The tension in the living room took a different turn following Davis question. Silence engulfed them both as neither of them was willing to speak but is more concerned about gathering their emotions and thoughts.
Jessica shifted uncomfortably on his thigh but his grip was firm and his gaze on her was fixed on her without blinking it's more like he wants to carve her into his memory but the more he looked at her, the more he feels she is familiar but the recollection—blurry.
Their sitting position is too ambiguous for her liking. She didn't want to raise an unnecessary suspicion. Should anybody come into the living room and find her saddled tightly on his immobile leg will never believe anything she had to explain.
"Can you please... let me go", she said her voice coming out almost in a whisper as she twitched her body due to Davis's restless hand. Jessica felt like slapping herself; it is clear that Davis was doing this on purpose but then her body is so sensitive to his touch, an experience he never felt with other male friends around her
"So tell me, are you scared?" He asked again with all seriousness.
His grip on her waist tightened lightly, almost as if he feared she would disappear the moment he let go. His gaze on her was intense and boring into her as though hoping to see through her heart with emotions undescribable swirling around in his deep brown eyes.
Jessica shrugged her shoulders, it is not as if she will change the signature on the marriage certificate.
Jessica averted her gaze on him but Davis wouldn't have it. With his index finger, he lifted her chin lightly to meet his gaze . She felt her breathe hitch, his eyes like a whirlpool continuously drew her in.
Jessica couldn't really understand why gazing into his eyes wil always mess up her senses and reasoning. No, she can't let him, She refused to be bewitched, she swatted his hand away from her chin.
Jessica seeing his dazed look took the opportunity to pry his hand away from her waist and stand up but no matter how she tried, it wouldn't budge. It is clear that Davis was doing this intentional but what did he stand to gain.
"Davis Allen! Are you planning to let me go or do you plan to clasp me here all night?" she asked with irritation, her heart pounded hard against her ribs as she plots her escape.
He didn't bother to answer rather his thumb unconsciously traced slow circles on her waist, his expression unreadable. Jessica felt her body heating up with the blush creeping up her face at his unconscious action.
Jessica cleared her throat and pushed him lightly. "Davis?"she called out to him.
He blinked, snapping out of his daze. "You seem familiar," he murmured, more to himself than to her.
Jessica stiffened. "Familiar?" she echoed her heart racing, the sense of familiarity has always been there but only if she comes into a closer proximity but that is all.
"Well, I don't think that's true considering we only met because of this marriage." She murmured trying to convince herself that it is the truth but she still felt uncomfortable.
Davis's eyes darkened slightly. "That's what's strange," he admitted. "It's not from our recent encounters. It's seems to be…" His gaze locked onto hers, as though trying to unravel a long-buried memory —he sighed "Forget it", he muttered.
Jessica felt her breathe relax "Well, maybe I just have one of those faces you have come across" she replied with an air of nonchalancy.
Davis didn't look convinced. His grip on her didn't loosen, his thumb still absentmindedly stroking her waist.
Jessica exhaled sharply. "Alright, I get it. You're curious. But can we have this conversation without me sitting on your lap?"
Davis's lips twitched slightly. "Why? Are you uncomfortable?" Jessica glared at him angrily "What do you think?"
Instead of answering, he slowly released his hold on her waist. Jessica wasted no time jumping down while patting her chest in relief, smoothing her dress with ease while glaring at him.
Davis watched her, with amusement. It's just been a few weeks yet he always feels he has known her for a long. This subconscious feeling about her gnawed at him but—it refused to come into focus.
"Glaring at me this way, do you still want to.." he smirked.
"Thank you very much." She replied taking a seat on the couch opposite. Who wants to sit with him? Jessica forced herself to calm down and hear him out.
"Can we make this marriage work?" Davis asked in a calm sonorus voice.
Jessica heart skipped a beat, she looked at him seriously with the hope of finding any clue on his face but his expression was calm and devoid of any emotion.
It was as though the man holding her down on his thigh moments ago had evaporated to the unknown.
"Do you really want it to work? Are you willing to accept an imposed bride?" She asked incredulously. She is finding it funny that after several weeks of this awkward relationship that Davis had decided to take a step further in their marriage.
"An imposed bride...", he muttered to himself —his mind drifting to the various encounters he had with her, her facial expressions at situations and his lips curled up unconsciously.
"Yes, imposed because none of us wants this marriage", Jessica said, a glint of coldness coursing through her eyes. This is a score she will definitely settle with the Brown family.
"Well, I will try to work my way around it while I hope you give me the opportunity to co-exist peacefully, is that okay?" He asked looking at her intently.
He don't know why—he always felt that this marriage might not be generally bad or wrong. May be, just may be it can be his way out, his redemption from the hell he was pushed into.
Jessica sighed in relief definitely God is helping her. May be this will be the opportunity they both crave for — A chance to rebuild the broken tent, a chance to turn things around for the better and this chance is dependent on the outcome of this discussion.
"Well, we are in and nothing can change the signature on the marriage certificate, may be we can try to make it work." She answered lightly.
Davis looked at her briefly, a smile tugging on his lips. "I will be back in a jiffy." He said and wheeled himself into the study in a good mood.
After a moment, he returned with a folder in his hand. Slowly, he untied it. Jessica slowly stood up from her seat and walked closer as Davis expression turned serious.
She couldn't help imagining the contents and what relationship it had with their discussion. Slowly, he retrieved the document in the folder and handed her one while holding unto one.
Jessica's heart skipped a beat as she glanced at the heading and the title "MARRIAGE CONTRACT" stood glaringly. Her thoughts raced, her chest heaving with rage.
"Isn't he asking for a trial marriage, why giving her a contract marriage agreement?" She mused. It's so funny how she believes they will find a common ground of coexistence.
Davis stared at her with a light smile, waiting for her to ask questions but—she was glaring at him with anger and rage she is struggling to suppress.
Quietly he went through the agreement again finding nothing wrong. "Aren't you comfortable with the terms?" He asked tentatively.
"Why giving me a marriage contract agreement? Didn't we just discuss on working on the marriage?" She queried coldly.
She should not have trusted him, she shouldn't have hoped for anything rather than having her hope dashed.
Davis looking at her face with emotions of rage, anger, regret and blame dancing so clearly on it felt his mood improve.
"Miss, did you by any means read the paper in your hand?" He chimed in amusement.
Jessica hearing his low suppressed laughter felt uncomfortable but—she slowly picked up the paper again and began reading word by word.
1. As legally bound husband and wife, we shall share the same bedroom.
2. Both parties shall treat each other with respect within and outside the confines of this home
3. They shall both appear as a couple before the public and family.
4. Within the legal period of this marriage, each party should avoid any intimate relationship or engagement outside the marriage...
5. Each person's private life shouldn't be questioned as long as it doesn't violate the integrity of the marriage
6. Should any one ask for a divorce, both parties should discuss and find a common ground for divorce but only if the person finds one he/she loves
7. Parties should fulfill the psychological, emotional and physiological needs of partners....
Jessica felt her breathe hitch, she couldn't read further. It's getting more outrageous as it continues.
"Davis, what do you mean?" She queried.
Davis smiled lightly, "Just what you think darling, you are moving into the master bedroom tonight", he smirked.