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.

appeared disheveled, far from the beauty she exuded earlier. Her hair resembled a tangled bird's nest, and her makeup was smeared beyond recognition. Yet, despite her disarray, the remnants

her with a gentle smile. “I can sense that you've had

never formally met, she recognized

a celebrated writer, also happened

about Albert introducing her to Helen, envisioning a future beyond their physical encounters. However, Albert seemed solely focused on the present, with little regard for anything beyond their sexual relationship. Jessie hadn't anticipated

How ironic!

thought, Jessie allowed Melissa to usher Helen into the suite, while

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

of their breakup, Jessie found clarity. She resolved to

a sincere apology to Helen, her remorse

closer, prompting a

you blame me?” Helen shook her

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

removed a jade bracelet from her wrist, offering it to her. The bracelet, valued at millions, held sentimental significance far beyond

remained adamant about giving

throughout. Jessie, may your future be as perfect as this bracelet” Overwhelmed with emotion,

enveloped her in a

Jessie wept for an extended period, and Helen remained

exchange, her thoughts

second-floor balcony, clad ina crisp white shirt and black suit pants, silently puffing

distinct absence of

Melissa's text informed him of their return to Duefron, with no mention of Jessie. Yet, he

pair of delicate arms enveloped Albert's waist, drawing him from his

her head

reassuring pat to her hand, his voice strained as he

perceptive as ever, detected the falsehood in his words. She gently extinguished his cigarette. “Go to

knew what she

he was aware of their matrimonial duties awaiting behind closed

lovers anymore. They were obligated to

agreement between Albert

also Daisy's aunt.

conceive a child,

his annoyance, Albert complied, disposing of the cigarette and sharing a perfunctory ki*s with

light

like he was ki*sing a lifeless

“What's wrong?” Daisy smiled.

Your makeup looks great” He

Despite his willingness, his body betrayed him. After several failed attempts, he withdrew and exhaled gently. “I'm sorry.

Albert reclined for a moment, and then pulled back the duvet, announcing, “I'm going to take a

had never happened

vitality, he engaged in Lovemaking with Jessie for most of the night. They shared six passionate encounters, leaving Jessie in tears and begging for

the basic needs of

on Albert's mind. Every man

virility, and this sudden impotence troubled

Albert's frustration grew with each subsequent

a month of intermittent efforts, all ending in disappointment, Daisy remained untouched, a virgin. Albert,

notice

a telltale hickey

the unexpected

confessing her infidelity with a bartender. She pleaded for forgiveness, vowing to undergo an abortion and devote herself to being a faithful wife to

down at his wife, the lLamplight casting shadows across her

beauty and charm, Albert harbored no love for her, nor had they shared intimacy. In her early thirties, Daisy

too cruel to subject her

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

Daisy wept, declaring, “Albert, I love you." Albert offered a smile as he gently caressed her face and responded, “What you love is simply your role as

do need

relocated from the main bedroom,

Albert's tolerance and generosity, Daisy failed to restrain

birth to their daughter, she betrayed Albert once more, this time engaging with a promiscuous individual. Her actions portrayed her as lacking in decency, and she showed no concern

old,

lover was also in the car at the

Daisy lay dying in the hospital, she turned to

shed a

presented her to Daisy one last time. With a solemn vow, he declared, “I will ensure she is well cared for. She will always be a cherished member of the Waston family, living a life free from worry.” What could

named Jeslyn. Every day after work, Albert would cradle the child in his arms and affectionately called out to the little

Duefron late in

to bed,

steadfastly guarding the

Marcus stood up

emerged

head, and it a cigarette. “Well, well! Melissa, you went out and

“If I had anywhere else to go, do you think Id willingly come here? Do

likely from shedding tears with

tolerate him? He acts like he doesn't care about you, but it's obvious he's obsessed with you. He's such a fake” “This is my

remark, Jessie headed towards the villa. “Which room does Matthew sleep in? I want to stay with him.” Marcus yelled after her. “With that appearance, you'll scare

for two days. Care to explain?” Melissa bit her lip, retorting, “Explain? What do I owe you an explanation for?” Marcus remained silent, his gaze piercing as he stared at her with his dark eyes. Suddenly,

did indeed accentuate her

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

can't resist the urge to take it

his behavior

urge

she gazed into Marcus’ youthful, charming

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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