Albert seethed at Jessie's audacity.

But he held back any rash reactions. Despite the chaos outside, he remained seated across from her, seemingly intent on reasoning with her.

But how could Jessie lend an ear? She retorted icily, “Albert, I'm finally seeing things clearly. I won't expect anything from you in the future, nor will I bother you Whether you tie the knot or keep a harem, it’s none of my

business.” Albert felt a throbbing ache behind his temples.

His tumultuous past made him averse to settling down.

The only woman he'd ever truly loved was now married to another.

Jessie was different, though. In his mind, she was his lover and cherished junior as she was considerably younger. She'd devoted three precious years of her youth to him. How could he feel nothing for her? She'd even wanted to marry him, crying and pleading for this in the past.

In the end, she chose to end things.

Albert had hoped for an amicable split but it had still come to this.

He lit a cigarette in irritation, smoking it halfway before turning to her.

“Fine. Ill ask Melissa to take you back later” Their encounter was far from what he'd anticipated, leaving him with a heavy heart as he murmured, “Find someone decent to marry in the future” Jessie's eyes welled up with tears once more.

But she remained silent. He was married, and their chance was gone.

She wasn't going to stoop to those lows again.

Albert instructed her to wait inside while he stepped out. Melissa stood outside, lost in thought.

“Miss Brown” His tone betrayed his anger.

Melissa turned, her demeanor composed. “Mr. Watson, I accompanied

Jessie here as a friend, not in my professional capacity.” Albert glared at Melissa.

Despite the chaos outside, he directed his frustration at his former secretary. He fixed her with a stern gaze. “What's the deal with Jessie's fiance? Why is the engagement off?” Melissa revealed the truth. ler fiance proposed an open marriage, which Jessie couldn't accept “Open marriage?! An open marriage?!” Albert repeated, his voice escalating with each utterance. Finally, he exploded, “What nonsense! Who does he think he is?”

Melissa retorted defensively, “Honestly, you weren't any better to Jessie.

At least her fiance was upfront about his intentions before the wedding and she had a chance to break it off."

Albert glared at Melissa, his anger palpable. “You seem determined to make matters worse. Aren't you worried I'l send you packing?” Melissa replied respectfully, “Jessie mentioned that if you took it out on me, she'd transfer ownership of the villa to me” Albert was incensed. “Since when did you two become so chummy?” Melissa remained silent.

After a prolonged silence, she spoke softly. “Mr. Watson, why not do right by her and yourself? It's clear you're fond of her” Albert didn't directly address Melissa's suggestion.

Instead, he retrieved a cigarette, lighting it with deliberate slowness. He smoked more than half of it in silence.

How could he explain this to Melissa? He was almost two decades older than Jessie. Despite his current appearance of youth and success, he feared he might become a regretful old man in the near future.

Truth be told, Albert had once entertained thoughts of marrying Jessie.

Yet, every time he contemplated her youthful, sleeping visage, he hesitated.

Melissa averted her gaze, murmuring, “Mr. Watson, it's just your insecurities talking. It's not your age that makes you feel undeserving, but her superiority. She's got a top-notch background, stunning looks, and an Ivy League education. Even without a job, she has everything you once lacked, leaving you feeling inferior...

Albert's hand holding the cigarette twitched from the heat.

He stared at Melissa intently.

With awry smile, Melissa continued, “Perhaps I can relate because I come from a similar background just as yours.” Having once been his secretary, she was well acquainted with his circle and felt entitled to speak her mind.

Ina hushed tone, Melissa added, “You haven't signed any legal documents yet, Mr. Watson. You still have a chance to back out. You might disappoint her, but if you marry her without love, you'll hurt her even more.” Albert's gaze bore into Melissa's, his eyes holding depths of emotion.

“I'm not marrying for love. It's a connection through marriage with another family, Melissa.” he articulated each word deliberately.

“You're intimately familiar with the Waston Group. This union could preemptively quell internal discord. Why shouldn't I pursue it?” “But, Mr. Watson, are you happy?” The Waston Group, the influence... Are those truly your desires? Do you find yourself longing for that version of yourself on the racetrack

when you are alone on your own?” Albert's eyes never wavered from Melissa's. He regarded this young woman as both a subordinate, a partner in crime, and a family of sorts.

His eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night, their intensity now heightened, lending a more ominous aura.

“Melissa, are you fully aware of what you're saying?”

Melissa's lips pressed together firmly, but she mustered the courage to reply, “I merely wish for you not to overlook your chance at genuine happiness. You're not getting any younger, and opportunities to find your true love in the future are scarce. It's not too late to reconsider this.” Her voice quivered as she spoke the final words.

Albert's stare bore into her, an intensity she had never experienced before.

He glared at her as if wanting to devour her. Yet, Melissa remained steadfast. She said what she had to say and it felt as though she had unburdened herself, regardless of the consequences.

However, in the end, Albert murmured slowly, “Melissa, what you see is just a fraction of who I am. The man I once was on the racetrack is long gone. People grow, and so have 1” With that, he turned and strode past Melissa, leaving her standing in silence.

“Melissa,” a gentle voice called out.

Startled, Melissa looked up to see Helen, Albert's mother, approaching.

Albert's wedding had taken place that day, and Helen, despite in her 60s, exuded grace and elegance.

“Thank you for coming,” Helen began softly. “As a mother, my greatest wish is for my son's happiness. Even though he's well into his 40s and capable of making his own decisions, he's always my boy. Would it be possible for me to meet Jessie?” Melissa regained her composure and whispered, “She might be in tears.” Afterward, Melissa added a pertinent observation, “Mr. Waston has shown her kindness over the past few years, almost spoiling her.

Please don't take offense if she behaves rudely.” Helen smiled warmly. “Of course not. I haven't had the opportunity to meet her yet. Albert has kept her well-hidden.” Melissa rapped lightly on the door. “Jessie, it's me.” After a moment's delay, Jessie cracked the door open.

nest, and her makeup was smeared beyond recognition. Yet, despite her disarray, the remnants of her beauty were still evident in

displaying irritation, Helen greeted her with a gentle smile. “I can sense that you've had

never formally met,

a celebrated writer,

their physical encounters. However, Albert seemed solely focused on the present, with little regard for anything beyond their sexual

How ironic!

to usher Helen into the suite, while she busied herself

tidying herself up, Jessie observed Melissa pouring tea for Helen. A pang of realization struck her. Melissa embodied the ideal daughter-in- law Helen would admire, while Jessie felt she had only played the role of a

clarity. She resolved to

apology to Helen, her

Jessie closer, prompting a lump

flushed with emotion, Jessie's voice quivered as she asked, “Don't you blame

Albert weighed heavily on her mind. Jessie hailed from a respectable family background,

was taken aback when Helen removed a jade bracelet from her wrist, offering it to her. The bracelet, valued at millions, held sentimental significance far

despite any reservations, Helen remained adamant about giving it to

adorned my wrist for many years, maintaining its flawless beauty throughout. Jessie, may your future be

a comforting embrace, whispering, “I'm

Albert's fault” Jessie wept for an extended period, and Helen remained patient and tender

her thoughts drifting to Marcus and

Albert stood on the villas second-floor balcony, clad ina crisp white shirt and black suit pants, silently puffing

distinct absence

Jessie. Earlier that evening, Melissa's text informed him of their return to Duefron, with no mention of Jessie. Yet, he couldn't

of delicate arms enveloped

her head against

you miss her?” Albert offered a reassuring pat to her hand, his voice strained as he replied, “No.” When men lied, smart women

gently extinguished his cigarette.

what she

was their wedding night, and he was aware of their matrimonial duties awaiting behind

anymore. They were obligated to produce an heir for

the agreement between Albert and his father's widow, who

also Daisy's aunt.

he and Daisy desired to conceive a child, they were obligated to engage

of the cigarette and sharing a perfunctory ki*s with his wife. “Okay.”

taken a shower, Daisy still wore a hint of light

like he was ki*sing

“What's wrong?” Daisy smiled.

Your makeup looks great” He went to

faltered that night. Despite his willingness, his body betrayed him. After several failed attempts, he withdrew and exhaled gently. “I'm sorry. I'm too exhausted today.” It was Daisy’ first experience with intercourse, and she didn't express many demands. Considerately, she leaned against his neck and softly murmured, “Perhaps

for a moment, and then pulled back the duvet, announcing, “I'm going to take a shower.” In the bathroom, he remained puzzled as to why such a situation

had never

being over forty years old, he had always possessed abundant energy. At the peak of his vitality, he engaged in Lovemaking with Jessie for

even satisfy the basic needs

heavily on Albert's

sudden impotence troubled him

it as an anomaly, Albert's

month of intermittent efforts, all ending in disappointment, Daisy remained untouched, a virgin. Albert, disheartened and resigned, no longer wished to pursue

to notice Daisy's flirtatious behavior with someone on

discovered a telltale hickey

came the unexpected news. Daisy

knelt before Albert, tearfully confessing her infidelity with a bartender. She pleaded for forgiveness, vowing to undergo an

on the sofa, Albert gazed down at his wife, the lLamplight casting shadows

her beauty and charm, Albert harbored no love for her, nor had they shared intimacy. In her early thirties, Daisy sought solace outside their marriage, oblivious to the

to subject her to an

between us” Flicking the end of his cigarette, he continued, “End things

a smile as he gently caressed her face and responded, “What you love is simply your role

Besides, we do

night, he relocated from the main bedroom, a symbolic gesture of

and generosity, Daisy failed to restrain

engaging with a promiscuous individual. Her

her child was only six months old, Daisy tragically passed away

also in the car at the

hospital, she turned to Albert and whispered softly,

shed

She will always be a cherished member of the Waston family, living a life

Every day after work, Albert would cradle the child in his

Duefron late in

retired to bed,

downstairs, steadfastly guarding the

the car pulled in, Marcus stood up and

figures emerged

for his sharp tongue, slipped his hands into his pockets, lowered his head, and it a cigarette. “Well, well! Melissa, you went out and brought back

swollen, resembling walnuts. She glared at Marcus and retorted, “If I had anywhere else to go, do you think Id willingly come here? Do you think I enjoy staring at your annoying face?” Marcus glanced at Jessie and then

red, likely

Unimpressed by Marcus's attitude, Jessie turned to Melissa. “How can you tolerate him? He acts like he doesn't care about

Matthew sleep in? I want to stay with him.” Marcus yelled

stared at her with his dark eyes. Suddenly, he extended his arm and pulled her into an embrace. Her slender waist seemed almost engulfed by his arms as he gently stroked it, a mixture of frustration and flirtation evident in his demeanor. “Isn't it a bit extravagant to dress like this for Mr. Waston's wedding?” Melissa

indeed accentuate her

Marcus pressed Melissa against the car, slipping his hand into her dress as he remarked,

urge to

his behavior overly

an urge

when she gazed into Marcus’ youthful, charming face, she

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