Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Tara didn't know what to think of Jerlina. She was emotional but in the face of the woman sitting in front of her, she saw no ripples. It was like that woman wasn't even scared of her arrival and it hurt her.

"We were... I thought I had a chance, but... he..."

Back then, she saw how much Jeremy wanted to improve the lives of the people here and that's why she fell in love with him. They met with a misunderstanding and Jeremy was very wild back then. She hated him, but slowly her hate turned to love.

She tried to confess, but he'd always escape. He helped her get into law school knowing that's what she wanted. He knew her feelings but he never stayed alone with her and never gave her a chance. 'dating's not for me' he used to say, but then he did a 180 after he met her.

Yes, this one right in front of her...

Even after rumors that he likes "little girls" were spread, he didn't give her up. It was shameful for a leader like him, who can rally the support of everyone, to be bewitched by a high school girl.

She left and he pined for her. She tried to be his strength and joined his company, but still, he never spared a glance at her. Lately, he gave her more responsibilities and would often discuss with her his plans for the development of Peyton.

Yes, he'd discuss the legalities, but still, of all the lawyers, he chose her to discuss his plans. She thought she had a chance.

And... she's back! The same one returned, as an adult now.

"He lets you call him by his middle name," Tara said after composing herself.

Jerlina didn't say a word. She didn't want to seem like she's bragging. Tara is in love with Jeremy and she didn't want to hurt her.

It's not like Tara has no chance ever... Although Jeremy is not interested now, he might change his mind later.

"That's what his birth mother called him and no one; even Emma wasn't allowed to call him by that name..." Tara said and Jerlina let out a deep breath.

It seems like I have a lot of concessions with him... Not even Emma can call him Joel, huh?

Jerlina's heart became heavy. She can try to deny it all she wants but the truth is right in front of her. Proof after proof reveals the truth as it gets shoved in her face and she really cannot deny it.

All this only made her feel guilty and burdened.

"I will stop your wedding one way or-"

"Ms. Cummings," Jerlina interjected her. She was not in the mood to hear her challenge. She can do what she wants. Although after twelve years of failing, Jerlina didn't know how much chance Tara's got.

"We've got our wedding certificate already and the ceremony in five days is just-"

"You're legally married?" Tara raised her eyebrows and Jerlina nodded.

"Are you f*cking me? So you were here to brag, is that it?" Tara started raising her voice and Jerlina stood up.

"Just now he asked me to tell you to leave your feelings at home if you want to continue working for him. You should decide how your future should be Ms. Cummings. And if you think calmly, you'll realize that there is nothing I can do for you. Anything I do or say can be misconstrued by you."

Jerlina raised her hand to stop Tara from speaking. "And before... What you did to him was assault. If the roles were reversed, he'd be filed for harassment of his female employee. You're a lawyer and you don't need a secretary to explain all this. Stop being emotional. In the future, let's find a way to work together without letting other stuff come between us. Have a nice day," she said and walked out.

As she got inside Jeremy's room, Jerlina noticed Tara leaving in a puff and a couple of women went behind her.

She worked in an office before. She knows how this will play out. There will be some who support Tara and some will support her. They'll grow shade at each other and if it gets out of control, there might be abuses happening with both sides playing the victim.

She didn't want any of that to happen. She knew in this case the probability of that happening is very little.

I am Jeremy's wife, after all! No matter what, Tara will be considered "The other woman" and that's the sad reality.

But she realized one thing. If these women ever knew her relationship with Gerard and that she lost her child with Gerard before marrying Jeremy, everything would be over.

Gerard is now Emma's husband. Emma is the darling of most of the people here since she is Jeremy's little sister. And naturally, as an ex-lover of Emma's husband and the "corrupted" bride of Jeremy, she will be despised by an entire town.

Of course, they'd expect Jeremy's wife to be perfect and without any blame. She is not that. Even she finds the relationship abhorrent and so will everyone.

She'd be torn to shreds by those women at work. What Charlie did would be considered nothing compared to what these women will do.

I have to keep my head low until I leave this place. I should go to a faraway place where no one knows me.

Emma... she'll let them know for sure, wouldn't she? She will try to make my life hell.

What should I do then?

I can quit the job... Thankfully, I am not dependant on my job alone. I still have my company.

"...lina! Jerlina!"

Jeremy's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"I'm sorry. I was... What is it?" She walked to him.

"Are you okay? You look pale..." he walked to her.

"It's nothing... " she wiped the perspiration on her forehead with the back of her hand. "Jeremy...you will keep your word, right?" she asked him as he stood in front of her.

She saw his hand that was reaching for her head pausing. His face that was filled with worry changed to sorrow.

"I will. You can count on that," he walked back to his table.

"As I said, you can stop this all even-"

"And I said I know what I am doing! So stop telling me what I should or shouldn't do!" he shouted and hit the table with his fisted hand. His shout made Jerlina's heart skip a beat and the monitor on his table almost toppled.

Jerlina winced and took a step back.

"Yes, I am sorry for bothering you with this..." she said and walked out.

She didn't even know where she is in her life right now. None of these was in her plans and she felt like she was abandoned in the middle of nowhere.

It would have been better if he actually hated me... Why did I go to that pub that night?

She started to sob as she squatted beside a tree.

A friendly hand held her shoulder.