Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

"Here's your wife, Jerry!"

Scarlett presented Jerlina with a curtsy. 

Jeremy smiled looking at Jerlina wearing a black knee-length cocktail dress and she looked different than usual as she was showing more skin than usual.

He didn't care much although that red lipstick made her look alluring. More than appearing vulgar or tacky, she looked mature. 

She looked comfortable and he thought it was a step up from her usual modest outfits. 

"Isn't my wife the prettiest, Scar?" Jeremy said with a whistle.

"You're more handsome though," Jerlina said. 

He looks ruggedly handsome when he is in his casual attire and he turns to a hot kind of handsome when he wears a suit.

His hair, eyes, lips... Yummy!

"You two look so good together!" Scarlett got excited and dragged them under the Christmas tree for pictures.

As they were posing, Jeremy suddenly bent and kissed her on the lips. Jerlina was a bit stunned by his sudden act and she was opening her eyes wide. 

Scarlett was not pleased with that picture and tried to delete it. Jerlina was not pleased with that picture too since she looked silly. 

But Jeremy was oddly very pleased with that picture and saved it on his phone. 

"I'm going to have this picture framed," he mumbled.

Jerlina could only imagine his interest in that picture as to mock her in the future.

Scarlett looked at those two walking to their car battering with each other and smiled. 

Finally! Both of them are good for each other.

Jeremy was in deep thoughts.

"Emma called..." He started speaking after deliberating for a while. 

Emma acted as if everything was normal between them. There were no apologies, no regretting about her lies, no coming clean... She just acted as usual.

But all he could remember was that face filled with hate and rage. 

"Oh?" Jerlina looked at him.

He never brought up Emma for days. She didn't know what he was thinking because he didn't open up to her about it. She wondered what Emma wants from Jeremy now.

"She'd be in the fundraiser too... Possibly with her husband," he said.

Emma called him when he was getting ready and he forgot about it the moment he saw the bright and cheery Jerlina. But as they got closer to the venue, he got a bit stressed. 

How would she react to seeing Gerard?

He does not doubt her. He wouldn't even entertain the idea that she might leave him and sneak away with Gerard.

She is not such a person.

He could see she's over him. Ever since that day when he slapped her. he knew she is over him. 

But whenever he sees her staring aimlessly, or sitting by the planter, he'd feel a little prick in his heart. 

Even now, she is bowing her head, staring at her hands. What is she thinking?

Jerlina was a bit blindsided by the news. She wasn't feeling very comfortable meeting Emma and Gerard. 

Emma will try and talk to her and will try and rile her up. Gerard... he'd try to act pitiful and create a scene.

She didn't want to return though. She knew Jeremy will bring her back if she is not comfortable being there, but she didn't want to run.

Whether she likes it or not, they are bound to meet each other since they run in the same circles. She cannot avoid meeting or mingling with them forever.

She saw the rings on her finger and oddly it gave her the courage. 

I am Joel's wife! I did no wrong! No one has any right to criticize me! I'll do what I decided to do. Joel said I can do what I please there.

I have to try and find a way for the government to get more involved in taking care of the gangs; especially in Grover.

Wyatt said he'd be the figurehead and slowly transfer the territories to Jeremy. But Jeremy as a single person shouldn't be spending money to improve the quality of living of everyone. The government officials should do what they are paid to do.

What is the use in paying taxes if they won't do anything? Even I pay taxes in six figures! Where does my money go?

Jerlina took in a deep breath.

Yes, I can do it! I am Joel's wife. I will save Joel's efforts and money! 

Screw Emma and Gerard!

As she arrived at that conclusion, they've already reached the five-star hotel where the fundraiser is arranged. 

They alighted from the car and only then she noticed the dapper-looking man walking beside her, moping around. Even in his despondent state, he had a mysterious thinker vibe making him look much more handsome.

Ah... I think I am falling for him. Why do I find him more and more attractive each passing day?

And what is he sulking about? Is this about Gerard?

"Joel," she held his hand. "You wouldn't mind me behaving like your wife, right?" she said with a smile.

Jeremy looked at her smiling face. His heart that was in turmoil like the stormy sea, got better in an instant and his heart got peaceful like he is standing in a garden in a spring morning.

Wife, she says... this woman!

"Do you even know how to behave like a gang lord's wife?" he whispered in her ear. 

"Hmm, I'll try," she smiled widely seeing his mood getting better. "And..." she wetted her red lips hesitating to speak more. 

But then she shrugged and continued. After getting to know him, it seems like he minds anything she does. 

Why not use that perk she has, right?

"We won't be together throughout the party. I will have to smile and pretend to chat with Gerard. Emma will try and find issues with that and probably will say something to you to enrage you. Don't fall for it," she stood on her tiptoes and pulled his sleeve.

"I don't backpedal. And I already told you that I'm giving you a chance. So..."

"I know," Jeremy chuckled wrapping his arms around her waist. 

This is a cocktail party and everyone will be mingling with everyone and they can't be together all the time. Although he wasn't sure how Emma will react, what Jerelina says might happen. Or it won't.

And yes, she will have to talk to Gerard. 

But why is she asking me to trust her in such a roundabout way? I already do. 

Holding hands, they walked into the hall. Jerlina saw a lot of people she had me in the past as Millman's Secretary in the hall. But this is the first time she directly meets the local representatives and senators. 

Jeremy's hands were on her lower back and most of them greeted them with congratulations. By the contempt with which some looked at her, she could say that they were not pleased that a secretary became the mistress of Fitzgerald Lumber Corp. 

But seeing the way Jeremy treated her, with respect and affection, they had to behave with her.

"Did you see that?" 

From a dark corner, Emma nudged Gerard. 

"I told you she likes where she is..."