, casting a gentle glow over the arrangement, making it cozy and elegant. Soft music played in the background.

With the rush hour past and morning diners reduced, the restaurant was basically empty.

Jessica chose a seat by the window, she walked over and settled down. Her gaze drifting through the window.

Placing her bag on her lap and her hands on the table, her chin rested on them.

A waiter approached her, placed a bottle of water on the table, and bowed slightly. "Any orders?"

Jessica shook her head lightly. "I’m waiting for someone; we’ll order when he arrives."

"At your service," he said as he left.

She pulled out her phone to call but halted when she saw him walking in with long strides.

Her gaze rested on him for a while and in spite of herself she silently compared his features to the fading fragments she carried of her mother.

Tall, assured, a presence that drew the eye, his eyes just like hers bore the semblance of their mother

In her daze, she didn’t notice when he arrived at her side. "Sister?" he called softly, his voice low and almost tentative.

Jessica retracted her gaze, her eyes settling anywhere but on Julian. "You are here?" she said evenly.

Julian pulled out a chair opposite her and sat down. "How are you doing?" he asked.

Jessica nodded. "I’m doing great," she muttered. Her words were polite and measured.

Looking at this man claiming to be her brother, Jessica was at a loss over how to communicate with him.

At the moment, she had only willed herself to accept this meeting. While she was lost in thought, Julian beckoned to the waiter.

The waiter arrived, and after they ordered, he returned inside to have it prepared. Jessica took a sip of her water.

"Julian Anderson, right?" she asked.

Julian nodded. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"What do you know about me?" she asked.

"Jessica, can you calm down? Let’s have our meal first."

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