Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Jerlina had her fill and stretched herself. Maybe because she didn't sleep the entire night, she felt a little giddy, but since she had coffee, she knew she can go on for some more time without sleep.

She could only imagine how the old Aunt Becky would be feeling right now. She picked up her phone to call Aunt Becky to check what she wants for breakfast.

"There is a family dinner at Chestershire Mansion in a couple of days to welcome Emma and her husband. We'll be attending together to talk about our wedding ceremony."

Jerlina heard that grating voice from behind her and her lips curved to a wry smile. There was no reason for her to feel bad. He stopped her to show her how happy his sister is and since she left, he wants her to see for herself.

Stupid! Did you think anyone needs your care? Whether you're good are bad, no one will care. You lived an upright life before and still, you lost everything. Even if you act badly, no one will care.

And... Did he say wedding ceremony? There is going to be a ceremony? I must have misheard. Why would he spend money on a wedding ceremony when our marriage isn't even out of love?

She didn't bother with him and dialed Aunt Becky and talked with her. As her order was getting prepared, Jeremy sat beside her.

He was very mad at her after listening to his sister. There was no reason for Emma to lie. Jerlina had stabbed him and so he won't doubt if Jerlina could do that. She can and if she is provoked, she will.

He wanted to confront Jerlina about it. He didn't feel good to see his sister getting blamed for something she is not responsible for every time Jerlina opens her mouth.

Thankfully, his sister escaped without even a scratch, but what if something unexpected happened? Who can bring her life back if it was lost?

But when he entered the diner, he saw Jerlina savoring the waffles and his heart melted. Emma was right. Jerlina must have felt alone. He kept news about Emma's wedding from Jerlina knowing it would hurt her.

Emma shouldn't have visited Jerlina. And Jerlina should apologize to Emma for trying to stab her.

"What happened between you and Emma the last time you met?"

Jerlina turned to her side and she saw his stern face. She knew he already has reached a decision after hearing Emma's side and she won't be believed.

And that day... The fresh wound in her heart was stabbed once more.

"You haven't answered my question yet. Do you love me?" she asked and thanked the waitress who topped off her coffee.

"Jerlina!" he clenched his jaws. She dared to call his love 'twisted' and still asks this?

"Everything happened exactly as Emma explained. There, are you happy?" she said in a sarcastic tone and started sipping the coffee.

Seeing her indifferent face, Jeremy got angrier. She is not regretting what she did. He still tried to be gentle with her.

"She is not like you and me. You shouldn't have tried to hurt her. Next time when we meet her just apo-"

"Don't lump me with you, TJ," Jerlina stood up and walked to the restroom, and closed the door with a bang.

"What a temper!"

Jeremy watched the door, running his fingers through his hair. She's feisty which is good but she seemed pale.

Is she sick?

He meant they are the same in the sense that they had no parents growing up and both grew up without love or food at times. Both of them knew being nice is not the way if you want to survive in this unfair world. Both knew how money brings respect. He knew she is not a thug like him.

Jerlina felt her stomach churning remembering that day in the cabin. She squatted beside the toilet as she was nauseated.

That day...She couldn't swallow the tasty chicken salad as it turned bitter halfway through when Emma mentioned her wedding and how happy Gerard is to marry her. Jerlina stuffed in the rest of the salad because she needed to eat for her baby.

'It is surprising to me that no one filed a missing person complaint, Jer! Not your neighbors, your co-workers, your family... If it were me, Jerry would have caused a commotion so big, they'd have involved people at the federal level...'

As Emma spoke, Jerlina remembered thinking that she is worthless and unwanted. That she is unloved and a waste. She felt depressed and she felt heavy and couldn't even move.

And then Emma stuffed a knife in her hand and asked to kill her if she wanted. Jerlina was so out of it, she couldn't even hold the knife properly.

Vague images of Emma's smug face came to her memory and Jerlina started to retch.

That Emma... she'd be charming enough to melt anyone with her love. But once she deems someone as an enemy, no one can be as vindictive as her.

Emma's words... were enough for Jerlina who was kept locked in for a month, to lose all hope.

Emma left... And Jerlina was left in the company of her depressing and pessimistic thoughts and...a very sharp fruit knife.

She went there...Yes... she forgot there is another life inside her completely depending on her and... she went to a dark place.

There it was... that little flutter in her belly... As if her baby was reminding her of his presence.

She threw the knife away and decided not to give up. She decided to escape. And like a miracle, her car keys were there. There were none of TJ's lackeys outside and her car was in the little shed with enough gas.

She thought it was a miracle... But it was a curse!

I shouldn't have left that day!

Jerlina held her stomach as she felt immense pain and she threw up in the toilet. Along with the sound of her sobs, the sound of her retching echoed in that small restroom.

Jeremy could hear the sound of retching even from where he was sitting.

She is sick!

He ran to the restroom in panic.

"Jerlina!" he knocked on the door. "Are you okay? Come on out!"

"Just leave me be!" Jerlina said with frustration. She can't even cry alone in a restroom without disturbance!

"Open the door or I will break it! Jerlina! Answer me!" Jeremy banged on the door and the waitress came running.

"Stop it!" she looked at the door. "It is common during pregnancy. I knew the moment I saw her that she's pregnant. I can say these things for sure," she rubbed Jeremy's arms and Jeremy clenched his jaws wanting to punch this annoying woman.

Just shut up!

"Do you have a key?" he asked and she ignored him and walked closer to the door making Jeremy.

"Sweetie, do you need help?" the waitress asked placing her ear on the door.

"I am fine! I'll come out after washing up. Thank you," Jerlina answered as she walked to the washbasin.

"Did you hear her?" the waitress shook her head with a smile looking at the man who was panicked to the max. "Aww, you're so adorable caring for her this much. She loves you very much too. She was very worried that she said something mean to you," she patted Jeremy's back and walked away.

Jeremy stood there stunned.

She was worrying for me? What have I done?