Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

On their way back, Jerlina was happy her plans will succeed. Daisy said that she'll give her rose bushes. Jerlina felt a little bad for making that sweet lady think that she had grown interested in gardening when all she cared for is her escape.

Forgive me, Daisy... But I have to escape.

Now, all she has to do is clear the small garden area she saw in the house for her roses. She wondered if she should get the permission of the house owner to turn his outdoor space into a rose garden.

She turned to look at him. With his brows knitted, he was rubbing his forehead and she gulped in fear. Her palm sweated and her heart pounded.

The doctor definitely tattled! Oh, Jerlina! You and your big mouth!

Jeremy, in fact, was thinking about his meeting with his mother. She looked disappointed and sad, making him feel bad.

'Jeremy, if you keep her locked up for the sake of protecting her, you might end up killing her soul. She might be safe, but she won't be the same as before. Just let her take a walk or give her something enjoyable to make her think living is worth it... Don't let her stay locked in.

And... I don't know what you feel about Jerlina and how serious you are with your marriage, but you should come to terms that Jerlina might never get along with Emma. She doesn't seem like someone who is very forgiving and it would be better for her to stay away from Emma.'

His mom said that majority of Jerlina's problems are mental and not physical. Apparently, for her body to heal quickly, she needs good food and a good environment. He tried to get his mom to tell him Jerlina's exact words, but she didn't.

To hell with HIPPA!

His sister and his wife might never get along? He couldn't believe that. Those two used to be best friends. How can they become enemies for no reason? And he knew that even if Jerlina acts a little harsh, Emma will take the high road. Jerlina's not a bad girl either and she will become friends with Emma soon.

For that, he must explain the reason Emma married that guy. But that will make that guy look good too.

Ugh! I don't want to! But I have to...

And, it's not like he wants to keep her locked up. Not many places are as safe as his home.

Hmm...

"Do you want to work as my secretary?" he turned and asked her. His heart skipped a beat seeing those beautiful amber eyes. She could blink her eyes and make him kneel in front of her.

Ah... the power she has on me...

Jerlina was shocked by his question. She didn't know why he asked this suddenly. But then the cogwheels in her brain turned swiftly and all she could see was green.

Work = Money!!!

I am going to be trapped in his house. My company doesn't need my presence all the time. So why not work for him and save some money, right? But will he pay me? He talked so big this morning, right? Will he pay me more than $60,000?

Jeremy wondered why she isn't answering and he observed her. His lips curved to a gentle smile seeing the dollar sign in her eyes.

"Of course I will pay you... Is half enough?" he asked.

Only half?

Jerlina was a little disappointed but as a true middle-class member, she couldn't give up that money. Money is money no matter how small the amount is and no matter who pays you, right? Her heart filled with glee. Money always brings her joy.

"Okay," she agreed. "When will I be joining?"

"From tomorrow onwards..." he didn't find any reason to wait. This way he can be together with her all the time and have more conversations with her.

"Okay," she smiled. She was suspicious of his motives and wasn't sure if he'd really pay her, but even if he didn't pay her, at least she'd have a chance to leave the house. That way, she can meet more people and find a way to escape.

Seeing her smile, Jeremy smiled back. He started daydreaming about the time they'll be spending together in his office.

When they reached home, Jerlina decided to take a look at the garden to plan for the placement of the roses and watering methods, since there were no dogs out. She also wanted to know if a fence will be needed since there are a lot of dogs running around freely at night.

The area looked fine and she just needed to weed the place. And there was a water tap with a hose connector. The handle was designed as a cute hummingbird and it looked rusty. The hose seemed old too and she decided to somehow get TJ's permission for renewing the garden.

He won't figure out my plan, right? Maybe I should ask Daisy's help in convincing him?

Buried in her thoughts, she tried to open the tap. It seemed like the tap wasn't used for a long time and the handle was not budging when she turned it. She used both her hands and all her strength and still the handle didn't budge.

"What do you need?" she heard that familiar grating voice behind her.

"Does this work?" without turning back, she tried to give one last try to get the handle budge.

"No one uses this-"

As he was speaking, Jerlina felt the handle loosening... in fact, it became so loose, it came with her hand. And along with the handle, water came rushing.

Out of shock as she felt the handle in her hand, Jerlina opened her mouth and the murky water in all its glory entered Jerlina's mouth.

The water continued to splash right in her face and some entered her lungs. Jelina turned and tried to get away wiping her face but was blocked by something very hard; something hard like a block of wood.

Is that him?

She looked to her front and it was TJ. She looked at her hand and there was a piece of his fancy garden tap.

Oh, dear! I broke his tap and now his water is getting wasted. I am finished!

She remembered there should be a valve nearby to stop the water. At that time, a gust of wind blew sending her to shivers. But she wanted to stop the water no matter what to reduce the damage she has done to his house.

Thankfully, she found the valve and closed it. Only then she was relieved and got up with a sigh. By now, she has gone wet from head to toe.

Jeremy was closing his mouth with his hands to not let out his laugh. This little woman is as entertaining as he remembered. She always wants to do everything by herself without asking for help. She never asks for help. Either she does it to her knowledge or she won't do it at all, but she would rarely ask for help.

She could have asked him if the tap works before she tried to open it, and he would have told her it was broken. But, no... she had to check it herself!

Haha... She thinks she broke the tap, doesn't she? Wait... What is she doing on her knees? Look at her scurrying around like a cute little squirrel... At least she is not dumb! She knows about the valve.

Jeremy had fun watching her. This is what he loved about her. She could handle any situation without getting dumb and will emerge as a winner.

He laughed at her in his heart, admired her, and his heart got warm seeing her acting all lively. He eagerly waited to see what she'd do next because she thinks that she broke the tap.

He was amused... until she turned back. When she did, he thought he'd die of embarrassment.