Within an hour, Davis and Jessica were dressed and ready for the evening. Jessica wore a simple red wine-colored evening gown that hugged her waist perfectly.
The full-length fabric pooled elegantly around her feet, its rich hue striking against her fair skin. Her poise, enhanced by the gown’s graceful drape, emphasizing her commanding height.
Davis, in a tailored black suit, looked as dashing as ever. His appearance every bit the dignified heir he once was as his presence loomed large. His tall frame, chiseled features, and sharp gaze made Jessica appear delicate beside him even in heels. Wrapping an arm around her, he pulled her into a warm embrace.
"You look stunning," he murmured, his gaze laced with admiration and pride.
Jessica smiled softly, her eyes trailed down to his suit and his face noting his well crafted features, her brow knitting slightly.
Catching the change in her expression, Davis raised an eyebrow. "What’s wrong?"
"I’m just relieved you’re not going to be standing in the club tonight. That’ll at least keep a few peach blossoms from buzzing around you."
Davis blinked, caught between amusement and disbelief. "Isn’t that the same as wishing your husband a hard life?"
She smirked. "No. Don’t worry about the hard part—I’ve got you covered."
He chuckled and kissed her forehead gently. "Even if I were standing, none of them could ever compare to you."
Jessica’s smile widened. "I think we’re good to go," she said, stepping out of his arms.
Davis glanced back at the wheelchair he had to settle into again, a long sigh escaping him. Jessica caught the look and arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Are you silently complaining?"
"Wouldn’t you?" he muttered. "Who wants to stay forever?"
"Alright, don’t complain. You’ve been walking around this suite all evening. Just a few hours in the chair won’t kill you. I’m only giving you a chance to read the room properly. I’m giving you that advantage."
Grumbling lightly, Davis took a deep breath and sank into the chair and Jessica wheeled him out of their suite. They took the access ramp to the lobby where their driver was already waiting.
After helping Davis into the car, Jessica joined him, and the driver pulled smoothly away from the hotel, merging onto the highway.
The drive was quiet and peaceful. For the first time since arriving in Noveria, the two enjoyed a tranquil night drive through a city lit in dazzling lights, alive with energy and color.
They arrived at the Pearl Club—an elite, members-only clubhouse that exuded power and prestige. Its reputation for hosting only the rich and influential was well known. Davis had renewed his membership before his accident, making their entry seamless.
As soon as Jessica stepped out of the car, heads turned. It wasn’t just her beauty—it was the quiet confidence in her stride and the cold, commanding aura she exuded. She helped Davis settle into his wheelchair, then wheeled him to the door.
Inside, the club buzzed with activity. Patrons lounged in plush seating areas, drinking and chatting in hushed tones. Dancers swayed across the stage, moving with sensual rhythm. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cigars, perfumes, and wine.
Guided by Davis’s directions, Jessica took a quieter path, bypassing the general crowd and heading toward an exclusive private hall. The further they moved, the more the sounds of the club dulled to a gentle hum—this part of the building might as well have been another world.
They paused at a slightly open door. Conversations filtered out.
"Alex, you’re not joking, right?" came a voice—Lucas.
"Why would I? He’ll be here any moment," Alex replied lightly.
"Did you say he’s married?" a woman asked, her voice sharp with surprise and disbelief laced with a tinge displeasure and resentment barely noticed.
Jessica froze, her instincts immediately alert, a woman’s sixth sense. Something about the tone of that voice didn’t sit well with her.
"Married or not, I’m just glad he’s alive," another voice chimed in.
Davis took a shaky breath, his hand tightening on the armrest of his chair. For a moment, his confidence faltered.
"Are you ready for this?" Jessica asked softly, her voice a steady anchor.
"Aren’t you here?" he said with a weak smirk. "Besides, you promised to protect me."
With that, Jessica pushed the door open. Slowly and with measured grace, she wheeled him into the room.
The room went still. Lucas choked on his wine. Matt stared in disbelief. Tracia’s lips parted but no sound escaped, while Adah exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.
Davis chuckled lightly. "Shocked? Surprised? Stumped? What, did you think I was a ghost?"
Jessica’s gaze swept over the room—four men and two women. Of them all, only Alex was familiar. But one woman’s intense, icy glare locked with hers. Jessica smiled faintly, her stare graced with a slow, mischievous smile.
"So, you’re the one who asked if he was married", she mused. "How interesting."
A playful glint flickered in her eyes. Looks like tonight just got more fun. It’s been a while since I played a game.
Davis’s voice broke the tension. Jessica wheeled him to a comfortable spot while the others slowly gathered their composure.
Alex approached first, offering a hand to Jessica. "We met again."
"I’m glad," she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Lucas walked over and clasped Davis’s hand tightly. "Never expected this."
"Neither did I. But I’m alive, and that’s what matters."
Davis gestured to the seat beside him. "Come sit, baby."
Jessica took the seat without hesitation, slipping her hand into his.
One by one, the group greeted Davis with surprise, relief, and joy. As the initial shock faded and they all settled in, Davis cleared his throat.
"I need to introduce someone important." He clasped Jessica’s hand tighter and looked around the room, his voice calm but filled with quiet pride. "This is my wife—Jessica."
A silence fell over the room, so complete it was almost surreal.
"You’re... really married?" Lucas blurted, his voice several decibels louder than necessary. Though Alex had mentioned Davis was alive and is married, he had thought it was one of his expensive joke.
He hadn’t expected that in one night, one man—Davis Allen—could shake them with so many surprises.