At first, it had been incredibly difficult for him to adjust to the circumstances, but over time, he found himself managing the situation in ways he never expected.
He glanced at Jessica, her head resting gently on the car’s headrest, her eyes closed in peaceful sleep, A wave of emotions welled up in his heart as he watched her.
He was grateful she had come along, grateful for her feisty spirit, and most of all, grateful that she didn’t judge him.
"She must be tired", he mused. Dealing with several psychopaths for his sake is not easy —Risa, the manager and the attendant.It’s quite challenging and he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for her strength.
Worried she might not be comfortable, he slowly titled her to rest on his chest, his arms holding her shoulders.
As though on cue, Jessica adjusted herself to a comfortable position.
Davis held his breath as Jessica instinctively nestled closer against him, her warm breath fanning lightly against his chest.
Her familiar scent wafting into his nostrils, a peaceful calm settling on them. His arm tightened slightly around her, a sense of protectiveness washing over him.
Her face, usually so sharp and full of fire, was relaxed in slumber. Davis sighed silently, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She’s done so much for me... without hesitation, without expecting anything in return. This gesture made him feel a deep warmth in his chest and he made a silent promise to himself.
For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel like a burden. He didn’t feel ashamed. He felt safe.
Seeing Jessica sleeping deeply, Davis spoke in a low but firm voice.
"Slow down a bit, and adjust the air conditioner," he instructed Ethan.
Ethan, did as instructed, the rare tenderness in Davis’s tone, did not escape his notice. Even he felt grateful for her interference in his life that had brougnt positive changes in his life in the past few weeks.
Davis attention focused only on Jessica. She shifted slightly in her sleep and unconsciously pressed closer to him, a faint sigh escaping her lips, made his chest flutter with an undescribable feeling.
He reached down and gently adjusted the jacket draped over her, ensuring she was warm enough.
The car rolled to a smooth stop at the Allen mansion. Davis instinctively frowned. He would have preferred they return to their private apartment—far from the chaos and tension of the main family.
It is quite unbelievable to him that he has come to love his solitude life with his wife unlike in the past when he spent his time with his grandfather, hoping on building and taking the Allen family to greater heights.
But Jessica had been insistent. She needed to retrieve something she had left behind. When he tried to convince her, she had pleaded to just give her the opportunity of this night and by morning they will return.
Ethan stepped out first, opening the door for them. Pamela stretched lazily, rolling her shoulders. "Finally back after a hectic day," she muttered under her breath.
Davis exhaled sharply. He had no interest in dealing with his so-called family tonight and will prefer to retire to the bedroom immediately.
Pamela was surprisingly in high spirits. Never in her life had she expected to find a friend within the Allen family, but Jessica was different. With her, she felt a sense of belonging—a feeling she had long abandoned.
As they gathered their shopping bags and alighted from the car, Davis hesitated. His gaze lingered on Jessica, who was still resting peacefully, her breathing slow and steady.
Slowly, he reached out and tapped her shoulder.
"Jessica," he called softly.
She stirred, her lashes fluttered briefly before she opened her eyes. Davis watched as confusion flickered across her face before she straightened, realizing they had arrived, he felt amused.
But then, a thought crossed his mind, one that sent a wave of frustration washing over him.
"If my legs were fine, I wouldn’t have woken her up. I would have just carried her inside..." he thought to himself.
Jessica rubbed her eyes and turned to him. "We’re here?"
Davis nodded, quickly masking the emotions and frustration he felt in himself. "Yeah. Let’s go inside."
Jessica stretched slightly before stepping out, her hand instinctively reaching for his.
"Don’t think much about it," Jessica said softly, her voice laced with understanding.
Jessica may not have known much about Davis but she has always been able to identify his frustrations.
With a reluctant nod, Ethan brought the wheelchair forward so he can be able to sit on.
Jessica adjusted the wheelchair properly while Ethan supported Davis, ensuring he was comfortable.
Davis watched as she effortlessly moved to help Ethan, her actions speaking louder than anything she could have said.
She never pitied him. That was what made the difference.
Meanwhile, Pamela busied herself with gathering their shopping bags, her mood still light and cheerful.
"Sister-in-law, thanks for keeping me company and you know what?" She asked giggling.
Even Davis had never seen her this happy. He was not just happy her but because she is happy with Jessica. He made a mental note to reward her handsomely.
"What?" Jessica asked with amusement.
"Finally, in this cold and unloving home I have someone to count on". Her voice filled with emotions.
She had tried to make Vera accept her but all she does is plan her hurt and pain. So ridiculous.
Davis, for the first time in a long while, he felt like he wasn’t just someone to be managed or tolerated.
Slowly they entered the living room, the smiles on their face vanished. Elder Allen, Desmond, Aaron and Vera were seated in silence but the tension in the air was palpable. Jessica glanced at their faces taking note of their countenance before coming to an assumption, the incident in the mall..
Ethan, Davis and Jessica exchanged a knowing look.