Chapter 144 Be Ready to Be Spoiled

Chapter 144 Be Ready to Be Spoiled
Jacob was nervous as Roger dragged him back to the table, forcing him to sit in an empty chair. Declan was impressed, glad to have his big brother stand up for him every time.

“You should be glad this is a wedding, Jacob, but we could as well wait until it’s over,” Declan mentioned, Jacob’s expression twisted.

“Excuse me, what are you talking about?”

“I want the truth. You share no resemblance with Deena, so what exactly is going on?”

Jacob went uncomfortably silent, so Declan decided to threaten him a little. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way, and trust me, we are going to investigate everything. If it turns out you are lying, there will be consequences.”

Nervousness washed over Jacob. He loved Gracie and wanted so much to stand by everything, but how could he go against the Dawsons?

“Why is it hard for you to believe her? She’s my wife, if that’s what you want to know.”

“I don’t doubt that. I’m talking about Deena,” Declan clarified, though a part of him burned with jealousy.

Gracie moved on so quickly after dumping him but sadly, he was still single, unable to make a move on any woman because he felt no attraction towards them.

“You said you were going to have a DNA test, so why are you interrogating me like a common criminal?” Jacob asked, looking for a way to avoid the conversation.

the more one lies, the more lies were needed to cover the previous one.

Roger wanted to intervene, but Giovanni stopped him. Declan and Delanie had been shielded a lot, never using their physical training.

At least Delanie defended herself when Wade was attacked so there were things Declan had to do by himself.

“Alright, if the DNA test proves she’s mine, then it means you are Gracie’s accomplice. Trust me, I would destroy everything you hold dear for keeping her from me all these months.”

Beads of sweat covered Jacob’s face. Now the situation was getting complicated. He did not want to involve his family in this matter or endanger their lives.

“I’m married, but not to Gracie,” he revealed, a relieved sigh escaping Declan. Had he been mistaking Gracie all this while?

“Tell me what I should know.” There was a thin smile on his face that caused Jacob to relax.

“Gracie and I are best friends. I proposed to her before, but she turned me down, saying she only loves me as a friend. I was broken, so I left for a few years, and that was how you met her.”

The confession instantly changed everyone’s perception of Gracie, even as Jacob continued his story. “I got married, had two kids, before we ran into each other a few months ago. Our friendship continued, and she told me everything about her life and her daughter.”

“I felt sorry for her and offered to help whenever she needed it. The last time you saw us at the mall, I drove her there because she was short on cash and didn’t want to pick an Uber. I was shocked when she introduced me as her husband but explained later."

"What did she say?" Declan asked, but Jacob shook his head. "I can’t tell you everything. I already betrayed her enough by letting out her secret in the open, but what you have to know is that Gracie lost everything because of you."

The news was shocking to everyone at the table. "What are you talking about?" Declan asked, feeling confused, but Jacob felt he had said enough.

"You dated her and never thought to find out about her family? I must say that I’m honestly disappointed. She’s coming. I should go now, but please don’t tell her I told you, and please, don’t hurt her anymore."

Rising to his feet, he quickly walked in the direction of Gracie and Karen, but Declan didn’t stop him this time, immersed in his thoughts.

Gracie had changed into another outfit they arranged for emergencies, and she looked stunning when she met Jacob halfway. After whispering something to her, she looked over at Deena, who was sleeping in Molly’s arms before walking away with Jacob.

"How did it go?" Karen asked, but everyone remained silent. "I’ll tell you later. Declan has a lot to digest," Roger hinted.

The wedding event continued with so much laughter filling the air, but Declan was quiet. No one disturbed him until Delanie threw the bouquet in the air.

It was caught by one of the guests before she left for her honeymoon with Wade.

As the guests began to leave one by one, Declan sat there. It was only when he saw Gracie leaving with Jacob that he spoke for the first time. "Mom, dad, can you take care of Deena for me? There is somewhere I need to be."

"You know a lot of us are willing to take care of her," Roger assured him. Declan nodded and left.

"Won’t you follow him?" Hendrix asked Roger. The latter shook his head. "Dad is right. Declan must take care of some things on his own." He took Deena’s hand and smiled at her.

"You are safe, little one, be ready to be spoiled." Everyone laughed as they left. In the car park, Declan discreetly followed Jacob and Gracie.

A twenty-four-hour emergency result for the DNA test was too long. After everything Jacob had told him, Declan knew without a doubt that he didn't even need the DNA test.

Keeping enough distance was sufficient to avoid suspicion. However, Jacob had sped off right after dropping Gracie at her apartment. It was one of the safest buildings, with top-notch security, but for some reason, he was recognized because of a recent announcement.

This was the first time Declan took advantage of his identity for a favor, gaining access to the building and obtaining Gracie's room number.

When he rang the doorbell, it took a while for her to answer, and he soon realized why. She had just stepped out of the shower, her long hair still damp, draped in a towel robe.

"Who's there?" she asked, checking the peephole, but Declan hid well. "Delivery," he said in a fake voice.

"I haven't ordered anything," Gracie mused. Declan added, "A gift, my lady."

Gracie wondered who sent her a gift and, knowing the security wouldn't allow just anybody in, she opened the door. Her eyes widened like saucers when they met his.

"You!" She exclaimed, about to close it, but Declan blocked it with his tall frame. "I just want to talk, Gracie. Please let me in."