Since it was a high-end residency with elevators, Jessie spent no effort reaching her new home as she barely had any luggage.
There were several bedrooms here, one being the master bedroom, with the rest of the guest rooms slightly smaller. Instead of taking the master bedroom, she picked a guest bedroom. After moving her luggage inside, she quickly cleaned up.
Since they had just married and weren’t really familiar with each other yet, it was better to keep good personal space for both of them.
As for their potential intimate interactions, to be honest, she didn’t mind helping her husband with physical needs as a legal wife. However, she would never bring it up if Kevin didn’t ask.
She looked around, roughly planning the furniture and items she needed to buy. She disliked takeout and deliveries, so she thought of buying some kitchen utensils since there was a large supermarket next door where she could easily buy fresh vegetables and groceries.
As for Kevin, she didn’t know his preferences yet. If he didn’t eat at home, she could just cook her own meals. But if he did, it’s better to figure out his dietary restrictions or allergies since she didn’t mind making an extra portion for him.
After tidying up, she glanced at her phone and realized her best friend Lilian had called several times.
She had been unpacking while her phone was on silent, so she didn’t notice it.
Jessie quickly returned the call, and Lilian picked up almost immediately.
"Jessie, how many times have I called you?! You finally picked up! Do you have any idea how worried I was? I was about to call the police if you didn’t show up soon!" Lilian’s frustrated voice came through.
Jessie felt a little guilty and explained, "Sorry, I was unpacking my luggage. Aren’t you supposed to be at work today?"
At that moment, Lilian was sitting in a café and having a good time enjoying some tiramisu. She shook her head and replied, "I sealed a majordeal today. My supervisor not only gave me a bonus but also gave me two days off to rest. Since I’m in a good mood today, I want to treat you to a big meal! Wait a moment, why did you move? Did your stepfather say something to push you again?"
As she said that, Lilian’s previously calm demeanor suddenly became agitated again.
Jessie quickly reassured her, "Easy. It’s a long story. Allow me to explain it later in person. Just send me your location, and I’ll come now."
"Alright."
After getting the address from Lilian, Jessie changed her clothes, locked the door, and headed for the location she had received.
When she arrived, Lilian had already ordered coffee and desserts for her. She waved her over and called out,"Sweetheart, over here."
Jessie sat down in front of her, sipping the coffee as she said, "I got married today."
"What?"Lilian almost spit out her coffee, her loud voice immediately alerting the people around them.
Realizing this, Lilian quickly covered her mouth and stared at Jessie in disbelief.
"Jess, how could you marry that scumbag? He seemed so unreliable. I don’t even understand why you liked him—"
"It’s not him."
Hearing Jessie’s response, Lilian almost burst into a yell again but managed to hold it back.
Jessie gave a wry smile, understanding why her friend was so shocked. If she were in Lilian's shoes, she would’ve been stunned as well.
After looking at Jessie’s marriage certificate, Lilian’s eyebrows furrowed even further.
"This guy looks pretty decent, but you’re way too bold, Jess. You actually dared to marry a man you just met for the first time; what if he’s a psychopath?"
Jessie sighed silently."He doesn’t seem like that. So far, I think he’s alright. I mostly just wanted to move out as fast as I could. I didn’t want to trouble my mother anymore. Since she has a new family now, I shouldn’t trespass any longer."
When Jessie referenced her mother, Lilian’s expression immediately darkened. She said sarcastically, "This isn’t your fault; it’s your stepfather to blame! He promised to treat you and your mom well before the marriage. Now, just look at how he is acting! I swear, men are all the same; they’re just not worth the trouble."
Jessie smiled and scooped a spoonful of tiramisu into her mouth. The sweet flavor spread through her mouth, lifting her mood.
"Moreover, even if you’re rushing to move out, you shouldn’t just marry anyone. You don’t even know anything about him. Besides, you can always come to me if you’re in trouble. Aren’t we best friends? My place has an empty room, and you're welcome anytime!"
Seeing Lilian's concerned look, Jessie couldn’t help but smile, too. She did think about that option, but she didn’t want to trouble Lilian with her problems back and forth. Besides, it would also be a burden to Lilian as she still lived with her parents.
"Alright, what's done is done. I'm already married, anyway. It’s a legal bind, so there’s no going back now."
Hearing this, Lilian sighed. She took a few bites of her dessert before finally accepting the situation.
"Your story sounds just like a novel, but those heroines usually marry billionaires. What about him? What does he do?"
Facing Lilian’s curious gaze, Jessie offered a small smile. "Sorry to disappoint you. The first time I met him was at the hospital. He’s just a repairman. He is a bit busy, but his pay and the benefits he gets are decent."
Lilian rolled her eyes."I knew it! Billionaire stories like those only exist in novels. At least your husband isn’t a total toad face. I mean,I wouldn’t be able to handle seeing an ugly face every day."
Thinking about such a scene made Lilian shiver.
"Alright, enough about me. Didn’t you just get a bonus today? Let me treat you to dinner," Jessie suggested.
Lilian suddenly remembered something. She quickly grabbed Jessie’s arm and started heading out."Forget about that. I just remembered about a new bar that opened recently, and the guys there are smoking hot! Let’s go, I’ll treat you there."
She didn’t even allow Jessie to refuse.
Jessie was a lightweight drinker. After just a few drinks, she was already tipsy and unsteady. Lilian had to help her go back home in the end.
"Jess, you really need to practice on your alcohol tolerance." Lilian sighed. Fortunately, she had asked Jessie for her new address before she passed out.
Lilian originally wanted to take her into the bedroom, but Jessie insisted on lying on the couch in the living room.
Seeing this, she could only put her on the couch and cover her with a blanket before leaving.
As she stepped out of the elevator, she saw a tall man, nearly 6'3", approaching. His striking presence made her do a double-take.
Only when the doors closed did she snap back to reality.
That guy looked just like Jessie’s husband on the certificate, no?
No, she was definitely still tipsy.
Shaking her thoughts off, Lilian didn’t dwell on it and took a taxi away from the Quiet River Community.