Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

"I will never forgive Emma ..." Jerlina spoke in a low voice and her voice made Jeremy a bit calm.Â

During her teen years, Emma made her live in fear, and even now she still isn't letting her off. Even Gerard lied to her together with Emma. They knew each other for a long time and Gerard hid it from her.

It was then Jerlina realized that even before she met TJ in the pub, Emma won't stop talking about her brother who is a local thug.Â

"Why?" he asked.

"You're not?" she asked back. "She ruined your image for me and made me scared of you. That's some love your sister has for you. And because of her lies, I hid my pregnancy from you that led to... and her words that day almost..." she cut off and turned her back on him since she felt like crying.Â

Jeremy knew she is talking about her miscarriage and her attempt to end her life and he stayed silent. And it seems like she holds Emma responsible for that. He didn't like that but he had nothing to say to counter her belief. Because the reasons will seem like excuses.

Emma... was a bit inconsiderate regarding Jerlina.Â

And after seeing how hurt she was when she talked about it to Scarlett, he didn't want to hurt her more. He saw her back and he thought she was crying.

"Let me tell you something, Joel... Emma is no good. Don't trust her. She doesn't love you as you think. Wise up before you lose something precious to you by her hands," she said in a soft voice and Jeremy's fists clenched out of anxiousness.

When Jerlina said 'precious' he thought of her.Â

Losing Jerlina?

Will Emma hurt Jerlina deliberately? No way!

Taking in a deep breath he calmed himself. She hates Emma and she has reasons to think that way. But that doesn't change the person Emma is actually.

He got closer to her. He knew she is a little sober now, and wondered if he hugged her, she'd get mad at him.Â

It seems like with her sobriety comes her pain. She was a blissful and cute numpty when she was drunk some time ago and seemed to be wanting physical contact. But as soon as she sobered up, she is distancing herself to be alone and started crying and thinking unhappy thoughts.

My poor Luna...

His brain told him to let her be and leave, but his heart begged him to stay by her side. She may not say it, but she needs someone by her side.

He scooted closer to her side carefully. He was a little scared if she'd slap him, but he pushed through. He inched closer and slowly let her back rest on his chest.Â

Supporting his upper body weight on his elbow, he peeked at her face. As he expected, she was silently crying. He did not like that.

Jerlina could feel that big man creeping behind her, sinking the bed, and she stayed put. For some reason, she couldn't cry with him disturbing her like that. She could feel his face close to her face although she was closing her eyes.

"What?" she opened her eyes and glared at him. But he gasped as if he was startled almost similar to the way Earl would react at times. Also, upon looking closely, his bruised face looked funny. She wanted to laugh at him but controlled herself. "I will get back at her for what she did to me!"Â

She added hoping he'd get mad and leave her so that she can cry peacefully.

"Oh? How?"

Jeremy noticed the smile at the corner of her lips and lied behind her. His heart was light seeing her smile and not angry at him. He didn't even care she is threatening his sister.Â

Jerlina was a little disappointed that he is not leaving. But she knew that if she asks him, he'll leave. He'll leave and she'll start crying alone again.

Should I continue crying?

Eh, screw it! He's staying of his own volition. Then let him stay! Earl does at times. I'll think of him as Earl. At least I won't wake up with a bunch of fur in my mouth if it is TJ.

"I'm going to live life better than her..."

"Hmm..." Jeremy's lips curved up.Â

Of course, she won't say I will destroy her life. She always tries to better herself than trying to bring others down. She is too honest and pure.

"She's going to stew in her jealousy and will end up with heartburn..."

"MmmHmm..."

"I'll become a billionaire and buy a big house with a private beach and a big swimming pool just by the beach..."

"Why a pool near the beach though?"

"Just because..." she turned to face him.

"Haha, okay... what else?" Jeremy controlled his laughter. He could see she is tired. It seems like she likes to talk a lot. That's fine because he likes to listen.

She likes beaches. I'm more of a mountains, woods, and lakes kind of guy. But...

Should I buy a home near a beach?

"For the view... I'll swim watching the ocean." She said suddenly and Jeremy bit his lips to stop himself from laughing.

"Oh? That's right. Why swim in the ocean when you can swim watching the ocean, right?" Jeremy said in a serious tone.Â

But Jerlina understood he was being sarcastic. "My pool will be heated and I will laugh at the people freezing their a** off in the sea during winter," she grinned as she was proud of herself for cooking out an awesome response.

"You're smart!" he casually wrapped his arm around her. "And there ain't be no sharks in a pool...so joke's on them," he nodded.Â

"Don't patronize me..." Jerlina realized he is mocking her and he started to laugh.Â

"Why are you here on my bed?" she pouted. She didn't like to be mocked.

"Well, technically this is my bed... so..."

"Ugh!" she groaned and tried to push him away, but he diverted her attention. She had started to yawn and he knew she is tired.Â

"What else will you have in that big home of yours? Jet skis?"

"Ah, yes... the fastest and furioustest- that seems wrong... furioustest... furiouster- furry'”Ugh! You get it... I'll have the best... You can come to my house, but you cannot bring your sister. Let's post pictures all over the internet, of me swimming in the biggest and badest pool in the history of pools, wearing the sexiest of all bikinis..."

"Oh, yes! We will..." he said happily.Â

She said she'd invite me to see her sexy bikini body!Â

"But first I'll have to learn to swim..." she continued and Jeremy swallowed his laughter.Â

All these talks about the pool and she don't know how to swim? She is so fun to be with.Â

Jerlina didn't even realize she was in his embrace and in the warm embrace of Jeremy, fell asleep. Maybe because her mind was cleared, she felt light and she slept well. Also, the big bundle of warmth beside her helped a lot too.Â