Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Maybe because they were talking about babies, Jerlina's hands ended up on her abdomen. She wanted to get pregnant.

"Maybe we can get pregnant," Jerlina said leaning on Jeremy and he bit his lips.

He was not sure. She is still grief-stricken with her miscarriage and what if something like that happened again? He didn't think she'd be able to pick herself up from the floor another time. 

He decided to wait until she gets a bit stronger mentally and physically.

"Let's not right now," he said patting her head.

"Why?" Jerlina looked at him with surprise. She didn't think that he'd be opposed to it. 

"Let's enjoy ourselves first," he kissed her.

Jerlina slowly slid on the couch and he ended up on top of her. His kiss deepened and Jerlina started unbuttoning his shirt. 

But he pulled back. Jerlina leaned closer to his lips but he hugged her around the waist and lifted her.

"What are you…" Jerlina held on to his neck. She didn't know if he is deliberately avoiding going further with her or if it was just something she is thinking too much of.

Just now he avoided my touch once again, didn't he? 

"You figured it out didn't you?" he wriggled his brows. 

"What?" Jerlina furrowed her brows. He looked curious and didn't appear to be hiding anything. He had that boyish smile he dons at times. 

"You aren't surprised when they were talking about our mothers," he sat her on his lap. 

"Oh, that?" Jerlina's lips curved to a smile. "You've known forever but you didn't bother to tell me about it, huh?" she pressed her forehead on his and closed her lips. 

"I did try to tell you," he rubbed her back.

"You did," Jerlina giggled. "But I was stupid."

"You're not stupid! You are the genius who won the math quiz, remember?" Jeremy laughed. 

Jerlina remembered that. He did try to tell her about it on their wedding day but she was believing that the picture repeating was a mistake. 

Ah… the joy I lose because of prejudice…

"So our mothers were friends?" she smiled at him. She placed her hand on his cheek. That roughness and his manly scent made her lose herself. His lips were glistening as they peeked out from his thick beard and she nibbled on them. 

His hand slipped at the back of her head and got tangled with her hair as her tongue slipped inside his mouth. Taking shallow breaths, Jerlina nibbled on his lips as their tongues tangled together. 

Jeremy's hands rubbed on her back as she stuck to him. Her hands started to graze over his chest and neck as she couldn't help but touch him. 

But when he pulled back from the kiss, she was not pleased. She didn't think it is a coincidence this time. She felt like he is avoiding her on purpose. Before she could say anything, he spoke rubbing her lips with his thumb. 

"The ladies brought lunch. I'll have to take my medications," he said.

"Yes," Jerlina stood up. She felt bad for almost shouting at him. 

He didn't do it on purpose after all.

During lunch, Jeremy told her all the stories involving his mother and her mother. Jerlina chatted with him happily. 

"Want to nap for a bit?" Jerlina asked.

He was changing his shirt and looking at the taunt muscles on his back, she felt butterflies in her stomach. She wanted to hold him; to be held by him. 

"I'll… I have to fix Joe's roof," he said.

"Now?" Jerlina asked. She was disappointed he has to leave.

"Yes, and I don't think it can be fixed in a day. It might take a while," he leaned and kissed her forehead.

"Okay, then" she waved her hand as wore his shoes. 

Her mood got sour. She hoped that everything is fine between them. 

"Joel!" she called him as he reached the door. "We are fine, right?" she asked. 

"Yes…" he looked at her with knitted brows. He looked surprised and confused.  "Why are you asking?" 

"Nothing… It's just…" she smiled. "Bye," she waved her hand. 

"I'll be back soon, alright," he walked in and smooched her before leaving. "Stop thinking too much."

"Yeah…" Jerlina smiled and locked the door. 

She had to take care of some of the accounts with her company and she decided to start working rather than worrying about nothing.

-----

"Daisy, what is it?" Dr. Kruger asked Daisy who seemed to be acting weird. 

"Nothing," Daisy shrugged. "I've planned to go to the city to do some shopping. Do you want anything?" Daisy spoke in her usual cheery voice. 

Or tried to use her usual cheery voice but the doctor could see that something is wrong.

Dr. Kruger left the hospital and is not back at the clinic. She's only doing the bare minimum of work and id resting at most times. Some new doctors are hired and since Daisy is a senior working in the clinic for a long, she's been guiding them. 

Dr.Kruger could read Daisy like a book. She's avoiding eye contact and her voice is a bit shaky. It is obvious she is hiding something.

"To the city?" Dr. Kruger raised her brows.

"Yes! For shopping," Daisy gulped.

"Are you planning on meeting her, Daisy?" She asked and watched Daisy getting flustered.

"N- no! No! Why would I meet- Who are you mentioning?"

"Daisy, do you think it would be wise to meet her?" 

"But, doctor!" Daisy sighed. "She… after doing that, how could she… She hid it this long and thinks she got away with it? How could she!"

"Let's leave it to Jeremy, Daisy. We don't know how she'd react. She could be… Let's wait for Jeremy." Dr. Kruger spoke in a cajoling tone. 

"My heart bleeds for Jerlina, doctor. It's… Jerry… that boy… whose side will he take?" Daisy wiped her tears.

She really couldn't imagine how Jerlina would react to this news.

"He has to take Jerlina's side. And… I hope she doesn't blame Jeremy for that. He's not entirely out of blame," Dr. Kruger sighed.

She wanted to keep that secret. But it is out. And she was thankful for that too. She has someone else to share the burden with. 

"Wait till New Year, Daisy. We can decide later," Dr. Kruger asked Daisy.

Daisy nodded half-heartedly. 

Daisy wasn't sure if it is something that should be informed to Jeremy first. Shouldn't Jerlina be the one affected by this news more? 

Ah… that b*tch! After doing everything, she is leading life as if she has achieved something so wonderful!

Is there a God? How could be let people like her thrive?

Daisy started lamenting in her heart.