Patrick sneered.

He retorted, James, why stick up for her? Whats she got going for her now? Nothing. Failed with Marcus, couldnt even lock down an old player like Albert. Ask around in town about her, besides me, whod want her? Even if she turned to the oldest profession in the world, shed still be looked down on. Just mark my words.

James clenched his fists and shut his eyes.

Damnit! Patrick was really asking for trouble.

His familys fortune wasnt even in the same league as the Waston Groups. If Albert wanted, he could wipe Patrick out with a snap.

James didnt want to get dragged into this mess.

Just then, a chilling voice cut through from the doorway. Why havent I heard about this? Albert strode in.

The dim light in the room cast a shadow over his face, making him look even more ominous. It was rare to see Albert with such a dark expression; he was usually smooth and charming.

But now, he was ready to defend Jessie at all costs.

Theyd even called it quits! Patrick slumped on the sofa, mouth hanging open, like he couldnt quite believe it.

Albert approached slowly.

He rolled up his sleeves, his face set with determination. It had been years since hed been in a fight But now he was as fired up as a teenager. He grabbed Patricks collar and landed a solid punch.

Albert had a rough past.

Patrick didnt stand a chance. It soon turned into a one-sided brawl, blood staining th

& sofa in no time. The guy who usually preyed on women was now whimpering and begging for mercy, too scared to fight back.

Albert tossed him onto the couch like he was tossing aside a napkin.

Meanwhile, Jessie watched, her expression blank.

It was like he meant nothing to her, like his actions didnt even register.

Albert glanced at her and said, Lets go! She resisted.

But he grabbed her hand and dragged her off. Before leaving, he tossed a card

James grumbled. Thanks, Mr. Waston.

Jessie was pulled away by Albert. She cursed under her breath, You jerk, where are you dragging me? Im not going anywhere And forget about getting in my pants! I wont! Did you not hear what people just said about me? Youve already treated me like trash-a cheap thing you played and tossed aside. What more do you want? Dont talk like that! Pressed against the corridor wall, her back ached from the impact.

Across the way, Melissa watched, feeling concerned.

But Marcus just rubbed his chin and remarked, Your boss, Mr.

Waston, sure knows how to make a scene, huh? What do you think, Melissa?

Yawn! I prefer Mr. Wastons work ethic, Melissa replied softly.

Marcus peeked into the private room, blocking Melissa from going in.

He nodded towards Alberts direction and whispered, It looks Like theyre not letting go of each other. Lets give them some space.

Melissa chewed her lip. But Mr. Wastons married! Marcus smirked. Hes got a better grip on his situation than you think! Being married, he knows whats off-limits. If he really cared for Jessie, he wouldnt even lay a finger on her.

Melissa eyed him for a moment. You seem to know Mr. Waston pretty well? Marcus countered slowly, Feeling a bit jealous, are we? Meanwhile, Albert was holding Jessies face, still feeling the heat from their scuffle.

He caressed her cheek, his voice gravelly.

Dont say that about yourself!

Jessie chuckled against the wall, and then cocked her head.

Albert. Everyone in Duefron knows that. You dont want me! He stared at her, and then blurted out, Do you want me to get a divorce? Jessie was taken aback.

Disbelief flashed across her face, as if shed just heard the unthinkable.

After a moment, she chuckled. Come on, Albert, quit joking! Shed attended his wedding and he didnt bat an eye. He just handed her some tissues and carried on with the festivities. The night she cried her heart out, he was off enjoying his honeymoon.

But now, after just six months, he was asking if she wanted him to divorce.

What was he getting at? Had he gotten bored of his new missus, used her up, and now figured his old flame was more fun in bed? Jessie laughed, tears rolling down her cheeks. She shoved him away hard, stumbling forward, not caring which empty private room she found herself in.

In the room, she spotted some booze and poured herself a hefty glass.

Jessie! Alberts voice rang out, pained.

Jessie lifted her head, downing half the glass in one go. As she lowered it, she stared at the rest of the golden liquid and murmured, Whats the big deal? Its just sx, right? Selling myself to anyone, its

all the same, isnt it? Some guy just waved tens of millionsand wanted a rollin the hay. How much are you offering, Mr. Waston? Lets haggle a price. ll down a few more, or else I might not be able to stomach looking at your face, especially since were both fed up with each other.

Jessie! You think Im here just for sx? Who do you think you are? Who do you think I am?

The glass slipped from Jessies grip, shattering on the floor.

Her face was a mask of cold beauty.

She shot back, Mr. Waston, you spent three years in my bed, didnt you? If it wasnt just for the sx, are you trying to say it was love? Im not giving myself away for free. Whats wrong with wanting some perks? Back then, I wanted a real commitment, a lasting bond.

Now that youre hitched, whats so wrong for me to go for some cash? Albert fell into silence.

night! Five hundred

Youre not up for it? Didnt you just say you wanted to make a deal? Jessie scoffed. Well, isnt that something? I should be thanking

handed her a glass of whisky and she

It burned her throat.

cried

show weakness in front of him. Because if she did, shed lose. Shed lose everything-her pride, her dignity. Everyone could mock her as the woman Albert toyed with,

Albert, she always wanted to hold onto that

Jessie was quite

slumped against the couch and drifted

approached her, gazing at her sleeping face, gently tucking away the stray hairs on

called out to her. Jessie! Jessie didnt stir. She didnt want to.

didnt want him to see

carrying her out. James was waiting at the door, offering his respects. Mr. Waston, Patricks just a punk; dont Let him get to you! Then he glanced at Jessie in Alberts arms, feeling a

Albert cherished

her back then? James

was unaffected by

flickered open, revealing depths

his business faltered, leaving him feeling inferior to Albert. Meeting Alberts gaze

clubs lavish corridor, Alberts demeanor exuded authority as he spoke deliberately. Ive never been

of Alberts gaze, pleaded. Please, spare Patrick,

Alberts lips. What? Does he hold a special place in Renas heart now? Even if he

eyes wavered with conflicting

grown attached to her during those three years,

his features clouding at the mention of

wild words, Albert descended the stairs, Jessie cradled in his arms, and settled her

securing her seatbelt, her hand suddenly clasped

by her murmured words, spoken as if in a dream.

unable to look

moment, Jessies eyelids fluttered shut again as she murmured It must be a dream. How could you come back when

a pang of sadness

as he tenderly brushed

at

forget he was now married. It wasnt about being loyal to his wife, but

his hand and closed the

familiar villa,

her face, hands, and even her feet with a towel before tucking her in. Heading to the living

crack of dawn, the sweet trill of

brushed against the soft pillow.

she opened

lay the familiar

was the very villa she

nights events slowly dawned on her, despite the haze of memory. There had been a heated exchange with Patrick, and Albert had brought her to this

Good morning.

had once been comforting and she could listen

a shiver down

the other direction, her tone sharp. Did you purchase this place? And did you orchestrate Marcus funding my

in the air, neither

a moment before Jessie spoke again, her voice softer this time. Why did you bring me here? In Alberts

this, he said gently. ltl help ease your discomfort from

around, her hand sweeping out to knock over the glass

fury upon him. Why bring me

you tied the knot with another woman? If youre done with me, why linger around me? My well-being is none of your concern. Do you understand? Its none of your

didnt matter how many vows she made to forget him, the bitterness surged anew whenever she recalled his wedding day. She

her gaze in

spilled water, he refilled the glass and urged

Jessie swallowed the pill dry. With determination, she prepared to leave, pulling

escape, his grip closed

said, I havent given you

for a moment, recalling the events of the previous night. Five hundred million dollars exchanged hands, a

their intertwined hands, she demanded, Let

the five hundred

Jessies lips quivered slightly.

swift slap across his cheek. Then, with determination, she began unbuttoning her shirt. Lets get this over with. Dining with you disgusts me

shirt,

youthful body exuded beauty

eyes. Isnt

stubborn, and tears welled in her

presence enveloped her, devoid of

offered a

Once she was

Jessie lay in silence.

remained still, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. She felt drained, knowing it

bring shame

Jessie averted

feelings for Albert, and he had eventually reciprocated. She had waited for him for

why marry a

unhappy, Jessie He couldnt bring himself to

Perhaps he never would.

Jessie wept once more.

soft and reassuring, as if comforting a frightened child. He whispered soothing words, coaxing

extended an invitation, and she accepted without

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

Comments ()

0/255