Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-Chapter 33: Start with the basics...

Jessica felt the reality of the marriage contract agreement hit her like a thunder clap, she swallowed hard, and her hand trembled lightly trying to process the rules on the marriage contract.

She felt ashamed and angry for losing her temper when she didn’t take a proper look at the paper but —the terms of the agreement are so outrageous that a simple recollection of it makes her angry. "I don’t think that’s necessary," she muttered, avoiding his gaze.

It necessary for them to have a common ground of peaceful coexistence but —"How can she move into the same master bedroom with him? Sharing the same spaces with no privacy? And then—" A sheer thinking of this made her gasp for breathe.

Davis looking at her changing expression smiled . He leaned back slightly, his tone calm but firm. "You agreed we can try this marriage properly, didn’t you? Then, let’s start with the basics." He couldn’t hide the amusement and mischief in eyes.

Jessica clenched her fists. "Basics?" she repeated, almost scoffing. "Moving into your room is a bit too much, don’t you think? We could just... co-exist without taking things that far."

"What makes it a married couple then?" Or — Davis arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Are you scared?"

"Of course not," Jessica snapped, but her hesitation betrayed her. She couldn’t deny the fact that he is right.

"Then what’s the problem?" he challenged.

Jessica exhaled sharply. "I just think we need some... boundaries. You’re used to your space, and same to me. Sharing a room could be uncomfortable for both of us."

Davis smirked. "Our marriage is already uncomfortable from it’s onset. That’s why it’s a trial—so we see if we can handle it and make the most of out of it."

Jessica felt trapped. "So, what now? You expect me to just pack up and move in tonight?"

"That would be ideal," Davis said smoothly. "Or do you need me to send someone to help you?"

Jessica shot him a glare. "Don’t you dare."

Davis chuckled. "Then, it’s settled. You’ll move in tonight."

Jessica let out a deep sigh. "Fine," she muttered. "But don’t blame me if I end up kicking you off the bed." freēnovelkiss.com

Davis chuckled again, his voice deep and amused. "We’ll see who ends up on the floor, Mrs. Allen."

Jessica groaned, rubbing her temples. "What’s with this rule about phy...siologi.." She glanced at his legs and quickly averted her gaze as she felt her cheeks heating up.

Davis was in a good mood, it’s not everyday he gets to make this icy queen flustered. "What about it?" He questioned, his brow raised daringly.

"Forget it," she muttered, shaking her head in resignation as her shoulders slagged with helplessness. She couldn’t pursue this matter further because she might create more blunders for herself and the situation might become more awkward.

Davis watched her with mild amusement. "Giving up already?"

Jessica glared at him, it is very clear his doing it on purpose looking at the wide smile plastered all over his face. "It’s not about giving up. It’s about picking my battles."

Davis smirked. "And you think this is a battle?"

Jessica sighed. "Who wouldn’t feel like one when presented with such an agreement?" "Besides everything with you feels like one."

He chuckled and nodded lightly, a glint of emotion unreadable flashing past his eyes. "Then maybe you should start preparing for war,"

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Whatever, how do I sign this?" She asked. Davis handed her a ball point pen and quickly she scribbled her signature and handed him the paper and pen back to him.

Davis collected the items from her looking at the firm and resolute signature, his lips curved up slightly. He leaned in slightly. "So, am waiting for you as for your things, Ethan will take care of it tomorrow." He instructed calmly.

Jessica exhaled sharply. "You’re really not letting this go, are you?"

"Nope, since we have agreed to give this marriage a trial then it is of importance we get in to our role properly" he said with a smirk.

Jessica muttered something under her breath and turned to leave. "I’ll think about it." She was fuming with rage at the thought of it.

Davis leaned back, watching her retreating figure. "Just don’t take too long, or I might come to get you myself. "

Jessica froze for a second before storming off, ignoring his quiet chuckle behind her. She didn’t know if this is a blessing or curse but whatever it is —there is no going back.

Davis felt his heart which has been restless for a few days finally feel peace. May be, just may be things might work out. After a while he wheeled himself into the confines of his room.

Jessica entered the guest room which has been retouched to serve as her bedroom, slowly sat down on the bed as she took in the details of the room and changes she has made. She sighed.

She had hoped things will get better between her and Davis— but now she felt fear, fear of the future, fear of now.

She pushed herself up from the bed and walked to the bathroom for a quick shower, after she changed into a pajamas grabbed her pillow and walked towards Davis’s room with trepidation. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that this is the beginning of something different in their relationship.

Jessica arrived outside Davis’s bedroom door, her pillow gripped tightly. Her heart pounding against her chest as she stood hesitantly in contemplation of going forward or returning to her bedroom but then avoiding it today doesn’t mean she can avoid it tomorrow or the next.

This was a simple step, yet it felt like a monumental decision—one that could change everything making it difficult to take the step.

She took a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked lightly.

"Come in," Davis’s deep voice came from inside.

Jessica slowly pushed the door open and stepped in. The room was dimly lit, casting soft shadows across the space. Davis sat on the bed clad in a black pajamas, it is clear he has just taken his bath. His back resting on the headboard with a book in his hand and his posture relaxed.

As the door clicked shut, his sharp eyes lifted to meet hers, and for a moment, they stared at each other in silence.

Jessica coughed lightly and averted her gaze, holding the pillow up to her chest. "I... I’m here," she said, her voice coming out almost as a whisper.

Davis arched a brow, closing his book. "I can see that."

She cleared her throat, trying to sound unaffected. "I’ll be taking the couch."

Davis’s gaze flickered toward the couch, then back to her. "Suit yourself," he said, setting his book aside.

Jessica nodded, moving towards the couch. She placed her pillow down and sat down stiff, fidgeting with the hem of her pajamas. The situation was confusing —none of them knew how to navigate this new arrangement.

Davis watched her quietly before speaking, "Are you sure, you can sleep on the couch? Why not come over here let’s share the bed?" He suggested taking note how she averted her gaze.

Jessica looked up, surprised. "No, thank you. I will sleep on the couch"

His lips curled into a faint smirk. "Do I need to remind you that couples don’t spend the night this way?"

She scoffed. "Davis, what exactly do you want? I need time to adjust you know."

Jessica feels that Davis has another agenda on why he is insistent on her sleeping with him on the bed but come to think of it —he is immobile and definitely won’t do anything to her.

Davis leaned back against the headboard, crossing his arms. "This is our marriage, Jessica. The sooner we accept that reality, the easier it’ll be."

Jessica nodded lightly, "he is definitely right", she mused. With a decision made with the conclusion and conviction that he would not embarrass her, she rose from the couch, her pillow in a tight grip and she made her way toward the bed.

Davis was surprised at the resolute stance clearly written all over his face as she approached the bed. "I will be taking the inside and you the outside." He nodded at the arrangement.

Jessica sighed in relief, she thought he might argue on the arrangement but no—he only smiled.

Jessica’s body tensed up as she laid down on the other side of the bed.

He studied her tensed body for a moment before speaking again. "Do you regret agreeing to this arrangement?"

She looked at him, her expression unreadable. "I don’t know yet."

Davis nodded as if he understood. "Fair enough." He reached for the bedside lamp, switching it off. "Get some rest."

As much as she wanted to relax, her mind was restless. This was only the beginning.

And she wasn’t sure she was ready for what came next.