Chapter <b>35 </b>Visiting Jessica
Catherine’s career had been soaring even if she was significantly talentless.
Thanks to her father, Ro’s influence, her talent agency provided her with top–tier resources, positioning her alongside thepany’s most prominent stars. Prestigious fashion brands were reaching out to her one after another overlooking the fact that she had no talents.
Shortly after she signed onto a leading variety show, Catherine encountered Celine.
“Catherine, you won’t believe who I saw today at KM Group’s studios. I was there for a magazine shoot.”
“Who?” Catherine disliked the suspense.
“It was Renee!“Celine, knowing Catherine’s animosity towards Renee, didn’t hesitate to divulge the information. “I asked around. She’s in the running to be KM Group’s new quarterly coborative stylist and has made it to the final round!”
Catherine had thwarted Renee’s prospects multiple times, but this opportunity with KM Group was on another level.
Bing the coborative stylist for KM Group would undoubtedly elevate Renee’s status dramatically.
“What did you say? She’s in the final?“Catherine couldn’t believe it, her grip tightening around the fashion magazine until it crumpled in her hand.
How could Renee, of all people, be deemed worthy of such a prestigious opportunity?
Struggling to contain her shock and rage, Catherine took a deep breath and remembered a crucial detail.
STAR, a high–end jewelry brand under the KM Group umbre, had recently shown interest in making her their spokesperson. The discussions, however, had stalled over pricing disagreements. This, Catherine realized, could be a perfect bargaining chip to use against Renee.
She had to ruin this for Renee!
**
*MARCELO*
I arrived home and saw no signs of Renee.
Did she leave the house again?
I called Chad and inquired about her whereabouts.
“Mrs. King is reading in her room, “Chad informed me.She seems deeply engrossed in preparation for an important interview in a few days.”
At the mention of the interview, my mind instantly conjured an image of Renee teetering around in her high heels, causing me to frown at her perceived recklessness.
“Mr. King, the sanatorium has contacted us again, “Chad interjected, bringing me back from my thoughts. “It seems Madam had another distressing episodest night.”
I swallowed hard. “Inform Renee that I’ll take her out tomorrow. And make sure the sanatorium is ready for our visit.”
“Understood, sir.”
*RENEE*
I was somewhat surprised to learn from Chad that I was to apany Marcelo the following day. We were to visit a venerable elder, and I understood the importance of making a good impression…
I chose my outfit thoughtfully: light, flowing wide–leg pants paired with a simple camisole and a loose–knit sweater draped over as a refined outeryer. The ensemble was designed to convey a sense of gentle elegance, something I hoped the elder would find pleasing.
As I was about to slip into her high heels, my wrist was suddenly caught.
“Choose another pair,” Marcelo instructed, nodding towards a different pair of shoes.
I nced at the t Gi leather slippers he indicated.
Shaking my head, I protested, “These don’t match my outfit today.”
Marcelo’s raised eyebrows and silent stare conveyed an unspoken authority.
“Mr. King, why are you so concerned about this minor wound?” I sighed, feeling the scabbed–over injury was hardly a concern.
“I am being concerned about my savior,” Marcelo stated tly, his expression unreadable.
On hearing him refer to me as his “savior,” I couldn’t help but sense a hint of sarcasm.
I internally chastised myself for my impulse to help him that day. Why had I bothered with the well–being of someone so ungrateful?
“Fine, I will do as you wish. After all, I’m about to meet someone important to you. Just so you know, appearing in mismatched attire will not only reflect poorly on me!” Iined, my voice was tinged with frustration as I reluctantly slipped on the t shoes.
Although the slippers were a decent match for my outfit in color, they shed stylistically.
For most, this might not be an issue, but for me, whose profession revolved around image design, it was a slight to my expertise.
Today, Marcelo opted for a Bentley, which was parked under the main building’s portico.
As I settled into the car with a sullen expression, I turned away to gaze out the window, presenting Marcelo with nothing but the back of my head.
I had no desire to face him.
Renee’s hair was neatly tied into a bun today, and the sight made Marcelo’s fingers twitch with the urge to touch <ol><li>it. </li></ol>
Was she really so perturbed over a pair of shoes?
The Maybach smoothly exited his house, heading towards a private shopping mall’s VIP parking.
Luke and his team, having received Marcelo’s instructions earlier, were already waiting with an array of women’s t shoes disyed on a five–tier rack.
Renee’s eyes widened in surprise as she pieced together Marcelo’s intentions. He had prepared these shoes for
her?
??
“Mrs. King, to ensure a selection, Mr. King asked us to bring various styles<b>, </b>“Luke said, gesturing towards the disy.
“Do any of them suit your outfit?” Marcelo asked, his toneced with a teasing challenge, as if to mock Renee’s emphasis on appearances.
Renee, choosing not to engage with his jibe, selected a pair of Diorce ballet ts. Their ck–and–white design, adorned with the Dior logo, was simple yet sophisticated.
Before they left, Renee turned to Marcelo, seeking validation. “Now, do these match better than the previous ones?
11
Marcelo’s expression, frustratingly indifferent, seemed to question whether there was any difference at all.
Renee felt a surge of irritation. Why bother discussing fashion with someone so indifferent?
“What should we do with the remaining shoes?“Luke inquired.
“Take them to the house.“Marcelo directed.
***
Arriving at their destination, they were greeted by a premier private sanatorium known for its exceptional staff and exclusive clientele.
“Madam dressed up early this morning, iming she’d meet her daughter–inw,” a caregiver shared as they walked. “She was initially upset and throwing things but when we told her of your visit with your wife,she calmed down.”
Marcelo nodded inprehension.His mother seemed to really like the fact that Renee was his wife.
By the artificialke stood a woman, looking no more than in her early forties, draped in an elegantly handmade absinthe–green traditional dress. Her features bore a striking resemnce to Marcelo’s.
“Mom,” Marcelo greeted, his voice as cool as ever.
Renee, taken aback, nced at Marcelo. “That’s your mother?” she asked in disbelief, her voice trailing off. “But she…how?”
Renee had seen Jessica on the magazines a few times and she also saw her briefly when she signed the marriage
certificate in court.
Jessica was a gorgeous woman with dazzling beauty.
But this woman right here looked different…granted, they looked alike but she looked worn out.
“What?She looks different?Sick?“Marcelo’s response was calm, almost indifferent.
Renee, caught in uncertainty, didn’t know how to react.
To the world, Jessica was a perfect woman, Renee admired her so much so what happened to her?
Jessica, sensing the arrival of guests, turned and greeted Renee with a genuine, warm smile, beckoning her closer. “Renee,e closer.”
Hesitantly, Renee–nced at Marcelo. “What should I do…”
“Go on.” Marcelo gestured, urging her forward.
Chapter 35 Visiting Jessicak
Renee recalled the few times she’d met Jessica as a child. Back then, Jessica exuded elegance and gentleness, but her eyes always carried a touch of sadness and burden.
Now, Jessica’s gaze had be darker.
“Mrs. King, hello…“Rence began.
Marcelo didn’t exin things clearly to her.
What was she supposed to do?
Should she introduce herself to Jessica again?
Before she could continue, Jessica took her hand gently, correcting her with a tender smile. “Renee, you shouldn’t call me Mrs. King now.”
Renee paused as she stared at Jessica.
She suddenly felt sad.She knew Jessica was a kind person, different from the rest of the Kings.
What happened to her?
Jessica’s eyes twinkled with satisfaction as she affectionately instructed, “Now that you and Marcelo are married, you should call me Mom!”
Jessica didn’t wait for Renee’s response; instead, she led her to the chairs, expressing her joy. “Renee, you are now my daughter–inw. You don’t know how happy that makes me! It’s Marcelo’s luck that someone like you has affection for him, despite him being a jerk!”
Renee was momentarily speechless, unsure whether to be stunned by Jessica’s enthusiasm or to agree with her assessment of Marcelo.
“Is he treating you well?“Jessica inquired softly.“I warned him to.”
As memories of Marcelo’s difficult behavior came to mind,Renee hesitated to respond. Sensing the hesitation, Jessica’s smile dimmed.
“Marcelo,e here!” she called out sternly.
Marcelo, who had been observing from a short distance, approached Jessica in his wheelchair, his face a mask of impassivity.
“Wives should be cherished, Marcelo. Renee is a catch, and many are vying for her attention. If you don’t value her, you’ll regret it, “Jessica chastised with a stern tone, emphasizing the importance of cherishing a partner like
Renee.
Marcelo responded with a nomittal grunt, seemingly unfazed by Jessica’s lecture.
After her brief scolding session, Jessica’s attention shifted to Renee. “Renee dear, is Kaiden treating you well? If he’s ever unkind, just tell me. I’ll teach him a lesson!”
It appeared Jessica had momentarily forgotten her previous sermon.
Renee, sensing an oddity in Jessica’s fluctuating mood, nced at Marcelo, searching for some sign of understanding.
Marcelo, however, remained stoic, giving nothing away.
“He’s…good to me,” Renee lied, masking her true feelings. He just has a bit of a temper.”
Chapter 35 Visiting Jessiera
“The upset look on your face upon arrival appeared to contradict your words, “Jessica probed, not entirely convinced by Renee’s reassurance.
Renee’s forced smile wavered as she scrambled for a believable excuse. “Oh, I am just exhausted fromst night. It’s not that I’m unhappy. Sorry for any confusion.”
Marcelo, observing the exchange, couldn’t help but let a smirk flicker across his face as Renee struggled to maintain her facade.
“You are exhausted?” Jessica echoed, her tone suddenly changing, adopting a knowing look. “That’s understandable for young couples. Physical closeness is good for the rtionship.”
“Huh?” Renee blurted out, flustered. “No, that’s not what meant…”
“Renee dear, there’s no need to be shy with me,” Jessica interrupted with a wink, dismissing her attempts at rification.
Renee, at a loss for words, felt trapped in a misunderstanding she couldn’t escape.
She nced desperately at Marcelo, hoping for his intervention. However, Marcelo, with an air of detachment, closed his eyes, feigning sleep.
Renee realized she was on her own with this one.
Jessica,seemingly forgetful of the previous conversation<b>, </b>repeated her question after a while. At that moment, a nurse approached, noting it was time for Jessica’s medication.
“I don’t want it. It’s so bitter!“Jessica protested childishly as the nurse attempted to persuade her.
Renee, observing the scene, felt a growing concern. Jessica’s behavior was far from typical for an adult.
Quietly, she edged closer to Marcelo and whispered, “Your mother, is she…”
Before she could finish, Jessica erupted in a fit of distress, knocking over her medicine and water.
Clutching her hair, she sobbed inconsbly.
“Where is Sebastian? Where is Wyatt? Why won’t theye to see me?It’s been long since Ist saw them?Why won’t theye to see me?!”
Renee swallowed.
She knew that Sebastian was Marcelo’s older brother and Wyatt was his father.
Both werete.
With Jessica’s condition, she keeps forgetting that they had both passed.
Renee felt so sad.
Jessica,who just moments ago had exuded elegance, turned into a figure of distress and confusion. Only a tranquilizer could bring her back to a state of calm.
Renee stood frozen in shock, her mind reeling as the medical staff escorted Jessica away. It was only after they had disappeared that she found her voice. “Marcelo, your mother…”
“She suffers from a mental disorder,” Marcelo interjected, finishing her sentence.“The few times you might have seen her was when she was mentally stable.Her condition goes andes but she’s barely sane for a few days.” Renee blinked inprehension and shock.She must have quickly arranged her marriage to Marcelo when she
Chapter 35 Visiting Jessice
was sane.
His demeanor remained detached, even as he witnessed his mother’s episode. Thisck of reaction seemed to confirm the rumors about his ruthless<b>, </b>cold–hearted nature
But what had transpired to render him so impassive, especially towards his own mother?
What had caused Jessica<b>, </b>once a paragon of grace and beauty in Critport<b>, </b>to deteriorate into such a state?
A subtle, nagging difort began to ghaw at Renee, a blend of sorrow and confusion fermenting within her.
A doctor came half an hourter and reassured Marcelo, “Mr. King, Madam’s condition is stable for now. You’re familiar with her emotional swings; they’re quite unpredictable.”
Marcelo acknowledged this with a nod, then turned to Renee, his voice devoid of warmth. “Let’s leave.”
Exiting the sanatorium, Renee couldn’t shake off a creeping sense of dread.
The King family has so many secrets.
She stayed silent until they were back in the car. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, she ventured, “Marcelo, about your mother…”
“Don’t delve into matters that don’t concern you,” he interrupted sharply.