Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Is she worried for him?

Jeremy was shocked by Jerlina's tone of voice. He who was feeling sorry for Emma after she complained that he didn't care for her anymore, got angry at her.

Why is she talking about Gerard to Jerlina now?

But then, is it not necessary for me to gauge her feelings towards that guy? I need to face the truth however harsh it might be. That way, I can formulate a plan to make her fall for me.

War, isn't it? I am girdled up for this war for her heart!

  Emma saw Jeremy with clenched fists and she was happy that her plan is working. 

Jerlina saw the same glint in Emma's eyes and smiled in her heart. She knew Emma is bringing up Gerard in front of Jeremy to make them fight. But she doesn't know what is between Jeremy and her. 

Jeremy is saying that she can go back to Gerard after the threat to her life is neutralized. He might love her but he is willing to let her go once everything is over. So why would Jeremy worry?

And if Gerard is acting up, why does it concern her? On his wedding day, she was suffering a miscarriage. Did he visit her?

Jerlina's fake concerned face turned to contempt, "Look after your husband yourself, Emma... Didn't you fight hard for marrying him? Are you bored with him already? Why should YOUR husband be asking for me? It's... abhorrent of you to even suggest I look after him when you're here, enjoying yourself. I am your brother's wife now, for heaven's sake!" she turned to leave.

Jeremy started to laugh in his heart. Of course, now that she is married to me, she won't like to be seen with her past lover anymore.

Isn't that a big plus for me? No one can get close to her as long as she is my wife!

But... what did she mean by saying Emma fought hard to marry Gerard?

"Joel, give me your car keys... I'll wait for you in the car," she held out her hand.

"You don't want to return in the carriage?" he asked. She enjoyed the ride before. 

Jerlina looked at the horses. One of them was pooping. "Eh... I'll take the car, please," she held out her hand.

Jeremy with a chuckle passed her the keys. "Wait a moment, I'll send off Emma and-"

"Sure," Jerlina shrugged and left for the car. She really was not in the mood to hear Emma's voice.

Emma chewed the insides of her cheek seeing Jerlina returning to the car. 

How could she speak in this tone to me? Did she really change her mind and fall for this stupid lumberjack? That cannot happen! What will happen to me then?

I won't let that happen!

Emma, cue a tear on your right eye. Make your lips tremble for added effects. That stupid never fails to fall for it. 

"I didn't mean to offend her, Jerry... I don't know if she... Her heart changed fast, I'd say...She... I worry for you, Jerry... Gerard... he still loves her and she moved on so fast... I thought she'd want to meet him after-"

"He hit her, Emma. What did you expect? And fake or not, she is my wife and she has to be dignified..." Jeremy spoke without even looking at Emma and she fisted her hands. She wanted to stick something in the back of that b*tch who walks like she owns the world.

"You should learn from her, Emma. You went to see Mikhail? I already told you not to meet him as he doesn't like creating rumors." He spoke looking at Emma and then his eyes went back to stare at Jerlina once more. "He is a celebrity and as a married woman you should be-"

Jeremy started advising Emma but paused. "Emma, you can get a cab back, right? Ask Charlie..." He looked around, "Charlie!!" He didn't even expect an answer from Emma. "Send her off!!" he pointed at Emma and waved at Charlie.

Leaving Emma right there, he ran behind Jerlina. Emma was too astonished to even say anything.

This is what... the third or fourth time he is comparing me with her and saying she is better? And did he leave me again?

Jeremy was watching Jerlina and he found the way she was walking a little odd. Previously, she walked like a queen and now she seemed like she was walking with pain. 

Did she hurt her leg? 

He got to her and picked her up.

"What?" Jerlina was stunned when she was lifted off the ground. "God, Joel! You scared me..!" she patted her chest which was pounding.

Wasn't he with Emma just a moment ago?

She turned and saw the stunned Emma stomping her feet on the ground.

This too is not my fault, okay?

"You left your- Yeep!" she wrapped her hands around his neck as he opened the door, holding her with his one arm.

"Are you hurt?" he placed her on the passenger seat carefully with her feet hanging out. He didn't even look tired and his brows were furrowed. He squatted in front of her and lifted the skirt of her dress. 

"What are you..." she pressed his shoulders and he looked at her.

"Your feet... are they hurt. You were walking a bit...funny," he asked.

"A little, yes..." she grimaced as he held her foot. "Who knew even expensive shoes can be uncomfortable after some time..? At least my feet look pretty, right? It's fine... I'll- Stop, Joel..." she shouted as he removed her shoes.

"Tch," he clicked his tongue. "The skin peeled off here... Why do you even wear this?" he threw the shoes at the back seat and Jerlina's heart skipped a beat. Standing on her knees, she tried to get the shoes.

My shoes..! My pretty, and pretty expensive shoes..! 

"A sneaker would have been more comfortable..." he mumbled as he went to the back and stopped her from getting the shoes. "Stay!" he pointed at her and she sat on the seat in a hurry.

"Don't worry, dear shoes! I won't abandon you..!" she gave air-pats to the shoes.

She silently watched as he brought a water bottle. She tried to get the bottle but was glared at by him. So she pulled up her skirt and he started washing her feet.

"Your trousers are getting wet, Joel... I'll clean it at home... leave it..." she tried to stop him but was only glared at by him.

Him, touching her feet was a little uncomfortable...

"Stop glaring at me, Joel! Do you think I don't like wearing sneakers? But sneakers don't go well with this dress, do it?" she said with a pout.

"Women and their f*cking vanity," he scoffed and that made Jerlina mad.

"Why aren't you wearing your boots with this tux then, Joel? Why are you wearing your oxfords? Aren't you vain too?" 

"I wanted to look good for you, Jerlina. That's why I wore them," he looked at her and Jerlina's heart skipped a beat.

He said what?