Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption novel Chapter 415

Chapter 415: It’s her decision to make...

Davis glanced at the faces of the two elderly in-laws beside him just in time to catch each of them masking their shock.

For a moment, he found it strangely refreshing to see them still bearing the grudge of the past while the met on a narrow path.

Totally unfazed about the full tale between the Santiagos and the Andersons, Davis was the first to break the silence.

"Grandma," he greeted softly, stepping forward with quiet respect to help her out of the elevator.

Once outside, Lady Matilda paused in the hallway. Her gaze lingered on Davis, her eyes misty with the weight of memories. One hand leaned against her walking stick while the other trembled as she slowly lifted it, her frail fingers carefully tracing Davis’ features.

"You’ve suffered a lot," she murmured, a bitter smile tugging at her lips every word a testimony to the pains endured.

Her maternal warmth washed over him like a balm, Davis shook his head lightly. "Not compared to hers," he answered, concealing the ache that pressed against his heart.

"How have you been?" She asked softly.

"Grandma, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me," Davis reassured her, his eyes gentle, filled with the kind of affection he rarely allowed others to see.

"I...I... really have to," Lady Matilda lamented, her voice breaking. "Especially when you are the one bearing the most pain."

"Let’s go in and see her," Davis said quietly, extending his hand to guide her down the corridor toward the ward.

Behind them, Josh stepped closer. His heart pounded with unease. How was he supposed to address Lady Matilda without stirring her displeasure?

Back when Nora was alive, he had called her ’Mom.’ But with the bitter rift between the Anderson and Santiago families, guilt weighed heavily on him. He felt trapped between shame and longing, caught at a crossroads.

As Lady Matilda prepared to walk forward, Josh clenched his fists, then took a hesitant step. Against reason, against pride, he spoke the word he had long held back.

"Mom," he greeted, his voice calm yet unsteady.

The old lady froze mid step. She had intend to ignore his presence, she wouldn’t want another set of entanglement between the families any more but

Slowly, she turned, her eyes narrowing as they fell on Josh Anderson...the man who would have been her son-in-law. A storm of emotions flickered in her gaze: disappointment, anger and hurt.

"Josh, you are here?" she asked, her tone laced with detachment, a cold unfamiliarity that cut deeper than Josh had expected.

Her words pierced him. Noting her coldness, Josh felt the strength drain from his body.

His shoulders sagged under the weight of regret. He felt tired, empty. He felt hurt. And most of all, he felt guilty for the mistakes of the past.

It seemed no matter how much time passed, he would definitely pay the price of his foolishness. Looking back in time, he had been a coward.

Lady Matilda shifted her gaze from Josh to Davis. "An acquaintance?" she asked flatly.

Davis inclined his head. He dared not deny it. Deep inside, he hoped that somehow, someday, the two families could mend their rift.

He would never want his wife caught in the crossfire of an old feud, especially not when she woke.

Lady Matilda studied him, then gave a small nod. "Seems you have quite the taste," she smirked faintly.

The words made both Davis and Josh stiffen. Davis frowned slightly, turning the remark over in his mind, unable to discern her true meaning.

He wanted to ask but he was afraid it might even complicate matters, he let it slide.

"You are welcome," she added curtly, shifting her gaze back to Davis. "Davis, lead the way."

Obediently, Davis guided her down the hallway. When they reached the closed door of the ICU, Lady Matilda’s eyes reddened, and her grip tightened on her stick.

Thanks to Davis’ care, she was granted some time at Jessica’s bedside, while Josh remained outside, waiting in the ICU waiting room, alone with his thoughts.

An hour later, Lady Matilda emerged from the ward with Davis supporting her gently. Her expression was heavy with sorrow.

"Resolve? After how many years?" Her voice rose.

"Do I need to remind you that the Santiago estate never moved an inch from its ground?"

""I know," Josh whispered, trembling. "I know I was wrong. But please... sitting down may help us reconcile."

"Josh Anderson?" Lady Matilda called sharply.

Davis felt a chill. He had an ill sense this was far from over. His eyes darted around the corridor. Aside from the guards, no one was there but the matter was too heavy, too sensitive and raw to be unraveled in such a place.

He drew a deep breath. "Grandma, Mr. Anders, you can return home and settle your differences without disturbing my wife’s rest," Davis said firmly.

"Alright, we are going over to the waiting room," Josh muttered quickly.

But Lady Matilda shook her head. "I have nothing to discuss with you. Davis, if I look for my granddaughter and do not find her, then..."

Leaving her warning hanging in the air, she turned away, walking slowly toward the elevator. The silence she left behind was louder than any words.

Dumbfounded, both men stood rooted in place.

As Lady Matilda and Donald disappeared behind the closing doors, Davis sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Mr. Anders, I am sorry, but my wife goes nowhere."

Josh clenched his fists. "But Davis, the window period must be considered."

Davis nodded with newfound resolve. "I spent more than four months in the ICU. In waking up, I married her."

Davis’ implication was clear: she would wake up in her own time and it wouldn’t change the fact because they were married.

Just like Grandma said, "It’s her decision to make."