Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-Chapter 126: Meeting the Father-in-law

Jessica took Elliot’s silence as a cue and smoothly changed the atmosphere. She gestured for everyone to head inside while Richard quickly called the head chef to prepare a family banquet.

With a gentle touch, Jessica took hold of Davis’s wheelchair and slowly pushed him forward, engaging Elliot in lively conversation. Every now and then, Elliot chuckled, his usual stern demeanor softening as he listened to her animated chatter.

Davis watched them, a strange feeling stirring within him. This was a side of Jessica he had never seen before—an enthusiastic, carefree woman who spoke excitedly about everything under the sun. It made him realize just how much he had leaned on her, when in reality, she should have been the one leaning on him.

For the first time, he questioned whether he had truly given her the happiness she deserved.

His memory returning to the early stage of her arrival to his mansion as the bride chosen by his uncle. He had regarded her as one of a gold digger who had accepted some reward from Desmond or possibly a spy over his life which had been reduced to mere rags.

As time goes by he had made her to agree to an agreement of trying to make the marriage work because he felt attracted but then she had been his strength in silence.

He didn’t want to imagine what he would have been at this time if she had not been not the strength he leans on.

For the first time, he saw her in a different light. As a young girl, who needed care, attention and love from him and from everyone around her.

Once they reached the sitting room, Jessica ensured that Davis was comfortable before excusing herself. "I’ll check on the kitchen," she said, her tone light.

Elliot Raven was notoriously picky when it came to food. It wouldn’t be unusual for him to reject meals that had been prepared with the utmost care simply because they didn’t suit his taste.

So, Jessica dare not leave the meal selection and preparation to chance, the chef or maids. She needed to oversee everything personally.

~In the Sitting Room~

As she disappeared into the hallway, the warmth in the room seemed to vanish with her. A heavy silence settled between Davis and Elliot. The atmosphere turned tense, the air thick laced with unspoken words.

Elliot’s gaze turned icy and sharp, Davis clenched his fists to suppress the slight trembling in his hands. He wasn’t afraid of Elliot—not exactly—but the man’s presence was overwhelming. His piercing gaze carried an authority that was impossible to ignore.

The warmth and laughter from earlier had been replaced by a cold, penetrating stare, his aura exuding a chill that made the once-inviting sitting room feel like a frozen wasteland.

Davis found himself wondering—did this man have a split personality? Just moments ago, he had been laughing with Jessica, his demeanor warm and indulgent. Now, he was radiating an intensity that made it difficult to breathe.

Elliot on his part, watched Davis with an unreadable expression, though a glint of amusement flickered in his eyes—well-hidden beneath the surface.

Davis felt his heart race. He had never met Jessica’s true family aside from the customary visit to the Browns. But this was different. This was the man Jessica chose to consider her family. That alone spoke volumes.

With the weight of that realization sinking in that Elliot wasn’t just some distant godfather. He was the father figure Jessica had needed all her life. If that was the case, then Davis was sitting face-to-face with his true father-in-law.

Elliot’s stare remained fixed on him, unblinking, unrelenting. Davis debated whether he should meet his gaze head-on or look away. He had never imagined that meeting an in-law could be this nerve-wracking. With no other option, he quietly averted his gaze.

Richard, sensing the heavy tension in the room, quickly made his exit. Wisely deciding that he wanted no part in whatever was about to unfold.

Davis exhaled deeply, steadying himself with one conviction —this is a test, one he had to pass. He had already taken stock of his relationship with Jessica, realizing just how much he had neglected her in certain areas. He made a silent vow to change that.

Then, Elliot’s quiet yet commanding voice broke the silence.

"Are you truly okay having my goddaughter as your wife?". Elliot queried with all seriousness..

If this had been the past, Davis might have hesitated, might have second-guessed his answer. But now, even in his dreams, he had only one response.

"I can’t let go of her hand—not in this lifetime." Davis said, his voice coming forth as an answer and conviction.

His answer came faster than Elliot had anticipated, making the older man raise an inquisitive brow. He studied Davis for a long moment, as if searching for cracks in his resolve.

Then, his lips curled into a smirk, but there was nothing warm about it. "Are you sure?" His voice was laced with something chilling, something that sent a shiver down Davis’s spine. "Will you still hold onto her hand when you regain your legs? Or will you abandon her like others have before?"

The accusation in his words wasn’t subtle. He was testing his loyalty, his commitment, his worth. Though this isn’t the only test for Davis but he made the decision not to fail

Davis felt the weight of the question settle deep within him. He could have been offended. He could have lashed out in frustration. But he didn’t. Instead, he took a slow, steady breath.

Then, with unwavering determination, he met Elliot’s gaze. "Even if I have to crawl, I will never let go of her hand."

Elliot’s eyes darkened slightly. His expression remained unreadable as he leaned back slightly, regarding Davis with close curiosity. His lips pressed into a thin line, but the hard edges of his demeanor had softened—just a fraction.. "Hmph, time will tell"

Davis knew he hadn’t won anything. Elliot Raven was not the type of man to be easily swayed. But at least, for now, he had passed the first hurdle.

Just then, Jessica returned, a bright smile on her face. "The food is ready," she announced. Her gaze flickered between Davis and Elliot, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

She furrowed her brows as she glanced at both men that mattered so much in her life.

Elliot turned to her, his expression calm and indulging. "Good. Then let’s eat."

After the declaration, he stood up and walked towards the dining. Davis slowly let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.