Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption

Davis' car pulled up at the gates of the estate, his fist clenching on his laps as the familiar sight came into view.

He cast a quick glance at the doorstep, ready to alight, but froze when his eyes narrowed at the scene waiting for him.

Standing with grave, probing gazes were Elder Allen, Deborah, and several members of the household staff.

The sight of them keeping silent, expectant, heavy with questions made his throat tighten.

For a fleeting second he thought of asking the driver to turn the car around and heading back to the hospital, but he knew that wasn't an option. Running would only delay what he couldn't escape.

He really couldn't run from this forever.

Davis rubbed his brow, "It seems I can't escape this." He muttered to himself.

He exhaled deeply and with a click the car door opened and he stepped down.

To the others, he appeared calm, but inside his chest his heart hammered with dread, each beat echoing the outcome he feared this meeting might bring.

Ethan got out beside him, his gaze flicking between Davis and the group waiting. He felt a pang of pity. Convincing these people would not be easy.

He leaned toward Davis while he shot the Old Man Allen a glance and whispered low, "It seems I have to call the doctor over, in case it turns out bad."

Davis nodded in approval, having his wife in the ICU and his children in the NICU was already a challenge and he wouldn't want another emergency and ICU.

Slowly, he dragged his footsteps towards them like a young child who had failed the instruction of his parents and was now tasked with accepting the punishment.

"Grandpa, Deborah," he greeted.

"You're back," they clipped unanimously.

Davis nodded lightly and just as his lips parted to speak further, he saw Elliot step out of the house meeting him at the doorstep just like others.

"Davis," Elder Allen called slowly but Davis immediately cut him short before he could say further. "Grandpa, let's go in first and talk."

"Do we still have to go in? It might not be on the news that it was Allen's daughter-in-law but not seeing her back yet and not back with you has given a clear answer." He said, his voice cracking.

The pains of years past came flooding back. Years ago he had lost his son and wife. Two years ago he nearly lost Davis but with Providence and luck he was able to live, he turned into a monster of himself.

Now, he was cured by her and like others she had been forced to the edge of the cliff, left to die in the hospital.

His shoulders trembled both with rage and hurt. He had thought about it for a few hours now. "Does that mean, the Allens will always be the enemy's playground?"

"Grandpa, you take it easy. She will be fine." He said more to himself as though it was a silent prayer, as though it was an earnest wish.

"Will she be fine?" Elder Allen murmured.

"Wouldn't it end up like her mother who died because of her friend and the Allen family?"

How will I be able to repay such a blood debt?

How can I face her mother, when I've failed the daughter as well?"

The more he thought about it, the more unstable he became. His breath came in gasps.

Davis exchanged a quick glance with Ethan. If he should be allowed to continue, the possibility of reviving him this time might be more difficult.

"Grandpa," Davis said firmly, steadying his voice. "She is unconscious, not dead. And the children…" he inhaled deeply, letting the words fall in one breath…"the children are in the NICU."

Maybe that could keep the old man for the moment, maybe he would be strong for them.

Maybe amidst the series of unpleasant events that had rocked his life all the years, this could be good news.

Having a great-grandchild had been his wish since Davis survived the accident and the children surviving that accident must be a blessing for the Allens.

Just as expected, the compound fell into a pin-drop silence when he mentioned children.

It was as though they had all paused to replay the statement again, possibly weighing how much of it could be true and how much could be false.

When he was thinking they would never be out of the shock, Deborah broke into soft sobs. "Finally, God was merciful.".

Davis clicked his tongue. Elder Allen took a deep calming breath. "Davis, are you saying this just to soothe me?"

"I dare not," Davis replied, his tone clipped, unwavering.

Deborah reached for the old man, patting his back gently. "He wouldn't lie, not with this. But we must make arrangements soon. We need to see the children."

But the thought of Jessica being unconscious made her heart tighten.

Recalling she had called her to ask if everything was okay at home and she had responded while she urged her to return early and not overwork herself.

She had even prepared her favourite dish. Who would have known the meal she spent hours making would end up getting cold with Jessica not returning and finally finding its way to the trash can?

Deborah's tears fell in torrents. She dared not imagine how painful she must have felt…how she had been able to give birth in such a devastating scene she had read in the news.

The laments quieted eventually, and Davis pressed a weary hand to his brow, following them into the sitting room. But his thoughts were elsewhere. There was another truth to face, another shock to unravel.

Should it wait until morning? Or must it be said now, no matter how heavy the night already was?

Seeing them all settling down on the sofas, he made a decision. He cleared his throat lightly as he stood at the center of the room.

Glancing at the two men, two men bound by years of history, yet unaware of how deep those ties truly ran. He couldn't help wondering a bit…

"Grandpa Elliot," he called calmly, "welcome to Country Y."

Elliot's gaze was steady, unreadable. He had held his tongue earlier not because he lacked questions, but because he knew his goddaughter's strength.

She was not weak, not unless pregnancy had left her vulnerable. And for that, he had come to settle old scores on her behalf.

"Grandpa, meet my maternal grandfather…Elliot Raven." He exhaled.

Both men glanced at each other. Elder Allen's gaze narrowed. He had expected as much seeing the clear features of Monica Allen on him but never in his wildest dreams had he expected to meet in such circumstances.

"You're welcome, my in-law. I failed to recognize you early. Forgive my insolence."

"I understand…my daughter has always kept her identity hidden so it's not your fault." Elliot explained.

Grief shadowed his words, but so did resolve. He had mourned his daughter for years, certain her happiness in this household had been her solace.

That knowledge had been his balm. But now…now that the Allen family's enemies had turned their hand against his granddaughter-in-law, he would collect this debt, in blood if he must.

Seeing the men ready to dive into their personal matters and bonding, Davis gave a curt nod and left the room.

He had battles of his own to fight. There was still much to be done and beyond all, he had to prepare something special, a wake-up gift for Sylas.